The Soapmaker's Companion: A Comprehensive Guide with Recipes, Techniques & Know-How (Natural Body Series - The Natural Way to Enhance Your Life) Paperback – January 7, 1997

Very informative book on how to make many kinds of soaps and lotions.Item arrived quickly, as promised easy to follow directions.

For the ambitious artisans and alchemical aficionados seeking to create sudsational wonders, "The Soapmaker's Companion" is your guiding star in the universe of soap crafting. This comprehensive masterpiece is not just a book; it's your trusted mentor, your creative muse, and your passport to the enchanting world of soap-making.Imagine a treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge neatly bound within these pages – that's exactly what you'll find in "The Soapmaker's Companion." With each chapter, the book unveils the secrets of soap crafting with the finesse of a magician revealing the inner workings of a spell. From fundamental techniques to advanced recipes, this guide leaves no soapstone unturned.The author's writing style is like a conversation with a kindred spirit, guiding you through the intricate dance of soap-making with warmth and clarity. Every technique is explained in a way that's both approachable and insightful, allowing even novice soap-makers to feel like seasoned artisans. It's like having a friend in the crafting corner, ready to offer sage advice and helpful tips at every turn.One of the true gems of "The Soapmaker's Companion" is its treasure trove of recipes. Whether you're yearning for a classic lavender-infused bar or venturing into uncharted territories with exotic blends, the book's recipes are like a map guiding you through the aromatic landscape of soap creation. With step-by-step instructions and ingredient lists that read like an elixir, you'll find yourself immersed in a sensory symphony as you follow the recipes to soap-making success.In the grand symposium of soap-making guides, "The Soapmaker's Companion" stands as a maestro, conducting a harmonious orchestra of knowledge, techniques, and inspiration. It's a comprehensive tool for beginners and a valuable resource for experienced soap-makers alike. So, whether you're crafting bars for yourself, for friends, or even for a budding soap-selling business, let "The Soapmaker's Companion" be your constant companion on your journey to crafting beauty, enhancing life, and creating soap that's not just a product but a work of art. 🌿🧼📘

This book covers everything you need to know about soap making

I bought this book right after I took a class in cold process soapmaking, so I was a beginner, but not an absolute beginner. As of this writing, I've made about 6 batches of soap, and this book has been a big help. I've used The Soapmaker's Companion as a reference for things like properties of various oils and herbs.There are a couple of charts that I constantly refer to when creating new recipes. I have not, however, used any of the author's recipes, and I doubt I ever will. They tend to be rather detailed as well as sometimes refer to ingredients in grams - sometimes listing an ounce equivalent, sometimes not.I wish the book had a hard cover, too, for the spine isn't holding up well. My other complaint is with the ink and printing process. Two colors are used throughout the book: an evergreen color, and a salmon color. The intensity of the colors vary throughout my book. In places where the headings are in the salmon color, some pages the print is so light that I have trouble seeing the headings, yet I can turn a few more pages, and it's nice and dark. This may just be a fluke with the printing of my book.All in all, The Soapmaker's Companion has been a wonderful resource for me. I've only had two questions that I couldn't find the answers to in the book: (1) The SAP value of monoi oil, and (2) Guidelines, a rough range, or any discussion whatsoever on how much essential oil to add per pound of soap.I recommend absolute beginners don't buy this book with thoughts that it will teach the soapmaking process. Either take a class first or find a better first book, and then buy this one once you've learned the basics.

I love making soap and have checked this book out of the library many times. The most useful aspect of it for me is the charts that describe the aspects of each type of fat (oil) that you can use as it relates to the finished bar. Do you want a firm bar? If so, it will suggest coconut oil. If you want something softer, they perhaps a mix of soy bean oil. Need to know how much lye to add to lard to make an old fashioned bar, well it will tell you that as well. It is an excellent reference book for most things "soap". I bought this as a gift for a soap maker to-be and she loves it. One day I will get my own, but I have actually grown fond of my local library copy and generally don't vary my soap recipes that much anymore.

The only time I write a review is if the product either really sucks or is really awesome. This book...is really awesome. I've read quite a few articles about soap making, along with many how to and recipes (yes that includes making them) and this book is by far better than any of them. If you're thinking about getting into soap making or already do it, this book is a great tool to have on hand. The thing that makes it the most useful is the fact that everything said is backed up with the science behind it, not just "well I feel blah blah blah". Anyways to make a long review short...stop being a cheap @$$, buy the book, its worth your money.