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Smart Soap Making #1
Smart Soapmaking: The Simple Guide to Making Soap Quickly, Safely, and Reliably, or How to Make Soap That's Perfect for You, Your Family, or Friends
********#1 AMAZON.COM BESTSELLER IN SOAP MAKING (JUNE 2015)********
******#1 KINDLE (US) BESTSELLER IN BEAUTY & FASHION (JUNE 2015)******
******#1 KINDLE (US) BESTSELLER IN CRAFTS & HOBBIES (JULY 2014)******
**#1 AMAZON.COM BESTSELLER IN HOME-BASED SMALL BUSINESSES (OCTOBER 2013)**
SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS!
Maybe you've made melt-and-pour soap and want to move on to something more challenging and rewarding. Maybe traditional soapmaking appeals to you, but you figure that working with lye is too difficult or dangerous. Or maybe you're already doing it, but outmoded ideas and methods are complicating the process and slowing you down.
No matter which of these fits you, you'll find "Smart Soapmaking" practical, helpful, and refreshing. Written by a former professional soapmaker, this book explodes the myths about soapmaking and shows you how to make luxurious soap from scratch with the least fuss and bother.
With both customary and metric measurements, plus a list of suppliers in five countries, "Smart Soapmaking" is the first truly international book on the craft!
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
Anne L. Watson is the first author to have introduced modern techniques of home soapmaking and lotionmaking to book readers. She has made soap under the company name Soap Tree, and before her retirement from professional life, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne and her husband, Aaron Shepard, live in Bellingham, Washington.
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******RECOMMENDED BY THE HANDCRAFTED SOAP & COSMETIC GUILD******
"Should become THE book for soapmaking. . . . It's about time someone wrote a book like this. Most are idealistic and inaccurate. This book has a wonderful common sense approach that is SO long overdue. . . . I can recommend it with 100% confidence." -- Susan Kennedy, Oregon Trail Soaps, Rogue River, Oregon
"Smart it is . . . . A simple, no-nonsense book that cuts through the curmudgery of stifling soap bibles like no other." -- Shellie Humphries, Harstine Island, Washington
"Way overdue. . . . A gift of common sense caution, proven methods, tried-and-true shortcuts, and some excellent recipes as well, for both the professional/experienced soapmaker and the eager beginner." -- Deb Petersen, Shepherd's Soap Co., Shelton, Washington
"A great book for beginners, with clear and easy instructions." -- Anne-Marie Faiola, Bramble Berry Inc., Bellingham, Washington
"I learned more from Smart Soapmaking than from any other soaping book, and I have read quite a few. . . . It's written with the average person in mind, not a chemistry major. Directions are very simple and easy to understand. It really takes the mystery out of making soap." -- Jackie Pack, Stuart, Virginia
"Groundbreaking . . . . Anne L. Watson [is the] universally respected and loved author/crafter/curator of this lost art for thousands of aspiring soapers . . . . Unquestionably the best book with which to begin. To be precise, it's probably the most accessible, most reader-friendly, and most immediately useful container of information a first-time soapmaker could hope to find." -- Wishing Willow (blog)
"'Smart Soapmaking' finally got me over the hump [of fearing lye]. . . .
******#1 KINDLE (US) BESTSELLER IN BEAUTY & FASHION (JUNE 2015)******
******#1 KINDLE (US) BESTSELLER IN CRAFTS & HOBBIES (JULY 2014)******
**#1 AMAZON.COM BESTSELLER IN HOME-BASED SMALL BUSINESSES (OCTOBER 2013)**
SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS!
Maybe you've made melt-and-pour soap and want to move on to something more challenging and rewarding. Maybe traditional soapmaking appeals to you, but you figure that working with lye is too difficult or dangerous. Or maybe you're already doing it, but outmoded ideas and methods are complicating the process and slowing you down.
No matter which of these fits you, you'll find "Smart Soapmaking" practical, helpful, and refreshing. Written by a former professional soapmaker, this book explodes the myths about soapmaking and shows you how to make luxurious soap from scratch with the least fuss and bother.
With both customary and metric measurements, plus a list of suppliers in five countries, "Smart Soapmaking" is the first truly international book on the craft!
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
Anne L. Watson is the first author to have introduced modern techniques of home soapmaking and lotionmaking to book readers. She has made soap under the company name Soap Tree, and before her retirement from professional life, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne and her husband, Aaron Shepard, live in Bellingham, Washington.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
******RECOMMENDED BY THE HANDCRAFTED SOAP & COSMETIC GUILD******
"Should become THE book for soapmaking. . . . It's about time someone wrote a book like this. Most are idealistic and inaccurate. This book has a wonderful common sense approach that is SO long overdue. . . . I can recommend it with 100% confidence." -- Susan Kennedy, Oregon Trail Soaps, Rogue River, Oregon
"Smart it is . . . . A simple, no-nonsense book that cuts through the curmudgery of stifling soap bibles like no other." -- Shellie Humphries, Harstine Island, Washington
"Way overdue. . . . A gift of common sense caution, proven methods, tried-and-true shortcuts, and some excellent recipes as well, for both the professional/experienced soapmaker and the eager beginner." -- Deb Petersen, Shepherd's Soap Co., Shelton, Washington
"A great book for beginners, with clear and easy instructions." -- Anne-Marie Faiola, Bramble Berry Inc., Bellingham, Washington
"I learned more from Smart Soapmaking than from any other soaping book, and I have read quite a few. . . . It's written with the average person in mind, not a chemistry major. Directions are very simple and easy to understand. It really takes the mystery out of making soap." -- Jackie Pack, Stuart, Virginia
"Groundbreaking . . . . Anne L. Watson [is the] universally respected and loved author/crafter/curator of this lost art for thousands of aspiring soapers . . . . Unquestionably the best book with which to begin. To be precise, it's probably the most accessible, most reader-friendly, and most immediately useful container of information a first-time soapmaker could hope to find." -- Wishing Willow (blog)
"'Smart Soapmaking' finally got me over the hump [of fearing lye]. . . .
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
120 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 13, 2017
A good, all around basic book for soapmaking. It breaks down the mysteries of different butters and oils, liquids, common sense, and debunks the warnings. The book is almost all text with a few black and white drawings to head chapters.
There's a decent number of recipes, starting out with appreciated ones with ingredients available from the grocery store, assuming you have lye available. The author is honest about some being less moisturizing than other recipes, and honest about the softness and fragility of a few. On the negative side, the recipes are made just for beginners, not including any additives or extras that make soapmaking so fun.
The basics of molds are discussed with a few drawings, but without pictures it lacks some punch. Basic text for fragrances and coloring, but not much indepth about it.
It is what it claims to be - a very basic, simple guide to making soap. I recommend a more complete book if you're interested in this hobby, one that discusses the basics and gets further in-depth. Pictures definitely help. On the other hand, if you're craving basic instructions for a simple project and don't wish to get into it as a hobby, this book will do well.
Grabbed off netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There's a decent number of recipes, starting out with appreciated ones with ingredients available from the grocery store, assuming you have lye available. The author is honest about some being less moisturizing than other recipes, and honest about the softness and fragility of a few. On the negative side, the recipes are made just for beginners, not including any additives or extras that make soapmaking so fun.
The basics of molds are discussed with a few drawings, but without pictures it lacks some punch. Basic text for fragrances and coloring, but not much indepth about it.
It is what it claims to be - a very basic, simple guide to making soap. I recommend a more complete book if you're interested in this hobby, one that discusses the basics and gets further in-depth. Pictures definitely help. On the other hand, if you're craving basic instructions for a simple project and don't wish to get into it as a hobby, this book will do well.
Grabbed off netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2011
Her books have such a high readability level; it's refreshing to read these little wonders. In both this one and her Milk soapmaking books, the basic tenet of her approach to soapmaking is just this: measure all ingredients accurately, follow the safe guidelines with a healthy respect for anything involving lye, do the steps in the proper order and you WILL get soap. She's putting "relax" between every word, every line, every step. Probably a good thing since beginning soap makers can easily over-think everything.
Her books also include recipes for small batches she's personally used and can vouch for their success. She's done a bit of experimenting over the years she spent as a professional soap maker, and can honestly say, it can be done. You can screw up a batch of soap, but only if you go outside the proper steps.
Hers are quick reads books. One you can easily pick up and read through in an hour or so. But you'll find yourself going back to it time and again for reiteration on something you read before and want to confirm or solidify the concept in your own mind, so really it's worth it to pick up a copy of your own and not settle for just the one your local library has.
As a follow-up to her books, check into Scientific Soapmaking by Kevin Dunn to grasp the purpose behind why we recalculate solutions for oil type changes, why certain components react the way they do and to perhaps even avoid the dreaded orange spots from occurring ever again!
Anne hits on the different types of fats, liquid and solid, but the book by Dunn covers this difference in depth and it will enhance your knowledge base enormously to know the chemistry behind soap making. This little book is an excellent start to your journey in learning to make soap and if you're like veryone else I know, it will pull you into its world and you'll be instantly addicted to the process!
Her books also include recipes for small batches she's personally used and can vouch for their success. She's done a bit of experimenting over the years she spent as a professional soap maker, and can honestly say, it can be done. You can screw up a batch of soap, but only if you go outside the proper steps.
Hers are quick reads books. One you can easily pick up and read through in an hour or so. But you'll find yourself going back to it time and again for reiteration on something you read before and want to confirm or solidify the concept in your own mind, so really it's worth it to pick up a copy of your own and not settle for just the one your local library has.
As a follow-up to her books, check into Scientific Soapmaking by Kevin Dunn to grasp the purpose behind why we recalculate solutions for oil type changes, why certain components react the way they do and to perhaps even avoid the dreaded orange spots from occurring ever again!
Anne hits on the different types of fats, liquid and solid, but the book by Dunn covers this difference in depth and it will enhance your knowledge base enormously to know the chemistry behind soap making. This little book is an excellent start to your journey in learning to make soap and if you're like veryone else I know, it will pull you into its world and you'll be instantly addicted to the process!
June 26, 2017
What I like about this book is that it is written in simple language as if I'm listening to her in person teaching me the basic of soapmaking. I also love the Q&A part at the end of the book. Very practical and useful. Basic soap recipes are also interesting.
July 17, 2012
Watson's little book is probably best for first-time soapmakers. I am myself a first-timer so very much appreciate the simplicity that Watson writes with and how she makes everything seem easy, safe, and fun, without an overload of information.
But, though she says that the book can be used by all folk, I imagine that when I am more experienced her book will be less helpful to me. While reading I already thought of questions that she does not cover or not thoroughly. Watson is very good at making me feel better for not knowing the answers to those questions because, as she says, they're unimportant for beginners. I won't be a beginner forever, though. At that point, her list of further reading will come in handy. She is very good, then, to include a list of other references, stores, and websites that might be useful in the soapmaking journey.
But, though she says that the book can be used by all folk, I imagine that when I am more experienced her book will be less helpful to me. While reading I already thought of questions that she does not cover or not thoroughly. Watson is very good at making me feel better for not knowing the answers to those questions because, as she says, they're unimportant for beginners. I won't be a beginner forever, though. At that point, her list of further reading will come in handy. She is very good, then, to include a list of other references, stores, and websites that might be useful in the soapmaking journey.
April 25, 2016
I wish I discovered this gem earlier in my soap making endeavors. Excellent book for someone who loves to experiment in making soap! It's clear, concise and doesn't make a hobby into drudgery. The recipes are truly different for each kind of soap, unlike many similar books. Additionally, the author also has a great website which documents her experiments in soap making.
I've yet again returned to this book when I double check my memory for a step. I can't say enough good about this book!
I've yet again returned to this book when I double check my memory for a step. I can't say enough good about this book!
July 26, 2015
A Great Introduction to Soap Making
This book had a wealth of information presented in an easy to read manner. I especially appreciated the time the author took to wade through the myths regarding soap making in order to present a concise procedure for successful soap making. I thought that this book was so well done that I purchased her milk soap making, lotion making and cookie press books as well.
This book had a wealth of information presented in an easy to read manner. I especially appreciated the time the author took to wade through the myths regarding soap making in order to present a concise procedure for successful soap making. I thought that this book was so well done that I purchased her milk soap making, lotion making and cookie press books as well.
October 27, 2015
Outstanding
I've read many soap making books and this is by far the best of the lot. She explains not only the how-to, she explains the why-for of the process. It's not just a bunch of recipes using expensive butters with various additives.
I highly recommend this to anyone thinking about making cold process soap.
I've read many soap making books and this is by far the best of the lot. She explains not only the how-to, she explains the why-for of the process. It's not just a bunch of recipes using expensive butters with various additives.
I highly recommend this to anyone thinking about making cold process soap.
January 5, 2008
This great book breaks it down. There are many "rules" of soap making, but she tells you which ones are not necessary. There are several recipes, step-by-step instructions, and witty commentary. It's a good reference to have.
February 17, 2009
Very easy to follow, nice recipes that can be made with ingredients straight from the grocery store--huzzah! I made the olive oil soap with an orange and clove essential oil blend and it turned out lovely. Breaks down a lot of myths.
November 26, 2011
Brief and thorough (a winning combination) and it taught me to make soap (I, having never taken chemistry and gifted with only the most basic of math skills). Excellent place to start if you're considering this hobby.
May 20, 2015
I have yet to make soap based on this book..but the book made me ready to want to dive in. The book is written very straightforward and seems to cut away a lot of the fear in trying your hand at a new project. I rad through it in one sitting. I look forward to rereading and testing it out.
October 28, 2013
A great starter book for soap making! Her writing style is fun, light, and very informative. My first batch went off without a hitch and no chemical burns! Anne has her ducks in a row. If you are at all interested in soap making, grab this book off the shelf first.
July 31, 2014
Great for beginners!
Great for beginners!
EASY to understand, good info, provides resources for readily available items for beginners! If you are wanting to start making your own, this is a great place to start!
Great for beginners!
EASY to understand, good info, provides resources for readily available items for beginners! If you are wanting to start making your own, this is a great place to start!
February 23, 2015
Informative
Been making soap for two years and learned a few rules I was taught fall actually into her myth category. Excited to make my next batch a little differently. New or experienced soap makers could benefit from this book!
Been making soap for two years and learned a few rules I was taught fall actually into her myth category. Excited to make my next batch a little differently. New or experienced soap makers could benefit from this book!
June 20, 2015
Lots of Good Information
I have not tried the recipes yet because I am new to soap making and I want to start with melt and pour but I have read several books and this one is the best I have found for a beginner.
I have not tried the recipes yet because I am new to soap making and I want to start with melt and pour but I have read several books and this one is the best I have found for a beginner.
January 4, 2016
Straightforward, clear and concise
I'm drawn to the no nonsense recipes and instructions. The recipes are the basics I was looking for since I'm making practical soap for my family and friends. I'll try sparkly cupcake soap later!
I'm drawn to the no nonsense recipes and instructions. The recipes are the basics I was looking for since I'm making practical soap for my family and friends. I'll try sparkly cupcake soap later!
July 26, 2009
Very clearly written, with easy to follow instructions, and a reassuring tone. I'm all psyched to give it a second attempt, on my own this time!
December 24, 2009
A great book for beginning soap makers.The book has a lot of good information and easy to understand.
June 2, 2010
Breaks down the myths of soap-making and has anything you need to know, plus a fair amount of recipes.
August 4, 2011
A very good introduction to making soap.
June 2, 2012
It a great basic soap-making book. If you're new to soap-making, get it
September 24, 2014
Great book for newbies. I've been making soap for over 20 years, and I found things in here that would have been so very helpful when I was just getting started.
November 1, 2014
Very helpful book.
Took my fear of working with lye away. Can't wait to get started. highly recommend for new soap makers. thanks
Took my fear of working with lye away. Can't wait to get started. highly recommend for new soap makers. thanks
September 19, 2015
Makes handmade soap doable.
September 27, 2015
I have never made any soap yet. I chose this book as my first to read. Definitely, a good reading book on soap making. Sounds easy to do. I have a better understanding now.
October 10, 2015
soapmaking is going to be my new hobby and this book will be my go to guide. first book that wasn't scary complicated.
March 21, 2016
Excellent book for learning how to make soap if you are a beginner!
June 12, 2012
Very simply written with a confident, reassuring, veteran voice. Can't wait to try out the recipes.
December 30, 2015
Made some real soap.
March 9, 2019
Cuts through the fluff and gets to the point.
This is the book you want to get if you are new to soapmaking. It’s full of information and is written in a straightforward manner that avoids confusion. As you read if a question is rising in your mind - keep reading because the author has anticipated everything and the answer is probably in the next paragraph! I’m returning the “other” book I bought at the same time because this is the only basic soapmaking book I’ll ever need. Soapmaking is inherently a simple process. It’s the “hows and whys” that are so important to learn. I have read comments that people wish there were more pictures. I personally think they would be a distraction. This book is all about “just master the basics”. I appreciate that I wasn’t being distracted with color options and fancy swirls. And I certainly didn’t need a picture of a basic bar of soap. When I have graduated beyond the basics I will get a book with more pictures. For now this is my textbook on soapmaking and it is a treasure.
This is the book you want to get if you are new to soapmaking. It’s full of information and is written in a straightforward manner that avoids confusion. As you read if a question is rising in your mind - keep reading because the author has anticipated everything and the answer is probably in the next paragraph! I’m returning the “other” book I bought at the same time because this is the only basic soapmaking book I’ll ever need. Soapmaking is inherently a simple process. It’s the “hows and whys” that are so important to learn. I have read comments that people wish there were more pictures. I personally think they would be a distraction. This book is all about “just master the basics”. I appreciate that I wasn’t being distracted with color options and fancy swirls. And I certainly didn’t need a picture of a basic bar of soap. When I have graduated beyond the basics I will get a book with more pictures. For now this is my textbook on soapmaking and it is a treasure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews