I value traditional craft because it connects us to work that has been done well for a very long time. Methods survive when they make sense, when they solve real problems, and when people keep choosing them. That’s why I feature makers here whose work aligns with how I approach my own craft.

This month’s maker is my wife, Jan.

Jan’s core soap line is called Pure N’ Simple, which describes both the ingredients and the intent behind it. Soapmaking is one of the oldest domestic crafts. Early soaps were made thousands of years ago, often discovered when animal fats and wood ash combined near cooking fires. Over time, people learned to control the process. Soap became a practical necessity, made at home, cured patiently, and used every day.

Jan works within that same tradition, using the cold-process method of soapmaking. This method requires time. After the soap is poured, it must cure for four to six weeks. During that time, excess water evaporates and the bar becomes harder, milder, and longer lasting. The process can’t be hurried. Like most good things worth waiting for, the result depends on patience.

Her Pure N’ Simple bars are made in small batches using a base recipe she has refined over years. These are bars meant to be used daily. They last a long time, create a rich, creamy lather, and rinse clean without leaving residue on the skin. Customers often comment on how balanced the soap feels, effective without being harsh.

The oils Jan uses are chosen for specific reasons. Olive oil forms the backbone of the bar and contributes to a gentle, conditioning feel. Coconut oil provides cleansing power and dependable lather, carefully balanced so it doesn’t dry the skin. Rice bran oil adds silkiness and supports a stable, long-lasting bar. Castor oil boosts lather, giving it that dense, creamy quality people notice right away. Small amounts of shea butter add firmness and additional skin conditioning.

Jan offers three soap lines, all rooted in traditional practices and made without artificial ingredients or fillers. Scents, if included, are derived from essential oils and are intentionally light, present during use without overwhelming the senses.

Some of the lightly scented bars in the Pure N’ Simple line include natural clays, used in small amounts as colorants. This month’s bar features French green clay, a mineral-rich clay that has been used in skin care for centuries. In soap, it adds a soft, natural green tone and a subtle slip while gently absorbing excess oil without stripping the skin.

One of the most requested bars in the line is oatmeal. Oats have a long history in skin care because they’re effective and gentle. In this bar, finely ground oatmeal is added in a measured amount to provide mild exfoliation while remaining comfortable for everyday use.

This kind of work fits naturally alongside traditional woodworking. It relies on understanding materials, respecting process, and allowing time to do its job.

That’s why I’m featuring Jan’s Pure N’ Simple soap here.

PS: Preorders for February’s Pure N’ Simple release are now open and can be found on the Shop page of this site. This batch will ship on February 4. Each bar is individually wrapped in its own burlap bag, and shipping is included in the price.