Customer Reviews

The Everything Soapmaking Book (Everything (Hobbies & Games))

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after purchasing and trying some of the author's soap i was blown away by it's creamy texture, thick (but not too heavy) scent and beautiful appearance and packaging. when i found that she had written books about soap- i had to check them out.
let me say that i like soap, but am not a soap enthusiast, or someone who knew anything about soap.
her first book (magikal soap) is dedicated to the basics of soap making. it offers unbelievably clear, simple, and unpretentious directions. if you want to make soap tomorrow- or even today- this is the book to read. it also details the use and making of magikal soap- a variety of soaps used to bathe before pagan rituals. for those uninterested or unfamiliar with paganism, be not intimidated- if you want to make soap, this book is worth reading.
her second offering, a book from the everything series entitled the everything soap making book delves into a more detailed and explicit look at making soap. she offers suggestions for packaging- whether it be for gift giving or running your own business. she has suggestions for all kinds of soaps, recommends products, tells you what supplies are worth shelling out the big bucks for and what supplies you can pick up on the cheap. there are a lot of recipes and info on how to set up a successful work space, etc.
the best thing about books written by alicia grosso is that they are very simple and easy to follow. her writing flows well and is enjoyable to read. best of all she is very funny- often down right hysterical. she is completely unpretentious and happy to share her secrets. and best of all- she'll teach you how to make damn good soap.

What a great book. Very informative and easy to read along. Some of the soap books out there go too far into details that you end up too scared by the end of the book to make soap. This one was to the point, but in terms non-scientists can understand. I really liked the fact that you can choose what size batch of soap to make. So many books have you start with 3-4 pound batches and unless you are selling the soap, who wants that much of one kind. Also, it's much easier to try different recipes if they are smaller sized. You're less scared of the batch not turning out when it's only a 1 pound batch.
I really, really would recommend this book to anyone into soapmaking.

The soap making virgin, professional soapmaker and anyone in between can find useful information in Alicia's book. Directions for different processes of soap making are well explained with good emphasis on safety. I've bought and read many, many books on soap making and soap formulas, but this is probably my favorite yet.

This enchanting, magical and downright practical guide is well written and researched, thoughtful and clearly explains multiple facets of the art and science of soapmaking.

I am a veteran soapmaker and have a few books in my library on the subject. This is by far the best book I have on the subject. It's very easy to understand, and fun to read. I was surprised it didn't come up right away when I searched Amazon for soapmaking books. I particularly like the cold process recipes. It breaks down each recipe in different size batches, so you can choose how big a batch you want to make. The description of the beneficial properties of oils is great. It has everything there is to know about making cold process, hot process, hand milled soap, and melt and pour. This book makes it alot easier to create your own recipes eventually. The explanation of SAP values is alot easier to understand in this book than any other. I would have liked some more cold process recipes because the ones I've used have all turned out great. I would recommend this book highly if you are a beginner or an experienced soapmaker.

... but were afraid to ask!!!

Be afraid no longer! This book contains almost everything you need to know about making soap! For once, truth in advertising! This book boasts clear instructions for the beginner, and suggests new ideas for the experienced soaper. If you buy one book about making soap this year -- heck, EVER -- The Everything Soapmaking Book is the one to get.

I have been making soap for oooooh 6 months now and being the adventurous soul I am, I have tried CP, HP, handmilled and liquid soap making. I really wish I would have had this book when I first began as I would not have learned through much trial an error. The instructions are in terms anyone can follow and take all the mystery and fear out of any soapmaking projects.

I LOVE this book and don't see myself ever needing to buy another book on soapmaking (except maybe the Magikal soap book by Alicia).

I have a habit of over reading when I tackle a new hobby, but soapmaking can be down right dangerous if you rush into it without knowing the proper order of ingredients and amounts to use. I really liked this book. I was on a waiting list for a local soapmaking class in my area, but the gal forgot to call me back, so I decided to read this book and I tackled soapmaking on my own. It is such a terrific and practical hobby. I now make soap for our face and bodies, I also make a shampoo bar, laundry soap, and even liquid soap from the soap scraps. Homemade soap also makes a wonderful and appreciated gift. Thanks Alicia for your contributions to the art of soap making!

I've had my copy for over a year and I still refer to it. I have both of Alicia's books on soapmaking and they are horribly dog-eared and highlighted from much use.
Her instructions are simple but detailed so you know exactly what to expect. I've used her crockpot method for the last year and I adore making soap. I next wish to attempt cold process with Alicia's help.
I have no idea why such a well thought out book like this is now out of print. Stop wasting trees on romance novels.....people actually put the info in this book to good use!!!!

The Everything Soapmaking Book is the most comprehensive book in my soaping library. I have been making soap for over 10 years and still find myself referring to this volume often. It takes the intimidation away for the beginner and offers valuable information for the seasoned soaper. There is so much good information, I've taken a highlighter to my book. Highly recommended!

I bought this book about two years ago looking to make cold process soap. I've since pulled out this excellent reference to also make soap in my crock pot, and also was pleasantly suprised that it also covers liquid soaps. It covers all aspects to soapmaking that I can think of, from cold and hot process soaps using caustics, melt and pour soap, rebatching and hand milling, recommendations of where to buy soapmaking supplies, to creative ideas including different scents, botanicals, packaging, and imbedded items.

The book includes many photos in each chapter to explain each step in the soapmaking process. The explanations are in everyday language that makes this an excellent book for anyone starting out or wanting to learn a new way to make soap.