Customer Reviews

Soapmaking

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 (soapmaking, a magikal guide) 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 very 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.

Another book to add to my soapmaking library, Grosso's book is a little different from the rest.

Her recipes are for cold process soaps in small (one bar) recipes, a good starting place for a beginner. Working with lye can be a dangerous process, so having very small batches is a wise beginning.

She writes a lot about the magikal (which I like to translate to spiritual) aspect of soapmaking - different herbs have different magical properties according to Grosso, so soap can be a healing gift for a friend.

She has a lists for essential oils, flowers, herbs, seeds listing some special properties. (the herb Dandelion reduces fear, useful in manifesting intention...and you thought they were weeds)...Vetivert essential oil is deeply calming. Lavendar flowers are sleep-inducing, soothing, etc.) No use of animal fats, a plus for some of us.

Good black and white pictures of the actual soapmaking process and explanations of different procedures (saponification, etc.) Basic recipe is used with additions of other things. Yes, she is a bit heavy on the coconut oil.

For those who are interested, she has soap making rituals, Moon phases, soapmaking for women, soapmaking for men, for every day occasions, for holidays. There's a little chapter on "presentation" (gift wrapping or packaging).

This isn't a book for everyone, and even if it is for you, it shouldn't be the only book -- just something a little different.

I bought this book as an experienced soapmaker and have mixed emotions about it. I really like the recipes for magickal soaps with the herbal additives. However, the basic oil recipe the author uses (10 oz. olive oil, 7 oz. coconut oil) is more than 41% coconut oil. This amount could seriously dry out most people's skin. Coconut oil is best when used in amounts less than 25%. For anyone wanting to make soap for the first time, please do more research before starting. Soapmaking is a lot of fun, but can be dangerous if the crafter is not well informed. Also, please run every soap recipe through an online recipe calculator before soaping.

I do plan on using some of the ideas in this book. Overall, I am glad I bought it.

While the ideas, instructions and general content is very good, the actual recipes are full of errors.

While I was reading the instructions for one of the sabbat soaps I noticed an ingredient not mentioned in the recipe. I flipped back to the list of ingredients and sure enough, the ingredient was not listed. It's as if the author forgot an ingredient in the recipe and decided to add it in during the soap making instructions. After encountering this problem twice I decided to quit reading.

I have decided to return my copy.

This book made a believer out of me! Ive always wanted to make soap, but found the process somewhat overwhelming! I was thrilled to find this book because it teaches how to handmake soap in SMALL batches, without having to invest in a whole lot of specialized equiptment! This is especially important to an urban apartment dweller such as myself -- space is a premium!!! Anyway, I am happy to say that I have JUST completed my first batch -- belated Yule Gifts -- and all seems to be well!! I cant wait to try it out; it smells awesome!!! This great book takes the mystery out of soapmaking... while at the same time, putting some of the Mysteries back in!!!!

O.K. I am putting that statement out. This book is good for witches. I have another soap book and it is great. But this book goes beyond that and starts into the mystical. Which is very nice seeing I am a witch. So if you make soap and want to put a little magic into it, buy this.

I'm a real fan of Alicia's books....they're my soaping "bibles" so to speak. If I am unsure of how to proceed on a recipe, I open this book, or the "Everything Soapmaking Book" first. I haven't been let down yet.

This book is an interesting departure, and a unique approach to soapmaking. I find it very spiritual, and wonderful.

Alicia's writing is unpretentious, her directions and safety guidelines are good, and the recipes produce nice soap. Her charts on essential oils and additives are worth the small price of this book with nothing else!

Another plus is that it gives a great introduction to the spiritual aspect of soapmaking. There's nothing bad here, just an earthy, loving approach to a craft that deserves a lot of respect. A fun variaton of the art of soaping, and a very worthy read!

You dont need to be Pagan or a practitioner of magick to fall under this wonderful book's enchantment! Reading through, I found myself transformed from a clueless daily bather into an enthusiastic budding soaper! Alicia provides even the greenest amateur with a practical and accessible soapmaking grimoire, filled with clear step-by-step instructions, beautiful photos, well-researched tables of herbal and essential oil correspondences, witty Witchy wisdom and thoughtful insights for bringing a touch of the sacred into your everyday life.

This alchemical melding of ancient practice and traditional craft will delight even the most accomplished soapmaker, and will make a welcome addition to any bookshelf. Inspired chapters consider magickal soapmaking to honor and harness the energies of the Eight Sabbats, Circle Castings, the Full and Dark Moons, Handfastings and Partings, Birthing and Motherhood, Menarche and Croning Rituals, Male Rites of Passage and bringing your magickal undertakings to fruition. The chapter on Sacred Gifting was particularly delightful, showing many beautiful and wonderful ways to gift soaps with intention. True magick!!!!

No hocus pocus for me. Could of done with out the jibberish. Has some good recipes, will see how they come out I would not recommend this book as a favorite.