Hands-On Crafting with Kids: Making Bath Bombs and Soap at Make + Take Studio

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I am not one to sign my kids up for extracurricular activities. I am lucky to be a stay-at-home mom, and I view my role with great responsibility; I cannot justify sending them away when I could be doing things with them. That said, we’re always on the hunt for new experiences in Portland, which explains why my ears perked up when I first heard about Make + Take Studio.


The studio came into my news feed announcing a half-day Kids’ Mini-Camp in their new location on N Williams Ave. The invite said kids would get to learn to make soap and bath bombs in a morning session and I jumped at the opportunity.

To start, this Mini-Camp was kid-oriented; I had not heard of soap-making classes for kids before, so this was new to me. Second, it was a half-day: perfect, because I did not want much more than a few hours. Third, it was $35/kid for three hours; one cannot beat that price – especially since materials were included!

I signed up, and all three of us, ages 8, 5, and 40, went. And did we all have a blast! 

About the Studio

Getting there was an easy drive, though I was grateful to have given myself an extra minute to park. The studio is located in the “spine” of the HUB building, directly behind Spielwerk Toys, a wonderful toy store. There were lots of other interesting businesses in the building. Parents (and siblings) were welcome to hang about watching the activities if they chose, or they could spend that time reading a book, sipping coffee across the hall, or head on out for their own adventures around town.

Our positive experience began with the studio itself. The space was open, clean, and kid-friendly. Merchandise lined the walls and the middle of the store, but did not clutter. I felt at peace while there, and not claustrophic like products were going to fall on me any minute. There were beautiful books and magazines to look at, and a comfortable couch to sit on. There was also a dollhouse for the littles. 

Time to Get Crafty

Then, the workshop began, and I got to watch. Everything was hands-on, with thoughtful guidance. Each child got their choice of soap, fragrance, and color. They also picked their own molds in which to make the soap. The kids took turns melting, coloring, scenting, and pouring their own soaps, while listening to instructions delivered in simple, easy-to-follow steps. Eventually, they took the reins and developed new, exciting concoctions from their own imaginations!

While waiting for the soaps to set, the workshop moved on to teach the kids how to make bath bombs. What a fun mess that was! The kids got to measure, mix, and mold their own bath bombs, while learning about the different ingredients and how each reacts with water. I think my daughter had the most fun doing this because of the mess it generated and the opportunity to stick her fingers in a big grainy tub of bath bomb mix. Another bonus? None of the mess was made in my kitchen!

When done, everyone left with more than a handful of bath bombs and soaps. My kids couldn’t wait to get home and try out their creations. I would say that was definitely a successful, fun-filled morning. 

Other Fun Options

Chatting with the owner, I found out that she also does private birthday parties or group playdates, and I thought it would be brilliant to get some of my daughter’s girlfriends together one afternoon to try out making lip balms. Such a creative take on the usual after-school get-together! I also learned that these events aren’t just for kids, either: Ladies nights, Moms Night Outs, bachelorette parties, baby showers? What a clever option for kids and grown-ups looking to try out something new!


 

Make + Take StudioMake + Take Studio regularly hosts workshops, camps and private events where kids and kids-at-heart learn to make soap, bath bombs, lotions, candles, and so much more! The product wing, Frigg’s Mercantile, sells many of the items made while teaching workshops, as well as an eco-friendly textile line. Visit their website or visit their Facebook page for additional information.

Make + Take Studio
3808 N Williams Ave #134
Portland OR 97227
www.maketakestudio.com

 

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Ranya
Lebanese in origin, Ranya became a US citizen in 2007. Shortly after meeting Jeff through a job ad in Beirut in 2003, she moved to Portland to pursue a doctorate at PSU. From there, the two of them moved to the East Coast to begin their adventures. The last fourteen years have seen them in Portland, OR twice; in Arlington, VA twice, in Columbia, MD as well as Lebanon and Morocco. In her current life, Ranya is a teacher’s aide who loves to embark on special projects with her daughter. Their signature Mama-and-Me activity is hosting their friends for formal tea parties. She is trilingual, and is passing on the torch of language to her children who are fluent in English and Arabic. Ranya is passionate about hot yoga, and enjoys long walks. She absolutely hates driving, and reserves it for cases of dire need. She believes in the wonders of snuggles, and advocates their daily use. She lives a walking distance from her all-time favorite restaurant, Saburo, with Jeff, Jannah-Rae and Yousef. They share their one-bathroom house with her parents and Leo, the Arabic-speaking cat. Ranya writes thoughts, tots and essential oils on her blog Ranya, the Memory Keeper.