Make-and-Learn (Classes)


I started teaching "Make-and-Learns" in my home in January of 2011.  I began making products for friends and family the year before, and I felt compelled to share the information with anyone who would listen.  It's so easy!  It's actually fun!  I don't need a degree in chemistry to know where the ingredients come from!  And the most wonderful surprise?  The products actually work!  What I thought might be an occasional gathering at my house, garnered such an enthusiastic and supportive response that I wondered if I should start offering more classes, to the general public even?  I started offering the classes publicly in May of 2011, and continue to do so on a regular basis.  These are community classes, and I try to keep the prices low.  Generally each class is about two hours, and you always take home a sample of what we make (to use, and to show off!).  I started calling them Make-and-Learns, because it's really important to me to make the class as hands-on as possible.  I want you to go home knowing that you could do this on your own.  You'll be armed with hands-on experience, a recipe, and a resource list by the end of the class.  The rest is up to you!

Public classes:
These are classes that I offer to everyone.  They are either 1 class at a time, or a series of classes meant to build on the next.  If you have an idea for a venue that might work for classes like these, please contact me!  (bridgetsapothecary@gmail.com)  Keep an eye on the home page for new dates and venues that get added periodically and try out some Makin' and Learnin' yourself!  Let's start something big!


Home Classes:
See a class you would love to take, but the timing hasn't worked out?  Do you have a handful of friends you know would love to gather together and learn some new things?  I can bring a Make-and-Learn to you!  If you live within the city of Pittsburgh, you just need to guarantee 5 students (other than yourself), and as the host, you get the class for free!  I still charge a low cost per person, and you get all the benefits of coming to a public Make-and-Learn (except you get to choose who gets to be there)!  The hands-on making and learning, the recipe, the sample product to keep, the fun!  Look at the class list below and contact me to schedule. (bridgetsapothecary@gmail.com)

Class Descriptions:

Lotion and Lip Balm
This is where it all began.  This class is a great introduction to making products, mainly because we make two products that almost everyone is familiar with.  Have you ever wondered why lotions and creams always contain so many preservatives, or alcohol which in itself can be very drying?  Have you had an addiction to certain mass marketed lip balms and wondered if all the ingredients are really safe?  In this class we will discuss what to look for, and what to avoid in seeking out natural body care products; the benefits of making your own, (first and foremost, knowing exactly what you're putting on your skin) and everyone will get a chance to help make both lotion and lip balm first hand.  Each student will take home a small jar of lotion and a tube of lip balm that we make during the class, as well as the recipes, resource list, and first-hand knowledge and confidence to make it again on their own.  Bring your inquisitive mind, and enthusiastic spirit, and a friend!

Herbal Oil and Skin Salve
In this class you will learn how to make an herbal oil using the folk method, and then we will turn a previously made herbal oil into a healing skin salve. We will discuss the healing properties of the three herbs used, and talk about the many applications of this particular salve. St. John's Wort, Comfrey and Calendula are the herbs that make this an invaluable salve for cuts, burns, and bruises. Everyone will take home a small tin of salve that we make together that night, as well as the recipe, resource list and first-hand knowledge and confidence to make it again on their own.  Bring your inquisitive mind, and enthusiastic spirit, and a friend!
Natural Cold Care: Elderberry Syrup
We are getting a taste of cool weather, and starting to hear the sniffles, sneezes, and coughing of the season. Let's come together and make a trusted remedy for health! Elderberries have long been used for the prevention and healing of colds and flu, and research is starting to catch up. In this class we will talk about the medicinal properties of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), natural ways to boost your immune system, and helpful hints to use if you start coming down with something. You will learn how to make Elderberry Syrup, and everyone will take home a 2 ounce, amber bottle of this beneficial syrup, as well as recipes, resource list and first-hand knowledge and confidence to make it again on your own.  Bring your inquisitive mind, and enthusiastic spirit, and a friend!

Getting Started with Herbs: Infusions, Decoctions, and Tinctures
Are you interested in herbalism but don't know where to begin? This Make-and-Learn will get you started.  We will discuss the difference between an infusion, a decoction and a tincture, we will make and sample infusions and decoctions, and you will learn how to make a tincture using the folk method.  We will start with simple herbs, many that you have already heard of and use on a daily basis. Each participant will take home a personal tincture that they start in the class, information on all the herbs we use and discuss, as well as recipes, resource lists, and the knowledge and confidence to use all three ways of preparing herbs again at home.  Bring your inquisitive mind, and enthusiastic spirit, and a friend!

Deodorant Creme
At this class you will learn how to make a natural deodorant with simple ingredients that actually works!  We will discuss the pros and cons of anti-perspirant and other chemical based deodorants, ingredients you should avoid, the research linking aluminum to several diseases, how to deodorize internally, and we will each be making our own deodorant creme, with an added scent(if desired).    Each student will take home their freshly made Deodorant Creme, as well as the recipe, resource list and the knowledge and confidence to make it again on their own.  Bring your inquisitive mind, and enthusiastic spirit, and a friend!  Please note, we will be using natural essential oils in this class.  If you are sensitive to the smell, or allergic to something specific (citrus, for instance), please talk to me about details before signing up for the class.




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