Soap Making Books - Page 2

Candlemaking for Fun & Profit

Michelle Espino

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Discover How to Profit from Your Craft
Have you ever dreamed of learning the beautiful art of candlemaking? You can! Candlemaking For Fun & Profit was written with two purposes in mind: to teach you the basics of this fun craft and to show you how to turn these new skills into cash! Whether you've been crafting for years or are just getting started, you'll learn:
·The benefits and enjoyment of making candles
·The right materials, tools, and equipment to use
·How to create a special "crafting place" in your home
·Ways to sell your creations at craft shows, shops, and other outlets
·Craft-business basics, including pricing, record keeping, and copyrighting
·And much more!
Includes 6 money-making projects you can create at home!
Also:
·Candlemaking how-to's
·Fun and simple projects
·Home-business basics
·Helpful resource section
Barbara Brabec, the For Fun & ProfitTM series editor, is one of the world's leading experts on crafting as a business and is the author of six books on the subject, including Creative Cash. She lives in Naperville, Illinois.

Making Natural Milk Soap: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-199 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-199)

Casey Makela

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Not Great 1 out of 5 stars.
14 of 17 people found this review helpful.

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.

A great addition to your soaping library! 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 14 people found this review helpful.

Learn the time-honored secrets of making moisturizing, skin-nourishing soaps with milk!
Create this sought-after soap at home using the specialized yet simple techniques Casey Makela has developed in more than 15 years of soapmaking. Covers how to make moisturizing milk-based soaps like Oatmeal, Peaches and Cream, and specialty soaps.
Contents include, but are not limited to, making molds, working with lye, preparing the milk, basic equipment, scents, ingredients, specialty recipes, preserving and packaging. This book contains excerpts from another book written by Makela - "Milk Based Soaps."

Editorial Review:

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.

Soap: Making It, Enjoying It

Ann Bramson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great for its time....but... 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

...times have changed. That being said, I love this book....it's the book that got artisan soaping started and she has some lovely recipes. Her recipes do make good soap.

Unfortunately, the last edition of this book was published in 1975. Methods have changed, safety precautions have changed (she didn't wear gloves because a lye burn was easier to deal with than the limited movement....WRONG....wear the gloves). She also adds water to the lye...this is inviting a volcano....just don't do it.

On the plus side, there are great ideas for "found" molds, great ideas for shaping and sculpting your soap, and an interesting (if verbose) history of soap.

I would recommend it for its historical value and great soap recipes, but invest in a more modern volume for your first attempts. Alicia Grosso and Anne Watson's books are up-to-date, safe, and much more friendly for the soaping newbie.

Editorial Review:

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

Basic Candle Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (Basic Books Series)

Eric Ebeling

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Highly Recommended 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Excellent long-lasting bound Book. Excellent colored photos throughtout!
Highly Recommend for Candle Maker Beginners!
Would have to be "Advanced" Candle Maker to need any other Book!

Editorial Review:

Step-by-step color photographs and descriptive detail make this book indispensable for beginners looking to create beautiful and functional scented candles on their very first try, and for experienced crafters who want to sharpen their skills. Precise instructions eliminate the guesswork that too often creeps into how-to books. Gleaned from the expertise of master candle makers, this guide presents everything a novice needs to know to get started crafting traditional tapers and molded candles, container and rolled beeswax candles, and interesting variations on each. Includes guidelines for buying tools and materials, preparing the workspace, and working safely and effectively, as well as suggested shopping lists. This book includes the contributions of veteran candle makers and crafters.

300 Handcrafted Soaps: Great Melt & Pour Projects

Marie Browning

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Gorgeous book, but somewhat confusing 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Beautiful pictures and well written, but the format may be confusing for a beginner. It was for me. At first I thought, "300 recipes all in one skinny book?" Then I understood why. Many, if not most of the "recipes," just have a list of materials and additives, but no procedure per se. For procedure the reader is instructed to see elsewhere in the book.

For instance, Recipe #175 for Triangles, which immediately caught my eye, lists the amount of melt and pour base, drops of fragrance, additives (in this case, "green, yellow, and red soap curls cut from soap sheets"), and the size of mold needed. Then it directs the reader to "See 'Soap in Soap' in the Designer Techniques section" for the how-to. Ok, let's go see... Ahh, step three tells me to follow the instructions for "Embedded Toy Soaps," yet another section to which I must refer in order to make the Triangles. Suddenly I feel like I'm on a scavenger hunt just to make a couple of bars of soap. By this time, my excitement has fizzled and I'm ready to look elsewhere... as in another book altogether. As a beginner, I'm really looking for specifics. This book was not for me. I did enjoy reading the general info on soapmaking, that was helpful. And the pictures were gorgeous to look at, but I'm glad I only borrowed this book from the library and didn't actually pay money for it.

Editorial Review:

“A continuation of the projects found in Browning’s Melt & Pour Soapmaking, using commercially available soap bases. ...There are also lovely molded soaps that one would hate to destroy by using. All of these soaps can be made using kitchen equipment, and no lye or animal fat is used in the process. Browning’s books are always great additions to public libraries.”—Library Journal.

The Soap Book: Simple Herbal Recipes

Sandy Maine

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Inspired Scared Novice--But Use Only 1/2 Essential Oils!!! 3 out of 5 stars.
20 of 20 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book several years ago--and just got around to making soap for Christmas presents this year. This book was inspiring since it was short, simple, straight-forward . . . recipe was same--just different blends of essential oils.

DON'T USE 4 OUNCES OF ESSENTIAL OILS per batch--WAY TOO MUCH: 1) pool of excess essential oils sits on top of soap, 2) soap never hardens up quite right (according to Cavitch's book), 3) Essential oils are EXPENSIVE, 4) Scent is TOO STRONG, 5) Some essential oils (like cinnamon) used in called-for amounts actually too concentrated for skin (read other reviews!)

This book is a great starter for novices if you do the following: 1) cut the recipes by 1/4 to learn on smaller batches since the ingredients can be costly--in case your batch does not turn out during your learning stage; 2) invest in a good digital scale that allows you to "zero out" after adding each successive ingredient to the same container (accurate to 1/4 ounce and much faster--many initial mistakes attributed to measuring errors); 3) buy coconut oil at Walmart (under $3 for 31.5 oz); 4) obtain reasonably priced essential oils via internet at A Garden Eastward (http://addy.com/brinkley/); 5) Buy one of Susan Cavitch's soapmaking books next to learn from your mistakes and/or take your soapmaking to the next level--by then, you'll be motivated to absorb more complex information that seemed overwhelming/initimidating at first--which will make so much more sense once you've made a couple of batches.

Editorial Review:

This best selling soap book has 30 wonderful recipes for hand crafted herbal, aromatherapy and floral soaps. History, chemistry, equipment, plants and oils are included to create these soothing soaps.

Natural Soapmaking

Marie Browning

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Fabulously Natural Soapmaking 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have to disagree with the previous reviewer about this book. I totally agree that it is definitely not a book for Soapmakers who use Hot or Cold Process Soapmaking like I orginally wanted, but it was certainly very helpfull. Her tips for making Hand-Milled Soap from store-bought soap was excellent. I currently live in the Caribbean where you can't find anything quite easy. I found a Hypo-Allergenic Soap Bar called Pure & Natural that was perfect. Matter of fact, I made one of her recipes yesterday using a PVC Mold, and it came out beautifully. As far as using Petroleum Jelly to release the Soap from the mold, it worked like a charm, just like she indicated in her book.

There are alot of recipes in this book that can be used in regular soapmaking. I also love the idea that the book also has recipes and teaches you how to make Bath & Massage Oils, Solid Massage Oils, Bath Salts & Fizzies, as well as packaging and decorating your handmade items.

Thumbs up for Marie.

Editorial Review:

“Soap is...one of the better crafts to consider as gifts...supplies directions for more than 20 different kinds of hand-milled soap, an easier process than starting from lye...instructions extend to bath oils and salts and to packaging, labeling, and creating a munificence of fragrance. Step-by-step descriptions are boldly illustrated with color photographs. Who could resist all-natural camomile oatmeal soap or effervescent all-natural champagne bubble bath?”—Booklist.

Gel Candles: 40 Creative Projects

C. Kalia Westerman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Author Corrects Oct. 27 Review 5 out of 5 stars.
23 of 25 people found this review helpful.

I am the author of this book. I am compelled to respond to the negative review written October 27.

Of course the reviewer has a right to her opinion, however it is incorrect that I recommend people "set an untabbed wick in gel". In my introduction, on page 4, I state "The wick must be self-tabbed with a metal holder". In my general discussion of materials required, on page 21, I state "the wick must have a metal T-Tab at its base which is at least 7/16" high". Finally, in my detailed discussion of wicks on page 22, I explain at great length why a tabbed wick is so essential (it would be a fire hazard to not use one).

I do not believe that the reviewer has read my book very carefully because her statement about wicks, as well as her other statements, do not reflect the content of the book.

Thanks for taking the time to read this statement.

Sincerely,

Kaila Westerman

Editorial Review:

Candle gel is the hottest new product in candle crafting. This new product (95% mineral oil, 5% resin) is transparent, is extremely easy to clean up, and has a significantly longer burning time than traditional waxes. Author Kaila Westerman gives the basics of gel candle crafting in ten easy steps, then explores the endless possibilities for creating special effects with layers of color, swirls, bubbles, specialty molds, and embedments such as glass, botanicals, shells, stones, and pieces of solid paraffin candle wax. Readers can create candles that look like rainbows, aquariums, seascapes, playful sodas and other drinks, and more. Since gel candles cannot stand alone, each design is enhanced by wonderful whimsical, vintage, or even sophisticated containers.

The Everything Candlemaking Book: Create Homemade Candles in House-Warming Colors, Interesting Shapes, and Appealing Scents (Everything Series)

Marie-Jeanne Abadie

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

For anyone ready to roll up their sleeves 5 out of 5 stars.
27 of 27 people found this review helpful.

M.J. Abadie's The Everything Candlemaking Book lives up to its name with all the facts, how-to instructions, tips, safety precautions, and much more needed to embark on the creative and satisfying art of making one's own candles whether just for fun or for practical use. From the history of candlemaking, to step-by-step instructions on getting started, to making candles for holidays and special occasions, to using intricate techniques such as applique to ornament candles, to recommendations for tools and supplies, to using unique containers, to incorporating candles into rituals, to adding scents and other personal touches, The Everything Candlemaking Book is a first-rate instructional reference for anyone ready to roll up their sleeves and enjoy a unique and rewarding activity.

Editorial Review:

A complete guide to making all kinds of candles at home. For pleasure or business, or indeed both, here is a comprehensive guide to the art of candlemaking including: Selecting the right materials; Choosing the right colours and ingredients for style, texture, scent, and more; Mastering techniques, such as chip, twisted, and applique; Using regular and special containers; and much, much more

The Complete Soapmaker: Tips, Techniques & Recipes For Luxurious Handmade Soaps

Norma Coney

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 55 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

I Love this book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I love this book. The edition I have (paperback) does not say add water to lye. Perhaps this has been corrected. It is emphasized in italics not to add water to lye. The photos are wonderful and gives you many ideas.
The recipes are simple ingredients. Since "Real" soap was made from these ingredients. (tallow and lard) It makes wonderful soap. She used a very simple method of handmilling. There are other ways. She keeps it simple. Most books I have read are very confusing. Out of all the books I have read this is my best book.

Marginal 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book at a second hand store to add to my soaping library. For a couple of bucks, it's okay. However, it is marginal at full retail.

First off, it's pretty dated. I understand that the dangerous lye instructions have been corrected in later editions, and for that I am glad. I am also hoping that the advice about fabric dyes has been removed. These are not skin safe, and really have no business in soap.

The methods are also outdated. Mixing takes forever using these methods, the re-batching (handmilling in this book) is messy and nasty, and the soap oil combinations are adequate but nothing to write home about. Run the soaps through an online lye calculator to adjust the lye amount before proceeding....you really don't want lye heavy soap.

On the plus side, the book did give me a couple of nifty ideas for molding, some interesting ideas for additives for my own, safer recipes, and it's very beautifully laid out with lots of color photos.

If you're an experienced soaper looking for some ideas, I'd say buy it. If you're a newbie, you will be much better off with Alicia Grosso's "Everything Soapmaking Book" or Ann Watson's "Smart Soapmaking." Both are safer, up to date, and will have you producing soap with a minimum of fuss.

Editorial Review:

“Provides detailed instructions and recipes for basic lye soaps made with animal or vegetable fats, and for hand-milled and specialty soaps using almond meal, chamomile, glycerin, and milk....Shampoo and liquid are covered as well.”—Library Journal. “You’ll also learn a little something about the history and origins of soap and soap making, fragrance, herbs and natural dyes.”—Woman’s Day Crafts & Needlework.