The Handmade Soap Book (The Handmade Series)

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-12-02 rating:
Lovely pictures but some BAD information
I will start by admitting that it was a chance encounter with this book in my local library that started me on what has now become an obsessional interest in soapmaking. However, as I have learned more, I'm afraid that dispite lots of very pretty pictures, this book gives some serious misinformation.
Firstly, within the first few pages, there is a section where she has a highlighted section of the 10 main points to remember, one of which is to always ADD THE WATER TO THE CAUSTIC SODA, rather than the reverse!!! Luckily, she does explain elsewhere that in fact the reverse is true, but still, a beginner (as I was) could just go to that section to refresh their memory as to which way the two should be combined with disasterous results.
Secondly, she translates the measurements of essential oils from teaspoons/tablespoons into grams (that might be mls - I've given the book back to the library) completely wrongly. (It's o.k. if you follow the teaspoons/ tablespoons measures).
Thirdly, the amount of Sodium Hydroxide in some of the recipes is wrong - e.g. in one recipe (I haven't checked them all), it is 25% TOO MUCH!
Fourthly, she uses 'vegetable oil' and 'vegetable shortening' in many of the recipes; if you don't know what type of oil or shortening you are using you cannot accurately calculate the amount of Sodium Hydroxide to use. On realising this, and with a fridge half full of Cookeen, I contacted them only to be informed that their product does not include either Soya or Palm oil, and that they would not in any case disclose the recipe.
Fourthly, you will never be able to legally sell that soap in the U.k., because you will not be able to accurately declare the ingredients.
Fifthly, she does not warn of the dangers to your project of using the wrong water - she suggests that bottled water is o.k. All bottled waters are not equal, and some have a lot of minerals in them which will destroy your batch. I find distilled water gives reliable predictable results; not so bottled water.
Fifthly, many of the recipes are just not good recipes (even where the amount of Sodium Hydroxide is correct); a major factor being that they will be so hard that they will fracture on cutting, and be almost impossible to actually cut a decent bar from; and many will also be very drying.
Sixthly, there is no reference to EU regulations, and the book gives the impression that it is o.k. to just sell soap you have made, without spending longer on paperwork than making soap :(
Seventhly, she doesn't really discuss the gel phase (where the soap is left to 'cook' in the mould); in my experience small batches have much more difficulty getting hot, and the edges and corners will not make good soap. I appreciate that small batches of a pound or two, which is where the book is focused, are just what the beginner wants and needs, but more explanation of this, and some extra measures (e.g. heating the moulds, ensuring that they are wrapped/insulated really quickly _ and even put in a luke warm oven) would have been helpful.
Eightly, I do think that some more resources - like the nearest Aisan supermarket- could have been thrown in.
However, I have given this book 2 stars, because it is written in an entertaining and friendly style, has lovely pictures, and the authors enthusiam for the subject shines through - and has been responsible for the fact that I now have so much soap I can hardly get into my house :(
Sorry Melinda, that's just how I see it.

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review by: date: 2008-09-08 rating:
addictive
A really good book that has got me on my journey of making soaps. Warning once you start you will not be able to stop. It is really easy to use and gives good intructions. If you don't like some of the recipes after making a few batches of soap you will be able to tweak them for yourself.

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review by: date: 2007-12-03 rating:
Addicted already!!
This is a very good book with very clear instructions, the illustrations are helpful to give you an idea of what your own batch should look like. Melinda Coss prefers to hand stir her soap, I, however would recommend a stick blender as most soaps will trace in a matter of minutes this way. If you have time on your hands I am sure stirring is very theraputic, for myself making a batch of soap is something I do once the kids have gone to bed so a stick blender is just the trick.

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review by: date: 2007-11-24 rating:
A good book but BEWARE!
Overall this is an excellent book BUT be very careful! Base oil quantities are measured in ounces or grams and these are fine. Essential oils and other additives, however, are specified in table spoons and in grams... The gram measurements are WRONG! It appears that whomever translated the spoonfulls into grams had been on the sherry! I have just made a batch of soap which called for four tablespoonfuls of Callendula petals or 45grams! 45grams of Calendula petals are about four cups! The same is true of the essential oils. The recipe calls for one teaspoon or 5 grams... 5 grams is about three teaspoonfuls!

Buy the book by all means, its a good book; but when measuring out ingredients use grams or ounces for the base oils but then teaspoons or tablespoons for the additives.

Also... Page 13, under the "ten commandments", step 5 reads "As you add the water to the sodium hydroxide" DO NOT DO THIS it would be bad, very bad! Always add the sodium Hydroxide to the water.

So I have three wrecked batches of soap because I followed the gram measures. I'm wiser now... and so are you.

Derek


review by: date: 2007-05-30 rating:
Great book could do with a few more recipes
I bought this book as I wanted to have a go at making my own soap. There is some useful information about the different oils, addatives and fragrances as well as a section on safety. I have made several batches (beeswax, honey & oatmeal scrub, honey blossom, poached egg soap) and am going to try st clements soap next. I am pleased with the book however I think there could be a few more recipes, also many of the recipes in the book are very similar.

Be prepared to spend quite a bit kitting yourself out with everything you need before you can actually make anything.

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