I've made soap a few times over the years, as a result of my "have to try every craft ever" scatter-brained mind, but am definitely not an expert by any means. This book is written for beginner soap makers, but I think it would be a handy guide for any soapmaker.

The book includes:

Soapmaking Process and Equipment
Step by Step Cold Process Soapmaking
All about Oils and Using Herbs
Scenting Your Soap
Making your Own Recipes
The book talks about the science behind soap making - which the geek in me enjoyed - and talks about safety. Using lye can be dangerous and deadly, so the author spends some time talking about this.

There are tons of photographs throughout, making me want to start making soap right this instant.

Not only are there a ton of practical recipes included, but there are a ton of simply gorgeous ideas as well, perfect for gift gifting.

A must have for anyone serious about making soap. ( )

*I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I wish I would have had this book when I started my own soap-making voyage years ago. It's a hobby I've been meaning to return to, a surprisingly enjoyable pastime.

This book is detailed and almost perfect - it not only lists a generous amount of recipes at the back, but they all use different oil combinations, and each shows different decorating, swirling, and neat techniques for decorating effect. I couldn't ask for more on this section - 5 stars for decorative effort. I see how to get the honeycomb look (saw a similar technique yesterday for decorating a cake), different swirls, layers, cubes, and even a frosting.

The author opens with glossaries of need to know terms, invaluable and in-depth information on oils and their SAP values, coming up with own formulas, detailed information on different herbs and natural solutions for colorants - including full pictures of different stages of the coloring process - and chemical colorants. The natural additives include the ratio to the soap that you need for whatever you're working with. There's a chapter on information on scented dyes and essential oils.

I have to give kudos for including Comfrey in a few recipes (love that herb) and some other natural additives. The pictures are bright, comfortable, creative, and eye catching.

If I made this one absolutely perfect, it would be that I wanted more details on other ways to make soap - such as different techniques for hot process soap, from crockpot to microwave. She mentioned hot process only as a saving attempt for cold process that refuses to trace. On the plus side, the cold process method is shown in several pages, with clear steps, pictures along the way, and full troubleshooting.

If you're looking for a soapmaking book, this is the one I'd recommend for cold process.

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