Smart Soapmaking: The Simple Guide to Making Traditional Handmade Soap Quickly, Safely, and Reliably, or How to Make Luxurious Handcrafted Soaps for Family, Friends, and Yourself (Paperback)

by Anne L. Watson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
A great book for beginners, with clear and easy instructions. -- Anne-Marie Faiola, Bramble Berry Inc., Bellingham, Washington

As fun as it is informative, Smart Soapmaking is a must for anyone who would like to try this craft. --Library Bookwatch (Midwest Book Review), Jan. 2007

Should become THE book for soapmaking. . . . Has a wonderful common sense approach that is SO long overdue. -- 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

The simplest, most delightful book on soapmaking. . . . I read it in two days and was ready to buy soapmaking supplies --Theresa Powers, Joyous Home, Castle Rock, Colorado

Way overdue. . . . A gift of common sense caution, proven methods, tried-and-true shortcuts, and some excellent recipes as well. -- Deb Petersen, Shepherd's Soap Co., Shelton, Washington

Written with a delightful voice and humor. -- Kathy Miller, Miller's Homemade Soap Pages, Silverdale, Washington

Review
I learned more from Smart Soapmaking than from any other soaping book. . . . Really takes the mystery out of making soap.

An ideal manual that is as fun as it is informative.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 115 pages
• Publisher: Shepard Publications (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938497421
• ISBN-13: 978-0938497424
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,787 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Very Best Soap Making Book, October 28, 2007

By	Theresa Y. Peoples (Upper Darby, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I started to make CP soap I purchased several books and also drove all the way from Philadelphia to DC to take a class. Then I received a magazine that I subscribe to which featured an article by Anne L. Watson. In a nutshell it summerized her book and at the end of the article she listed a awsome recipe for soap.

This article encouraged me to purchase the book. I have read a lot of soap making books. This book is the fist book that I was able to read from cover to cover more than once.

I highly recommend this book, It is consice and to the point, it will get you through your first batch and several more. Ms. Watson's techniques in my opinion are full proof. I have made several batches of soap and never had a failed batch yet.

Not to mention, if you have a question you can always email the author and get a response back.

I love love love this book. BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book - even for professionals, April 17, 2007

By	Susanne Marhanka "Art Marhanka, Inc." (Drexel Hill, PA USA) - See all my reviews

I make soaps, professionally, since about 19 years and tried a lot so far. I am curious and love to experiment. I use this book now to teach my new employees a thing or two about soap an to take the fear.

I particulary liked the part with "shortening the curing time" I did try it before, but it did not work out as wished. Thanks to this book I found my mistake, tried it and oh wonder: it works! Ok, for the size batches we make - about 800 lbs at a shot - the temperatues, etc, had to be changed, but the basics are still the same.

So if your have a small business, larger business, do it as a hobby or are just getting started, the bottom line is: Buy this book, it is worth every single cent and does not contain the usual nonsense other authors write.

Just keep one thing in mind when using the by Watson referred Soapmakers Guide from S. Miller-C.: those recipes are for KOH not NaOH! Kathy Miller's website can give you the conversions (her site is in the references/ resources of A.L. Watson's book)

So good luck and lots of fun making soap!
S. Marhanka - Body & Mind Natural Collection

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great things come in small packages!, July 8, 2007

By	Charlene Johnson "Green Mountain Soaps in Ver... (Colchester, VT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book has everything you need to start making soap. The instructions and illustrations for the cold-process of soap making are easy to follow, the recipes are simple and produce great soap every time. Anne's Shea Butter Soap is a very versatile recipe, and her references to other sources are invaluable. Would love to see the author produce a volume of soap recipes!