Tuesday, February 2, 2010

A New Resource For Snewbies!


Yes, I made that word up! A snewbie is a soap making newbie. I get questions all the time about how I do what I do, or what the science is behind making soap and so forth. Believe it or not, it's hard for me to articulate how I do what I do because I don't follow the rules. I initially learned how to make soap from the ground up-meaning I've read books, and I've watched video, and I've practiced, practiced, and practiced some more! Now that I'm comfortable and confident with the process, I've made changes, adjustments, and bent-more like twisted-the rules to suit my own personal style. Because of that, I've admittedly abandoned some of the fundamentals. I was recently given the opportunity to read a brand new e-book all about making soap. It's called The Super Soap Making Book: A Beginner's Guide To Soap Making.

Let me just say that I was very skeptical about reading yet another book on how to make soap because everyone does things differently, and I have a one-track mind. In other words, don't confuse me or try to make me go against everything I already believe in! I can't take it LOL! But I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It's both entertaining and informative-just my type of instructional read. I especially love the section on the history of soap. I did not know (okay, did not put together in my feeble brain) that Palmolive soap was named so because it's two main ingredients before it became commercialized were palm and olive oils-DUH! I just thought palmolive was a real word-double duh!

I also love how this book breaks down the main types of soap making: cold process, hot process, melt and pour, and re-batching. Everything is detailed in plain speak-You know how us soapers tend to speak a language only we know which in turn confuses the hell out of a non-soap maker. This book also offers easy, doable beginner recipes, as well as entire chapters on the business of soap making and useful tips and resources.

Enough yakkity-yak. Snewbies (and you old-timers), this is a worthwhile read, and no, I was not paid to write this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

6 comments:

Kia - Petals Bath Boutique said...

Palm/Olive, DUH! I never thought of that, lol. Sounds like an interesting read. I'm gonna have to check that out. Thanks for sharing.

Pattie said...

I soo have to tell this to my boyfriend b/c he has been look all over for a good soapmaking book! Thanks for sharing :)

And, I posted your question on the blog :)

CastoCreations said...

Neat new word. :) So, a new jewelry designer would be what?

jewby? That doesn't sound nearly as good. LOL

Maybe you should write your own book (or e-book) on what YOU do ... with your own rules. :)

Tammy said...

Great unpaid review Patrice-I LOVE your opinions :)
I may have to pick this one up, someday Im going to get hooked on CP (Just like you said I would get after I "dabbled" in MP-did you call that or what?!!!)

Patrice-The Soap Seduction said...

Thanks for all the great feedback:) I really do like this book!

jewbie? Oh, no, lol! my jewish brother-in-law would get a kick out of that though:)

Hali Bey said...

This is a great blog. I like the idea of knowing the person behing the soap...may sound a little corny but it's important. I like the one long thread that holds us together.

check my blog out!

http://concretemagnolia.blogspot.com/