Alternative Energy Tour Schedule
For many reasons there is no better time than the present to turn your curiosity about alternative energy into action. So, if you are interested in learning more about Alternative/Renewable Energy Systems we can help. Buffalo Ridge Farm is run completely with energy generated from the wind and sun. This website was created and sent to you via the internet without the aid of power lines or phone lines. It's a whole new world we are living in and the possibilities are only limited by knowledge and desire. If you have the desire we want to share the knowledge. We cordially invite you to visit our farm and take a teaching tour of just a few of the possibilities available to you right now. Possibilities that will liberate you from rising power bills, put money in your pocket and enhance your life while conserving and protecting our environment. Plan to spend the afternoon with us. Break out your hiking boots, pack a lunch and bring a friend!
Topics covered:
- the business and economics of alternative/renewable energies
- conserving what you consume (always the first step)
- retrofitting with alternative energy: starting small and moving up
- Starting from scratch: site selection, water systems, sizing systems, building materials and planning for future growth
- basics of hydro, wind and photovoltaic systems
$25/person (We prefer to book tours with minimum group sizes of 6. Therefore, if you are interested please let us know ASAP and we will list tour dates accordingly.)
Soapmaking Workshop Schedule
(Below are the tentative dates for workshops. Actual workshops dates will depend on enrollment. Please let us know now if you are interested because 6-8 people (maybe 10) will be the maximum amount of students for each workshop. Bring a friend and save. This is going to be FUN! I can't wait.)
Workshop#1
"Soapmaking For Fun"
(no experience required)
Topics covered:
-soapmaking oils and their qualities
-basic soapmaking methods
-troubleshooting when things go wrong
-learning how to use saponification indices for calculating discounts
-wrapping a gift-giving ideas
-each attendant will receive a 2 LB. soapmaking kit that they will use to make their very own batch of soap to take home.
-everyone will get to milk a goat (just kidding) But, there will be lots more stuff to do. The above are just the 'biggies'.
$225/ person or $190/ for two or more registering at once.
Workshop#2
Soapmaking for Profit"
(*no experience necessary)
Topics Covered:
-ingredients and chemistry (oils, butters, herbs, botanicals, additives, and colorants)
-technique (soapmaking, coloring, and scenting techniques)
-troubleshooting when things go wrong
-business planning (operations, marketing, advertising, networking, distribution, finding suppliers). Guest speakers will discuss online marketing, website design and merchant banking.
-"Finding the Competitive Edge"
-Oh yes, formulating and making your own signature soap (ingredients included with registration)
*You really do not need any experience to attend this seminar, however basic soapmaking will only be briefly discussed. So, if you have the desire and the ability to learn quickly, jump right in.
$260/ person or $235/ for two or more registering at once.
More details...
Who?
My name is Luzette Kincaid and I will be your hostess and main instructor for the workshops. I have a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. So, I'm happy to say that degree has finally become useful. I have two wonderful daughters aged 5 and 8 and a very understanding husband (you soapers know what I mean).
My soapmaking career began slowly after buying four dairy goats. My sole purpose was to have a healthy supply of milk for my growing family and I must say, I got that and more. I began making all kinds of things with milk: cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter, ...Yet, still I had more milk than I knew what to do with. Finally, I read an article about soapmaking and began learning more. I guess my chemistry background made it easier for me to understand. I started making my own formulas with a calculator and pad. Then I went online and found all the wonderful resources there. No more calculator (ha!). I made soap for friends and family. Everyone wanted me to get their name come Christmas time. Then I began selling a little here and there to pay for my habit (I was hooked). Next, came weekend craft shows. Finally, after people hounded me about not being able to reorder, I started Buffalo Girl Soaps and opened my website. Who knows what's next!?
What?
Three day Soapmaking workshops held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina approximately 30 minutes west of Asheville. The number of workshop attendants are kept low so personal attention can be given to all that come. We guarantee you will learn something you did not know before you came and have fun doing it! All expenses are covered by your enrollment fee. These expenses are: room and board, meals, soapmaking supplies, and informational materials. The only things we ask you to bring are a few pieces of soapmaking equipment (your own pots, an apron, spoon... ) and your enthusiasm.
When?
The dates above are tentative and will depend upon enrollment.
For rates, reservations and more information:
Please email us here or call (541)314-3603. Can't wait to hear from you!
Wishing you Peace & Health,
Luzette Kincaid