The Handmade Soap Book (The Handmade Series)

"A really good book that has got me on my journey of making soaps. Warning once you start you will not be able to stop. It is really easy to use and gives good intructions. If you don't like some of the recipes after making a few batches of soap you will be able to tweak them for yourself.


"
~ Written on 2008-09-08

"This is a very good book with very clear instructions, the illustrations are helpful to give you an idea of what your own batch should look like. Melinda Coss prefers to hand stir her soap, I, however would recommend a stick blender as most soaps will trace in a matter of minutes this way. If you have time on your hands I am sure stirring is very theraputic, for myself making a batch of soap is something I do once the kids have gone to bed so a stick blender is just the trick. "
~ Written on 2007-12-03

"Overall this is an excellent book BUT be very careful! Base oil quantities are measured in ounces or grams and these are fine. Essential oils and other additives, however, are specified in table spoons and in grams... The gram measurements are WRONG! It appears that whomever translated the spoonfulls into grams had been on the sherry! I have just made a batch of soap which called for four tablespoonfuls of Callendula petals or 45grams! 45grams of Calendula petals are about four cups! The same is true of the essential oils. The recipe calls for one teaspoon or 5 grams... 5 grams is about three teaspoonfuls!

Buy the book by all means, its a good book; but when measuring out ingredients use grams or ounces for the base oils but then teaspoons or tablespoons for the additives.

Also... Page 13, under the "ten commandments", step 5 reads "As you add the water to the sodium hydroxide" DO NOT DO THIS it would be bad, very bad! Always add the sodium Hydroxide to the water.

So I have three wrecked batches of soap because I followed the gram measures. I'm wiser now... and so are you.

Derek"
~ Written on 2007-11-24

"I bought this book as I wanted to have a go at making my own soap. There is some useful information about the different oils, addatives and fragrances as well as a section on safety. I have made several batches (beeswax, honey & oatmeal scrub, honey blossom, poached egg soap) and am going to try st clements soap next. I am pleased with the book however I think there could be a few more recipes, also many of the recipes in the book are very similar.

Be prepared to spend quite a bit kitting yourself out with everything you need before you can actually make anything."
~ Written on 2007-05-30

"I don't really write reviews but this book has really inspired me to make some soap and I feel I would like to share that. The book is informative, helpful and written in such a way that 1) this lady has a fun sense of humour and 2) her recipes work! I have tried several and it is a good idea to start with one of her basics, just to get the feel of what you're handling. Caustic soda is a dangerous substance, but this is what creates the soap, so as long as you are careful and responsible with using it the results are wonderful. My favourite one is the goats milk ylang ylang to which I cut up a loofah and inserted this into a mould, when cut they make beautiful exfoliants with a creamy lather and a beautiful scent. All in all a well written book written by a real person."
~ Written on 2007-01-14