Product Description

Customer Reviews (70)

Good book for starters.
This book is good enough. It's down to earth, presents the information clearly and gets to the point. I like the myth-busting spirit of the author, where she tries to make recipes not work and hence comes out with a formula that's simple for home soap-makers. No-frills, down-to-the-point book. I'm happy with the buy.

Good
Bought as a gift . . . recipient was very grateful and has no complaints.

Excellent starter book
The advice in this title is straightforward, readable, and quite usable.My first batch of soap in 15 years(created with the recommended recipe in this book) has turned out beautifully!The procedure is described in sufficient detail for a beginner and resources for further research are included.A must for the soapmaker's library.

Good Source of Information
Okay, so this book is pretty boring when it comes to graphics and what not.... but, it definitely has some valuable info on how to make soap and recipes. The only reason I give it a 4 is because it lacks essential pictures of techniques that newbies do find useful. It is priced right for the content and material. Overall, it's a good reference to have.

Good starter book
I had always wanted to try making cold process soap but wasn't sure where to start.After researching on the internet I thought I'd try it.I looked through reviews on how-to books and thought this one seemed to be more for true beginners (includes detailed descriptions of what to look for when making soap, what myths are out there and whether there is any validity to them, etc.).It has been very educational and helpful.I made my first batch of soap about a month ago and it turned out beautifully.The author explains what you need clearly and why you need it.I can't wait to make another batch.The only negative thing I can think of is there are no pictures of each stage of the process, but rather a drawing of the tools you need for each area (the soap area and the lye area) and then a written description of the layout, step by step process and clean up.I actually like the written information rather than pages and pages of pictures with one liners underneath. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (29)

Good Book
Bought as a gift . . . recipient was very grateful and has no complaints.

Great book
This is a very easy to understand guide to milk soapmaking. It includes easy to follow step-by-step instructions.The only problem I have with this book is that there are no pictures...the few that are in the book are hand drawn and not in color.I like to follow directions in pictures.However, I would still highly recommend this book to learn the techniques.There are also several really great recipes included.

Good, sorta!
Good information but more of a pamphlet, enjoyed the read/info but I felt as though I paid too much.

Soapmaking.
This book is one of my go to books when I need to know anything about soapmking. It is part of my menagerie of books on the subject. A great book for the beginer or seasoned soapmaker.

Great book
This is a wonderful book.One of the only really good ones I have found for Milk soap making.

It is really easy to understand for beginners and its also good for people who have been making soap for a while.It gives some great tips and debunks some myths on milk soap making.

It has a few recipes for some soaps too, I tried a few and they were all quite nice, I altered a few to make them more personal (scent wise), my favorite is the Oatmeal and cinnamon (I used Lavender instead).

I loved this book and if you want to try milk soap making or already know how its a good book to read.

I also liked that it wasnt a huge brick of a book and its written soap making friendly, so it can be left open while you make some soap ... Read more

Product Description
Using a simple double-boiler technique, readers will make elegant and soothing liquid soaps. Dozens of recipes using oils, herbs, and other natural ingredients to create hand soaps, shower gels, bubble baths, conditioning shampoos and even baby and pet shampoos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

you can do it!
It says in the book that the alcohol method is easier than paste because there is little stirring but I disagree.Make the paste in a crockpot instead of a double boiler.This method is all over the net.Have the crockpot on high and mix ingredients according to the directions.Bring it to a pudding-like texture w/ your stick blender (takes minutes only) then let it cook on lowest heat for about two hours.Give it an occasional stir as you walk past. After two hours turn off the crockpot and let it sit overnight.Ta da!Paste w/ little effort.The alcohol method keeps you on your toes for two hours (you're not going to leave something highly flammable unattended on a stove top!).

Another reviewer mentions it helps to have made cold process prior to using the methods in this book.I agree.All the information you need is in the book but sometimes you have to dig for it because it's not always located in the spot you think makes sense.This is my only complaint about the book.

Awesome!
This book is simply awesome!!Numerous recipes and ideas.If you are new to soap making, I would emphasize not just reading, but studying the procedures.Great book, great recipes, great ideas!

Great book with a clear 13 step method and basic recipes
I don't understand the reviews that complain this book does not have step by step instructions.There are 13 clear steps with text and photos covering 18 pages with lots of white space to aid in following the steps.The recipes for different oil combinations are listed separately but each is complete in specifying the number of ounces of oils, lye, and water required.

I don't understand the reviews that complain this book requires chemistry to follow the steps.I can't find any chemical formulas in the book but there may be some hidden someplace.The 5 alternate methods re: stirring listed on half of page 25 can be confusing--just cover them up with Post-It notes or highlight the alternatives so you can more easily skip over them.


This hot process is more complicated and dangerous than making cold process soap and it takes 4 hours or more and requires frequent attention.(The alcohol process is even more complicated and dangerous but can and should be ignored by all but advanced soapmakers.)You'll probably have to order the Potassium Hydroxide over the Web--it's a lot harder to find locally than Lye-Sodium Hydroxide.

I prefer using a crock pot to the double boiler method but the instructional steps, recipes, and temperatures still apply.

Making Natural Liquid Soaps
This book is just a fun book to have. I've found all types of ideas to enhance my own recipes and even found some new ones. It's a book for a more advanced soaper, but one that a newbie to soap making could adapt to with relative ease if care is taken to not over-simplify the process or skip any steps. This book will round out your soap making collection and the products detailed inside it's pages make excellent gifts as well as additions to any beauty collection. I found it both a wonderful read and useful tool in my soap making library.

I'm an idiot or...
I had this in my wish list and my husband bought it for me as a gift.I was thrilled...and then I started reading.And it didn't make sense.So I read it again.Then a 3rd time.Then I made my husband read it.I was beginning to think I was a bigger idiot than I ever imagined!My husband is almost a genius (don't tell him I say so!), and even HE didn't know what I was supposed to be doing.

I think part of the problem is the "oh you can do whatever you want, that's the great part about it".No, you CAN'T do whatever you want.It's a VERY specific process...and it's almost like it was so vague and generic that she could have been talking about making ANYTHING.I am not a whimsical person, I like a plan, I need a list of instructions to get through something.And this book was awful for that.It didn't tell me how to do a darn thing! ... Read more

Product Description
Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Soap Making Booklet
Booklet was in perfect condition. I am hoping the recipes are good. I have to purchase the ingredients now. They are a little more expensive, lol! Fast shipping.

Making Natural Milk Soap
The book is easy to understand.It has all the information you need to make a great soap from start to finish, it even includes recepies. I have made soap before and I am anxious to try the milk based type.I am sure sit will come out great, the book tells you everything you need to know.

milk soap review
This book introduces milk soap making at the beginner's level and includes some basic recipes

Excellent reference tool.........
I am new to this hobby and like books that can simplify the process of making the gentle soaps. Lot's of recipes and well written.
I would recommend.

Not Great
There is very little information in this 32 page pamphlet that you cannot find free on the net.The soapmaking technique (blending) is a little scarry, to me.With the added cost of shipping & handling, you could buy a much more informative hard cover REAL book for the same price at your local book store. ... Read more

Product Description
This book features hundreds of step-by-step, full-color photographs that illustrate exactly how to make cold-process soap. It contains instructions on molding soap, cutting bars, creating original recipes, packaging gifts, and more. It includes a chapter on constructing a soap mold, liner, and cutter at home. Readers will learn the basic four-oil soap recipe, which can then be enhanced with additives such as oatmeal, fragrance oils, colored swirls, two-tone nuggets, and moisturizing butters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Good for Beginners
Bought as a gift . . . recipient was very grateful and has no complaints.

Sorry, but I don't like it
After all the good reviews, I'm sorry to have to bring the mood down. I just didn't like this book. There are some good things, mainly the spiral binding and some of the photos.What I didn't like about it was the fact that the soaps she shows as examples are just plain ugly, I'm sorry, but they are.I can't see how they would inspire anyone.The other thing that turned me off was the advice to leave your soap making utensils for 24 hours before cleaning them....WHAT? If you leave your gloves on you can just wash the soap off your tools and then put them in the dishwasher.If you want a good, basic book about soap making then pass this one by and get Anne Watson's Smart Soapmaking.Mind you it isn't a spiral format, and there are not any pretty color photos, but it is by far a much better book than this one.I've been making soap for a while, and honestly if I had picked this book up first, I would never have started.....check this book out firstSmart Soapmaking: The Simple Guide to Making Traditional Handmade Soap Quickly, Safely, and Reliably, or How to Make Luxurious Handcrafted Soaps for Family, Friends, and Yourself

Great step-by-step book
Excellent book for learning how to make handcrafted soaps.It is very informative with full color step-by-step pictures.It includes several easy to follow recipes for vegetable based soaps.There is also a section on how to make your own wooden soap mold and soap cutter.I have made one successful batch of soap and my husband made the soap cutter tool.I would recommend this book to all people who want to learn the art of soap making.

Fantastic for Beginners
Excellent detailed pictures, leaves no guesswork.
Perfect for a first timer soap maker.
Will treasure and return to this book for as long as I make soap.

Amazing manual for the arto of Soap Making 101
It's a fantastic book for the beginners who want to start to make soap. I recomend the book to everyone. ... Read more

Product Description
An inspiring exploration of the goodness of chemical- and additive-free soap. 102,000 copies in print. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (49)

best soap making resource I have seen
I have read several soap making books and have been making soap for a long time.This book and "The Soapmaker's Companion", by the same author, are my go-to resources whenever I am making soap.Susan Miller Cavitch is thoughtful and thorough, and provides information about how ingredients respond to each other chemically and how our skin responds to ingredients. If she wrote another book I would buy it in a heartbeat.

A rather Good book,
This book was a good read for me. I liked the author because she is very into natural ingredients and only advises us on natural perservatives to help our soaps last. She gives us some good ingredients to use that will make lovely Bars of soap. The batches are very large which will give you around 40 Bars of soap. My only annoyance about this book, is that she constantly switches from ounces to pounds to grams, all in one bloody recipe, I mean why couldn't she just use ounces or just use grams etc? That annoyed me! Other than that a good book and I'm happy I have it.

Love, love, love this book...
I have been making soap for years.But before and after every batch, there are two things I grab first, this book and "the soapmaker's companion"...Highly informative, easy to read and essential for soapmakers of any skill level...

Best book ever
This is one of the best book for anyone who really wants to know how to make soap. The book offers averything one should know about soapmaking

A great soapmaking reference for creative, teachable spirits!
I began making my own soap about 15 years ago.I learned the basics from another soapmaker in her shop in Colorado.This was before all the many books and resources on soapmaking became readily available.
I bought this book as soon as it came out.It, along with several others, were great resources for expanding my knowledge and technique with soapmaking.
I see so many reviews that make these types of books "all or nothing" propositions.These books were never intended to present "the ONLY way" to do anything!
NOTE:I don't superfat my soaps and I don't use GSE.I don't do much of anything EXACTLY the way anyone else does.I do keep a huge database of information (the science of soapmaking, essential and base oil information, additive information, etc.) that I've compiled from many, many sources.THAT database is my soapmaking "Bible."
That's the beauty of getting a good knowledge base from many, many sources along with actually experimenting on your own!Completely uneducated, very poor people throughout the ages have been able to make perfectly servicable, even magnificent soap without reading a single book on the subject, much less having the wealth of knowledge we can get on the internet.While the science of soapmaking is fascinating to me, and you can certainly make soapmaking into rocket science if you want...it really isn't rocket science!
Go make some soap!Keep notes on what went great and what didn't.Grate your failures and use them for laundry or household soap.Blaze new trails!One of your experiments may turn out to be infinitely better than any soap you could have copied from anyone else!
Build yourself a nice library about ANY topic you are passionate about.Read a variety of authors, enjoy the contradictions!Then GO...GO and create your own way, your own dream, your own method.Experiment.Learn from success and failure!
If you don't have the money to buy more than one book before you start a new craft or hobby, go to the library and borrow them!
Stand on the shoulders of giants and the wee little people who gave you even a hint of help in achieving your goals and dreams.Write your own book and share what YOU'VE learned! ... Read more

Product Description
Leave no soapstone unturned!

Soapmaking has always been a popular craft with a dedicated group of followers, but with the explosion of urban homesteading and people looking to go green, noncrafters are now joining in on the fun. Whether it's making natural soap to live greener, give as gifts, save money, or make money, The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Making Natural Soaps has everything the new soap maker will need to create organic, natural soaps of all kinds.

•Includes recipes to make a wide array of molded, poured, and liquid soaps

•Contains soap recipes for body as well as household and even pets ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Cleans up on the process
Soap making can become one of those obsessive hobbies. But once you make your own cold-processed soap and use it, you realize the benefits of using the soap over store-bought concoctions.

Like most of the guides, the steps are clear.The author makes the process easy to understand and describes each step-- and possible misstep-- in enough detail to make anyone confident.

Making that first batch is really fun and interesting. And the best part is that you get to color it, scent it, formulate it yourself. Store-bought soaps are mostly detergents that have to have added moisturizers added. Home-made soap is made up of oils that have a decidedly different feel on your skin. This is the good stuff that you'd pay extra for at the boutiques and craft fairs. Once you try your own soaps (which can include add-ins like oatmeal, lavender buds, poppy seeds and milk), it is hard to go back to store soaps. And making a couple of batches by following the steps here, you'll realizes the benefits of doing what our great-grandmothers did-- they created a soap that cleaned and put back the oils in the skin.

This book makes it easy. Yes, you should have an Internet connection to use the soap calculator, but it is what the pros use to help them come up with the right combination of lye to oils.

With this guide, you can get hooked on the process.

Like having your best friend teaching you.
Soap makers are always learning something new, but this book was like having my best friend beside me all the way, as I was learning.

It is written in an easy style, but has a ton of information. Only 192 pages, it contains more soap and cosmetic information than I've ever seen. The authors show a true knowledge of herbs and oils and how they may effect us.

There is so much in this little book to talk about, I don't know where to END. Bravo!

Love it!
This is the first book that I read about soap making. I found it hugely helpful! It spends quite a bit of time explaining the differenct processes of soap making. This is an excellent book for those who are brand new to the topic, very easy to read and understand, resulting in successful batches of soap immediately. Yes it does rely heavily on soapcalc, but if you're brand new to soap making, you should rely heavily on soapcalc too!

Best Soaper Book I've Read ... Great Handbook!
As a new soaper, I found this book to be extremely helpful. While I haven't had a chance to read through every chapter yet, everything that I have read is well-written and very easy to follow. My loving husband purchased this book for me after I had made several batches of soap, and everything that Sally includes aligns with what I learned from hours of research. If only I had found this one first!

I must say that I have not had any problems with mixing my lye in a plastic bucket. I also line my glass molds with plastic wrap based upon what I've read on web sites and other books, and I have never had a problem with that (I create functional soap, not necessarily the most beautiful). That being said, it would be prudent to make sure that the plastic is able to sustain the heat. I ordered mine from a site that specifically said the bucket would be safe for mixing lye. Trying to mix it in an old pickle jar that won't sustain the heat of a dishwasher, let alone lye, would be disastrous! Safety is the #1 rule I have when creating my soaps, and this is something that Sally, the author, espouses as well.

I have found Sally to be a very approachable author. I had several questions about a recipe she had posted on her web site. She responded very quickly and helped me with every single question, never making me feel like the newbie that I am. That batch was one of my best!

Now that the weather has cooled in my area of the world (I mix my lye outside - safety, safety, safety!), I am looking forward to making more soap using recipes from this book. Well done, thank you, and may God bless you! ... Read more

Product Description
How to make beautiful gift soaps at home with instructions for coloring, scenting, molding, and carving. Selection of the Better Homes & Gardens Family Book Service.140,000 copies in print ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Good basics, but some flaws
I just borrowed this from a library, I have been making soap 6 months (have made about 12 batches, it's addictive) and I would say Bramson's book is good for basics and to get you going. She writes in a friendly and informative way and I found information in here I have not found in the other 10 books I've read on the subject. I would supplement with other, newer books if you need someone to give you more specific recipes, or go to the Lye Calculator online and see dozens of recipes there ([...]).

But a problem with her instructions is that she says to add water to the lye and you NEVER, EVER do that - it can cause dangerous eruptions, and the Material Safety Data Sheet for lye is pretty scary. You will have to IGNORE that part of the book, or scratch it out - LYE is added to WATER. ALWAYS wear gloves, and also long sleeves and eye protection, when working with lye. Preferably, mix the lye into the water OUTSIDE, where you have plenty of open air.

A wooden spoon has been working for me, but it certainly eats the spoon over time. The newer nylon spoons are better, but of course people have been making soap for hundreds of years and didn't have high temp nylon for their spoons.

You can use a stick blender (but be forewarned that if there is an aluminum end to your stick blender, the caustic solution WILL erode the aluminum) or your favorite KitchenAid mixer to bring soap to trace, and that wouldn't have been in a book this age. There are also other methods for melting - hot process, double boiler, crockpot, etc. - which she doesn't mention. But for the money, I'd say she gives a lot of information and is very inspirational.

eh...soap making from years ago
This book may have been the go to book way back when, but for the beginner in this day and age it's a flop. Who really makes soap with lard anymore? Do you really go to the butcher and ask for ingredients to put into your soap? Ew I hope not. Save your money and buy a book for this century.

Excellent, but some of the information is outdated
it's a good book from the mid-70s. Not the best book to start with if you want to start making soap, but if you want a clearer idea of how it's made, the history of soap and some tips on making pretty handcarved bars from a simple box mold, it's good. The reason I don't think it's a good beginning soapmaking book is because soapmaking has come a very long way since the mid-70s, the internet, people sharing information, the fact there is so much more information than there was then means that a lot of the information is out of date. Like she says to put the water into the lye in a glass juice bottle which can be dangerous. More current books explain how to mix lye into water more safely.
But the sheer amount of information on the history of soap was a lot of fun to read, and unlike a lot of how to books, her writing style is accessible enough I was able to read it from cover to cover instead of just reading the parts that looked interesting. Soap is a passion for her and her book was one of the first really good ones on soapmaking. Another thing is that most of her soaps are tallow soap, which means rendering fat to make the tallow. I like tallow soaps. In fact an awful lot of current formulations by major soap companies contain tallow, which makes for a nice hard bar of soap. More modern books focus on vegetable and nut oils that don't need hours of boiling and straining and have no animal by-products.
I do recommend it if you are interested in soap making and soap history.

Very informative
I know this book was a reference guide for many other authors, but, as a person just starting out in my endeavor to make soap, I found it very informative.It was very easy reading!

Foam Sweet Foam
Ever since my wife lost her job at the textile mill, times have been tough.As the sole bread-winner in our family (my days as a shoe-maker are long behind me), she sank into a deep depression made only deeper by her love of gin and Sean Hannity.

Looking for a way to break her out of her funk, I suggested she take up a hobby.

Over the years I'd read countless articles about how therapeutic soap-making could be, so I proposed the idea to my wife.If nothing else, making our own soap would also save us some money, so I considered it a win-win.It took some convincing, but eventually she embraced the idea so long as I provided her with the necessary resources.

My life-long interest in the history of soap meant that we already owned plenty of books *about* soap, but none about how to *make* soap.I was in a pickle.

After posting a query on a soap-lovers message board I belong to, I received more than a few suggestions to check out Ann Bramson's excellent, "Soap: Making It, Enjoying It."

Bramson does an excellent job of providing step-by-step instructions on the soap-making process, using a writing style that is detailed yet simple.My sometimes inpatient wife appreciated that.

The book is filled with useful tips on how to color, scent, mold, and even carve your own soaps from the comfort of your own home.Within a matter of weeks my wife was creating beautiful works of art - out of soap!

For what it's worth, my wife is still a crabby witch, but our home smells lovely and my hands have never felt so soft.
... Read more

Product Description
This best selling soap book has 30 wonderful recipes forhand crafted herbal, aromatherapy and floral soaps. History,chemistry, equipment, plants and oils are included to create thesesoothing soaps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

pleasing photos but there are better choices
This little book is very attractive physically with photos that inspire.The information is fairly elementary though, even for the beginner, and could be easily found on the internet.For me, the main drawback is that the book really has only one recipe with the same proportions of the same three fats.The variations only differ in the essential or fragrance oils added to the mix.Try Susan Cavitch's Soapmaker's Companion if you want a comprehensive reference guide that is suitable for both beginning and more experienced soap makers.

Happy with the book
Ihave been perusing the book and can't wait to make my first batch of soap.the description of the book is very specific. What it says is what you get!

Gives "recipe" that is too super-fatted!
This book has been in my library since it first was first released (1995). I have been making soap for 16 years, so this book was purchased just for the soap 'recipes', not the instructions.

Finally in 2009, I used Sandy's basic soap instructions with her Brown Windsor Soap recipe. UGH! Her recipe produces a 6.5% fatted soap! A SAP calculator puts the lye required at 12.20 oz. for 5% fat, 12.33 oz. for 4% fat, and 12.46 oz for 3% fat, the book has 12 oz. I have a house of 4 men and they HATE this super-fatted soap and prefer my own 3.5% fatted soap recipe. Please don't use her lye proportions unless you like an oil-slick for soap.

Concerning her cinnamon proportions: cinnamon oil should be between 1-2% to soap fat ratio, especially if it is an essential oil because it can be a irritant. Sandy's proportions are almost 4 times the amount recommended at 4.6%.

Cannot recommend for a beginning soap maker.

Always perfect batches of soap
I'm surprised at the negative reviews! I was a beginner when I bought this book - now I've been making soap for about 5 years now. I have purchased more complicated soap books but always go back to this one for its simplicity.
Yes I use pure essential oils (wholesale in bulk) and yes they cost a bit more - but thats the point of making your own products - to avoid the cheap processed toxic junk thats out there! I use the soap and I sell it at local gift shops - people don't mind paying $4-$6 a bar when they are buying pure stuff.
I don't think some of these reviewers actually made the recipes - they just critiqued them. I use the quantities suggested and have never ruined a batch of soap - all lovey long lasting bars. A reviewer suggested using tallow to cut costs and make harder soap - first of all, yuk, I make soap to reduce the toxins on my body and 2nd, my bars have always been hard! They last a long time in the shower. They must be using soap that is only 24 hours old or something - soap has to age a week or 2 and you get nice hard long lasting bars.
Soap making does not need to be complicated - why do you need more than one recipe - it is the essential oils that change the soap.

NOT a soapmaking info book
This was my first soap making book. That said, it turned me off to soap making for a good 7 years until my excess of goat milk motivated me to find a better resource for learning to make soap. Sandy Maine includes only 1 recipe in this book, which is difficult to get to work, with no discussion about lye calculators, stirring with a blender, proper superfatting, etc. The approach to mixing the lye and oils is antiquated- never do you need to mix at EXACTLY the same temperature as her book states. You might learn how to follow a recipe from this book, but if you really want to learn how to make and formulate your own soaps, research the web and communicate with others in the business. ... Read more

Product Description
With common ingredients and equipment, readers can craft stunning transparent soaps.Step-by-step photographs offer a full exploration of this special technique, ingredients, and the basic for making transparent bars.Includes recipes and tips for creating unique and beautiful soap masterpieces. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Great resource for intermediate soapmakers
I found the first version of this book in my public library and fell in love with it when they got in the second I scrambled to be the first on the holds list and after perusing it and not wanting to give it up, purchased my own.The pictures in this book are amazing and extremely helpful. Using them as a guide I have made some beautiful bars of transparent soap that feel as good as they look. My soaps were clearer than any purchased glycerin soap or transparent melt and pour soap I have ever worked with. Additionally, the bars were harder and longer lasting than any other transparent bar (and many regular CP or HP) bars I have ever used.Failor's book offers more than just recipes and instructions for soap, but also information on how to cut, color, and shape your soap, nifty machines you can make to cut labor down, and other odds and ends that are especially helpful if you plan to manufacture larger amounts of soap.

With that said, this is not a book for beginners.I cannot stress this enough. Get a firm grasp of cold or hot process soapmaking, including getting a few successful batches under your belt, before you endeavor to make transparent soap.

Additionally, transparent soap is not the same thing as melt and pour soap.Melt and pour soap is a completely different process and requires specially manufactured soap bases that have a low melting point enabling creative soapers to do very creative things that may not be possible with cold, hot, or one of the many other soap making processes. Throw your transparent soap into the microwave to melt it and you'll end up with one very bubbly mess.

Nice pictures!
This book is fun to look at. It book is clear and well written in making transparent soap with alcohol from scratch. However, this is not the only way to make transparent soap, and the author fails to provide the alternative. Soap made with alcohol dries your skin, and it cannot be remelted for m&p project. Finding the alcohol for the recipe is also a pain. If this book had the recipe of how to make clear m&p soap base, it would be the ultimate transparent soap book!

Great Book!
Great book and easy to use! I can't wait until I actually do a recipe out of the book!

It will be great for my business KLEAN Bath & Body.

Good resource book, but not complete enough for new soap makers
I am very happy I purchased this book. Catherine Failor does an decent job of explaining the transparent soap making process. There is a lot of useful information. However, for someone making their first soaps, it is my opinion there is a lot of incomplete and/or unclear information. If you want to make transparent soap, this is a must for your technical library, but it is not the only book you will need.

Making Transparent Soap
A truly generous teacher who doesn`t keep little secrets to herself. Sometimes you`ll have to re-read things more than once ( the secret parts other authors don`t want to teach us) but this is because she really has done her research on every single item and can teach you to do everything she says. She`s one of my heroes. ... Read more

Product Description
With a no-nonsense approach and easy to follow directions, writer and professional soapmaker, Gregory White, shares his experience (and recipes) for creating all-vegetable, cold-process soaps. White takes the reader step by step through the process of making natural soaps for family, friends and for profit. Easy to understand and master. Includes tips on: time-saving shortcuts, natural scent selections and large production. Includes an essential oil guide. Includes a humorous chapter titled:Bubbles and Bull, A Saucy Look into the Life of a Soap Maker - telling stories of disastrous partnerships, comical customers and the perils of soap making chat forums. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not for newbies!
I am just getting into soap making. I haven't tried my hand at it yet. Which is why I bought this book. When it first arrived, I was dissapointed there were no pictures in the book. I am a visual learner, so this was a minus. I started reading the steps on making soap. It was a little confusing with the directions. If I were already involved with soap making, the directions probably would have made much more sense. I will say, this book had a lot of recipies. They seemed like something I would like to try. I also was impressed with how into detail the author got into describing the different oils that go into making soap. For beginners, this probably is not the book for you. But, for someone who has already had experience in soap making, you may want to check it out. ... Read more

Product Description
Artisan soap-makers Dr. Robert McDaniel and Katherine McDaniel provide instruction for anyone with an interest in this timeless craft, from amateurs to professionals. Thirty recipes for creating all kinds of handmade soaps, including liquid, cold- and hot-process, melt-and-pour andre-batched soaps--all using natural ingredients, sustainable methods and tools found in almost any kitchen. The authors also demonstrate how to add fragrances, skin treatments and colors and how to shape solid soaps. The benefits of aromatherapy associated with many essential oils and African Black Soap (renowned for its healing properties for extreme dryness, blemishes, wrinkles, stretch marks and scars) are also explored. A 30-minute tutorial DVD is also included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good information
When I started making soap, I got my education off of internet tutorials and forums as well as this book.Though it doesn't cover all the bases, it's perfect for beginners.It answers most the questions a beginner has, without getting complicated or overloading with confusing information.When I made my first batches I used it as a reference.Once you master everything it talks about, then you can go on into advanced techniques.

batch too large for me
I didn't like this book.The soap batches are too large.I didn't find any recipes for liquid soap making.

A hobbyist soapmaker
This is a well written guide to soap-making for the hobbyist as well as someone who may be considering taking their interest in soap-making to another level. The book describes how one might go about making soap with the ash and animal fats in the manner available a few generations ago, for the curious minded. If one is considering a commercial venture into selling their handmade soaps, this book describes some aspects one may wish to take into consideration. There is an interesting/useful range of recipes given in weights (which I greatly prefer to volume) as well as the relevant table and formula to calculate a proper ratio of fats to lye in order to accurately create your own recipe. I was pleasantly surprised to find a well-presented DVD included with safety information and a video of the soap-making process. The book is beautifully and logically presented in the manner befitting a professional educator (as Dr. McDaniel is). This book seems to include the basic skills required from which to build one's knowledge. For the readers who wish to add their own creative flair, there is very good information on fragrances and colorants. If I were hard-pressed to find any fault, I'd request some substitutions perhaps when available for some of the more difficult to source components, I am not currently living in the US and I'm having a bit of trouble finding menthol for the shaving soap recipe. So, perhaps in the next edition? I love this book, it is very interesting and the photography is beautiful as well as illustrative of the processes. Carol Buxton

Saopmaking
This is a must have book in your soapmaking endeavors. I use it it conjuction with other books on the subject and it contributes greatly in my soapmaking efforts.

Very Pleased
This is a really great book on soapmaking. The main reason I purchased this particular one is because I want to make non lye soap and this does have recipes for it although I am just a little confused on the non lye part. I am sure I will get it though, I still have not watched the video. Looking forward on getting on my soapmaking path very soon. :) ... Read more

Product Description
With this book, it's easy to create soothing suds and awide variety of perfumes, colognes and splashes that moisturize,revitalize and aromatize skin and hair.

Following the simple step-by-step directions, readers can make all thebody products of their dreams, from Buttermilk Oatmeal Soap andTangerine Cocoa Bar to Lemon Lavender Shampoo. Each recipe also pointsout how readers can improvise and create their own special soaps andscents.

A special section details the techniques of the world's most famousfragrance producers and traces perfume history. The book includes aresource directory, safety hints and ways to make your soaps moreearth-friendly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Wonderful easy recipes that turn out great
I actually found this book at a flea market. I loved the layout and the size of the book. It isn't very large, which I like. I think big books are too bulky. The recipes are easy to follow and soaps turn out wonderful. Informative and easy to read and understand. This book is all cold-process soap. No melt and pour recipes. I haven't yet tried the shampoos or fragrancesbut the soaps are very nice. Smell good, and lather wonderfully.

Great Learning Material
I loved this book! Beautifully written and filled with expert wisdom. All I can say is it's a great book for your learning experience. Follow and you'll get it right!

Beyond the basics for beginner's +
The soap making process is not well illustrated so this is not a good book for your first batch of soap. But there are interesting ideas beyond the basics. You can follow the recipes if you don't have much experience but you are encouraged to improvise if you are comfortable doing so.

Ideas I have used are her non-traditional soap mold list, the color chart, I like the Rosemary Lavender Hair Soap recipe (also a moisturizing body soap) and recommend the Buttermilk Oatmeal Soap. She gives one basic vegetable soap recipe and one basic tallow recipe, then each custom recipe includes additives like ground spices, herbs, coffee or grated veggies, and scent blends. Again not many photos of finished soap, but the directions are clear.

The section on fragrance families and profiles and making scents is followed by blends to use for a few bath products like splashes and scented waters.

If you need glasses for reading be warned, the type font is smaller than the norm.

Soap making
This book is mostly about making soap from scratch. There are good lists of supplies and formulas included within the book. A good starter book for soap making and precautions in handling your product in process. The scents section is not the main focus of the book but has some good ideas for creating fragrant soaps that should prove helpful.

Flawed, but interesting
NOT for the novice soaper but interesting for inspiration, this book has some major errors that may cause a novice headaches and make an accomplished soaper wince.

Oh - I am not addressing the fragrance portion of this book

For starters, please do NOT mix your lye solution in a glass container - even Pyrex can shatter and you could end up with horrid burns.And a dust mask doesn't protect you from fumes so keep that in mind!

Please also, don't use crayons to color your soap... I mean REALL!?!

And while I'm at it, don't line your mold with waxed paper.Or go ahead and try it and then come back and write your own review!It won't peel off easily...I recommend freezer paper myself.

And the last thing I will mention is that her discourse on how much better vegetable oil soaps are than animal fat soaps is just plain wrong.She gives a nicely balanced "basic" recipe for veg soaps, but doesn't do the courtesy of providing one for animal (just tallow alone is not great, but then neither would be just coconut oil).You can use almost any blend of oils & fats to produce a soap to meet almost any needs... don't limit yourself to what she thinks is gospel.

Go online, read a ton of free stuff on a few sites, join a soaping forum online or find a friend who soaps... That will be much more helpful than this book.

Some of the references and suppliers are outdated, but it was published in 1999 so that is to be expected, and some are still around.

Good luck. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn how to make moisturizing milk-based soaps like Oatmeal, Peaches and Cream, and specialty soaps, as well as how to turn this hobby into a moneymaker! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Informative Book
Making handcrafted soap is a fun hobby, while venturing into milk based formulas is an interesting challenge. This book is filled with information a soapmaker can use to embark on using a variety of milks as the liquid in soap recipes. Great recipes, easy-to-read and follow instructions. I would definitely recommend the book.

Another good soapmaking reference book
I'm on a roll today, reviewing all of my old soapmaking books for future generations of soapmakers!
I admit to cutting and pasting alot in these reviews because I believe the same thing about most of these books...they all have their place in my library!
I began making my own soap about 15 years ago.I learned the basics from another soapmaker in her shop in Colorado.This was before all the many books and resources on soapmaking became readily available.
I bought this book as soon as it came out.It, along with several others, were great resources for expanding my knowledge and technique with soapmaking.
Unscented soap made with fresh goats milk, honey, and the very best quality base oils are my FAVORITE soaps after all these years.
Another reviewer noted that this book creates a pretty fair "fear factor" about all that can go wrong with milk-based soaps.They actually are a little more exciting to make and you do have to pay a little more attention to your temps and timing.However, you do NOT have to make the huge production out of it that the author makes it appear to be.You'll learn that cows milk and goats milk soaps will turn out differently depending on a whole bunch of little details.As all my soap reviews state...EXPERIMENT...enjoy the learning curve.
I see so many reviews that make these types of books "all or nothing" propositions.These books were never intended to present "the ONLY way" to do anything!
I don't do much of anything EXACTLY the way anyone else does.I do keep a huge database of information (the science of soapmaking, essential and base oil information, additive information, etc.) that I've compiled from many, many sources.THAT database is my soapmaking "Bible."
That's the beauty of getting a good knowledge base from many, many sources along with actually experimenting on your own!Completely uneducated, very poor people throughout the ages have been able to make perfectly servicable, even magnificent soap without reading a single book on the subject, much less having the wealth of knowledge we can get on the internet.While the science of soapmaking is fascinating to me, and you can certainly make soapmaking into rocket science if you want...it really isn't rocket science!
Go make some soap!Keep notes on what went great and what didn't.Grate your failures and use them for laundry or household soap.Blaze new trails!One of your experiments may turn out to be infinitely better than any soap you could have copied from anyone else!
Build yourself a nice library about ANY topic you are passionate about.Read a variety of authors, enjoy the contradictions!Then GO...GO and create your own way, your own dream, your own method.Experiment.Learn from success and failure!
If you don't have the money to buy more than one book before you start a new craft or hobby, go to the library and borrow them!
Stand on the shoulders of giants and the wee little people who gave you even a hint of help in achieving your goals and dreams.Write your own book and share what YOU'VE learned!

Milk Based Soaps
I love this book!This is actually my second copy after lending my first one to a friend.I have recomended this book to quite a few friends that also have goats and too much milk.This is the best basic book on the market!

This book is like having one muffin recipe you really like.
Do you have a muffin recipe that you love?This book is like having a favorite muffin recipe with many variations.I guess if it is your favorite don't argue with it.But, this book is full of variations of a basic recipe.
It is a nice book, but I had hoped for more variety.
But, I do love muffins.

Worth having if you want to make whoke like soaps.
I was initailly intimidated by this book and I owned it for a while before I attempted her methods.But if you want to make soap with real milk (not powdered as an additive) this is a great resource.Making whole milk soap is not easy.This methods works.I admit I use a stick blender and keep it in one pot but my milk has never curdled due to her cold bath method.Her recipes produce gentle, silky soaps and are made with readily available ingredients.My main complaint with some of the other books is that you cannot get many of the ingredients unless you go online and pay shipping.I agree with another reviewer that she does not explain the why behind some of her methods.I think the glycerine and the sugar are for more lather but I'm not positive.I know the amount of honey is limited due to the risk of the soap overheating in the mold.My only other concern about her recipes is that they do not produce much lather and I like bubbles.However, now that I know the method and have had a lot of success I can experiment with the recipes to customize the soap. ... Read more

Product Description
Make floating candles, herbal soaps, and even a home spa

Discover the secrets of color, shape, and scent the fun and easy way?

Whether you're a beginner or seasoned craftperson, this fun book offers everything you need to make beautiful, professional-looking candles and soaps at home. You get practical tips on dyeing and scenting wax, using unusual molds, adding embellishments to candles, working with soap ingredients, and even turning your hobby into a business!

Discover How To:
* Stock a safe & efficient work area
* Work with all types of wax
* Add color and scent to your projects
* Make melt-and-pour soaps
* Turn a hobby into a business ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

was in very great shape
i loved the book, and it was basically new. the shipping was great and i got it a couple days before it was expected and that was great. i would definitely buy from this seller again

Love It!
The book came quickly and was in perfect condition. I couldn't have asked for a better transaction.
Thanks,
Heidi Slone

Disappointing
There were conflicting pieces of information in this book. I am sorry I bought it.

made easy
This book gave helpful hints, was explained in plain English and was well it's price in prevention of mistakes. I definitely recommend for anyone who is starting to make soap or candles to read and follow this book until you get your own process down.

The Weakest of Books, Better Available
The Weakest of Books, Better Available

Being a professional candle maker (3rd generation) and an avid reader,I have a huge collection of candle and soap making books. After looking over "Making Candles & Soaps for Dummies" for perhaps the 3rd time, I can honestly say that there are many better books covering both subjects. This book covers only the very basic information and will leave you with more questions than answers.

For the candle side, I highly recommend Beginner's Guide to Candlemaking or the instructional video Introduction To Candle Making

On the soap side, try Smart Soapmaking: The Simple Guide to Making Traditional Handmade Soap Quickl Safely, and Reliably, or How to Make Luxurious Handcrafted Soaps for Family, Friends, and Yourself.

These are both great hobbies that can become good sideline business and there are good resources available on the subject... this book is not one of them.
... Read more

Product Description
Home soapmaking is not only more economical than buying premade soaps--it's also a lot more fun! With The Everything Soapmaking Book, 2nd Edition, you will be making homemade soaps for yourself and your friends in no time!

Completely revised and updated, The Everything Soapmaking Book, 2nd Edition is a complete guide to making all kinds of soap from simple bath soaps to beautiful, aromatic gifts, right in the comfort of your own home. Easy-to-follow steps lead you through the process of making soap, from buying the right kind of equipment to developing unique soap recipes.The Everything Soapmaking Book, 2nd Edition shows you how to:

• Find the right ingredients and equipment
• Experiment with different types of soap--from basic kitchen soap to the perfect facial soap
• Make and package soaps for holidays and special occasions
• Add special scents and colors to please the senses
• Master artistic techniques for unique shapes and sizes

Customer Reviews (26)

Don't get KINDLE version!
My review is based on the few small sad black and white pictures included towards the end of of the Kindle version. I understand that I should be able to report this, but have a hard time imagining how it could help if they already slipped this by. The other reviews of Kindle version concentrate on the writing so I thought I would try to add something I wish I had known. For me the entire sensory (except lye) explosion of soap making is the allure. Take that away and completely reduce suds to a math and I am bored. This book without color or tactile warmth, lost me, the homey warnings just seemed to go on forever. Get the book if you have to have it. All of this could be collected on the web. I saw nothing new.

Love this book!!
So many great recipes in this book. The easy to read instructions make soap making a breeze.

My fave out of 3
Recently purchased 3 different books on soapmaking, this is the one I go back to most often.

Good book for the soapers library.
This is one of those 'basic' books that everyone should have in their soap making library.While it doesn't cover 'everything', it certainly covers a lot of territory.

The Everything Soapmaking Book
This book is my soapmaking bible!I originally borrowed it from our local library, but couldn't live without it so I bought my own.This edition is updated and has excellent detail!I've made most of the recipes and they are wonderful--not one failure.Very helpful in answering questions for the unexperienced soaper. ... Read more

Product Description
Melt & Pour and so much more!

Soapylove shows you how to turn a glycerin melt-and-pour soap base into tempting, stylish soaps. You?ll learn fun and easy techniques for 25 yummy projects featuring bright colors, amazing designs and delicious scents.

• Glycerin melt-and-pour soap is very easy to use?a microwave or stovetop is all you need! There is no messy boiling or complicated mixing.
• Techniques not yet found in any glycerin soap project book, including how to make cameos, plaid patterns, soap pops and even jelly donut soaps.
• The ins and outs of melt-and-pour soap supplies, allowing you to experiment with your own style.

Customer Reviews (18)

Soapy Food
I am just getting into soap-making and purchased this book because of the reviews. However, I fail to understand why anyone would want to make soap that looks like food, and that is the only type of soap depicted in this book. The people these soap designs would most appeal to are children, and I know my children tried eating soap even when it looked like soap, a behavior I did not want to encourage. I would much rather have a book that shows how to make beautiful scented soaps for adults, like the ones I have to pay $5 each for at the outdoor summer market. I will be sending this book back.

Soapy Love
The book arrived in great condition, very colorful with lots of pictures and step-by-step instructions.

I love Soapy Love!!!!
This book has some fantastic recipes and the photographs are superb & the directions are easy to follow. I love this book. I have not found another soap book that has such great photos and details as this one. You can make some really awesome soaps with this. I was extremely pleased with this book. If you're looking for ideas you must get this book. A+++++. Thanks.

Excellent Beginner Book
This book is beautifully photographed, with excellent step-by-step instructions.The only caveat would be that is for beginners, and intermediate soapers; rather than more experienced ones.The projects are very inventive, and help to promote Melt and Pour creativity.

Fresh andSpunky Soaping!!
Love the ideas,the images are great,the projects vary from very easy to a skilled level,it works for beginners and experts.A must have if you are starting or need some new ideas soap crafting!!Be prepared to have fun!! ... Read more

Product Description
Consumers are no longer satisfied with theindustrial types of soap available at the grocery store. Theywant specialty soaps with just the right scent, emollients, andeye-appeal. They want to pamper themselves and their loved ones withpersonal soaps made to suit their own tastes andpreferences. Now they can get that perfect custom-made soap by makingit themselves.

Drawing on years of experimentation and fine-tuning, author andchemist Dr. Robert McDaniel has developed simple instructions andrecipes for making a wide variety of cold process soaps as well asmelt and pour and rebatched soaps for the beginner. McDaniel instructson how to work with fragrances, skin treatments, colors, and shapes,and discusses the aromatherapy benefits associated with many essentialoils.

-25 recipes for cold process soapmaking.
-Easy to follow step-by-step instructions.
-Time-saving melt and pour and rebatch techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Great for Beginners
This book was recommended to me when I deceided to start making soap on my own.This is the essential book for all beginners.I must admit I was VERY nervous when making my first batch however I forged ahead with the help of this book and I havent looked back.

Essentially Soap
Well written with lots of excellent tips.As this book is written by a chemist, it answered a lot of my questions and gave me insight on soapmaking as no other book has.I highly reccomend it.

Essentially Soap
In my opinion this is the best soap book there is. It is the answer to any soapmakers questions--beginner or advanced. Being a visual person the many pictures with pictured step by step instructions are invaluable to me. If you do not have the space or money for every book that is out there this one book can be the one guide you refer to time and time again.

Good introduction to both the history and science of soap making.
In my opinion this book is a must read for any soaper.It introduces both the history and the science behind soap making in a way that is easy to understand and enjoyable to read.My favorite piece of information gleaned from this book is that regarding the INS Scale.Being fairly new to the art of soap making this was a new concept to me and the simplicity with which it is presented is wonderful.The one drawback that I found to be most notable is the authors lack of encouragement in attempting CP soap at home while discussing the re-batching method.He frequently stresses how dangerous CP soap making is and how much safer it is to buy already made CP soap.While it is true that the process of CP soap making can be dangerous I don't believe those interested in giving it a go should be intimidated.As long as you are well informed and follow basic chemical handling safety you'll be fine!

Simple and very informative for a beginning soaper
I'm new to soapmaking and have taken 1 class on it.I'm obsessed with this new art and have poured thru 6 books in 4 days I love it so much!I can tell you this book was one that I got from the library (but will own soon!) and it's a MUST HAVE!It's informational more than a book of recipes but it's very clear and one I will refer to always.Don't get me wrong, the recipes are great but they are for 4 lb batches which seem a bit big for me right now (2 solo soap adventures so far)....very new.The other must have book with 2lb recipes is "Smart Soapmaking" by Anne L. Watson!YOU have to have this book in your soap library! ... Read more

Product Description
Soothing Soaps gives readers all the easy steps formaking soaps at home. Author of the best selling Soap Book,SandyMaine, now turns her hands to the creation of beneficient soaps tohelp heal our bodies and minds. Recipes are lye free. The recipesinclude antiseptic soaps, poison ivy soaps,acne soaps,musclehealing,chicken pocks, bruises and emollient soaps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

disappointing
When I ordered this book, it did not say it was only the melt and pour glycerin soaps.Sorry, I don't consider that soap making.It's like using Hamburger Helper then saying it's homemade because you added the hamburger.This book is useless to me.The question is, do I hassle with sending it back or am I stuck with it?This book wasn't even well written, kinda hokey.Buyer beware!

Good lil book for ideas.
This is a nice lil book for ideas for healing soaps I use it more for the combinations of essential oils than the actual soap recipes. If you are new to soapmaking I would pair this with the book by Anne Watson called "Smart Soapmaking" and its always a good idea to get at least a couple good aromatherapy books to help figure out scenting and what goes well and what each oils properties are some oils although they smell good are not meant for every type of person to use its important to know what effects they can have on you, your families and or customers.

A great beginning book on making herbal soaps
I wanted some insight into how to incorporate herbs into my melt and pour soap, and I found this book very helpful. Contrary to what another reviewer said, not all melt and pour soap bases contain alcohol and fillers - it is possible to get m&p soap base that is composed of natural ingredients.

I was pleased to find information on different methods of preparing your own decoctions, tinctures and infusions from herbs, and also some basic information on gathering herbs.

I found this book to be very helpful to someone like me who didn't know anything about herbal soaps and didn't know where to start. I have already made several of the soaps and have been very pleased with them.

Not for beginers....
I noticed that this book is lacking of showing how to work with the glycerine in order to make this soaps. I don't believe this book is for beginers in soapmaking. Other than that, it has nice photos!

Glycerin soap? Who knew!
I own another soap making book from Sandy Maine and enjoy it very much, so decided to try another one.After purchasing it from Amazon, I quickly realized that this book is strictly glycerine soaps.There was no indication of this from what I could tell.I wanted a book on actual soap making, not pre-made soap enhanced by botanicals.In summary, the title or book summary should mention that this book is about melt and pour soap only.Consequently, I returned the book. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Over Priced
I checked this book out from the library, and yes it has some nice recipes but not for the asking price. The cover has a price of 19.95 why is everyone asking so much? Soap makers companion is just as good if not better.Soapmaker's Companion: A Comprehensive Guide with Recipes, Techniques & Know-How (Natural Body Series - The Natural Way to Enhance Your Life) I am an experienced soap maker and would never pay this much for a book like this. Basic soap recipes with some nice essential oil combinations but nothing you could not find on the internet for free. Basic Bath Bombs but again very basic and nothing you could not get on the internet search; many wholesale supplies have soap and bath recipes for no charge. All of the recipes on my website are from the Soap Makers Companion with the addition of many of my own ingredients (ideas) [...]

Awesome book
I recently purchased Linda Hamblen's book "making Scented Soaps" and I love it!!
It was a little pricey but well worth the money!! I am an accomplished soap maker and I sell my products locally as well as on the web and having Linda's book gave me a fresh new approach on soap making.
Her bath bombes are outstanding!!!
Doreen Fish
Vancouver Island,BC
[...]

excellent book
Borrowed book from library and thought it was an excellent book. I would just like to know why this book sells for so much. I really want to purchase it but the prices are outrageous.

Absolutely the best soap book!
I have many soap books and this one is the best. The soaps, bath bombs, and massage melts are fantastic! I wish I could give this book 100 stars! The pictures are beautiful.

Best book on soapmaking
Before I started making soap, I researched several books on the subject. Many books in the market are helpful. Depending on what type of soap you are seeking to prepare, what is your budget for equipment/supplies and finally how much time you would like to spend in the kitchen, these are all very important things to know before you start the craft of soapmaking. There are many different methods that can help you achieve soapmaking, this is why I recommend that beginners do some type of research before starting this craft. I am a beginner and read most books. I read from the oldest method of soapmaking to the newest. Now, since I love cooking and art, I decided to make cold processing soap (involves using lye, etc.) because I love the art form of making such a beautiful product plus it also allows me to control what I use as my soap base.

This book has far been the best book on making good-quality soap. Why? Because the recipes include base oils, herbs and essential oils that make these soaps outstanding. Now, with this said... it may be costly, again depending on your budget and if you do your homework. I purchased most of my ingredients online and saved money. This is craft that can be taken both ways.. if you want something easy to make, faster to use and economical, then melt & pour may be your niche since MP soap can be used immediately versus CP which requires time to cure (upto 4-6 wks.)

I have made soap using these recipes on this book and they were perfect. The scents are wonderful and are curing as I type. The instructions are easy to understand in this book. My only suggestion would be 1) I find out that the temperature of both the base oils and lye should be 100 rather than the suggested temperature in the book before blending together and 2) I experienced a great challenge when I tried to take the soap out of the mold. I didn't use any type of mold release and had difficulty releasing my soap. So, the next batch I placed a plastic trash bag inside my mold and this worked great but had lots of wrinkles on my dry soap. What I did to avoid these problems is that I purchased a mold that requires no freezer paper, bag or mold release. This mold is sold on ebay for an excellent price. So far, I've made 3 batches and can't wait to use my scented soap.

I hope this review helps soapmakers and that they enjoy the craft just as much as I am. ... Read more