Category Archives: Books

Efficiency in Scaling: Introduction to Masterbatching by Kenna

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There is a new eBook on the virtual shelves of the soap-mosphere! Efficiency in Scaling: Introduction to Masterbatching is a must have for any soapmaker…whether new or experienced.  If you’re a small batch soap maker who has wondered how to scale up production…this is the book for you!masterbatching-ebook-graphicKenna ran into a shortfall of funds when she put on Central Soapers Workshop.  The funds from this eBook will help her out by raising some money to make up for that.  She put a lot of hard work into the conference and I have to say it was one of my favorites!

From Kenna’s website:

At Central Soapers Workshop 2013, I (Kenna) presented a talk on masterbatching oils and lye solution. It was meant to be a quick introduction to how I batch and a general discussion as to what prevents others from batching and how to change it. Despite having forty-five minutes to talk shop together, the attendees to my workshop and I spent almost an hour and a half discussing various factors in batching. (Apologies again for the schedule malfunction this created!!)

We discovered how many different factors and problems soapmakers could have, as well as individual stories as to what could go wrong or what already has. As requested by the attendees of CSW 2013 who did not attend the workshop, I put together all of the information we discussed into this eBook.

Efficiency in Scaling: Introduction to Masterbatching is 27 pages of useful information for the soapmaker considering scaling their production and batching their oils and/or lye solution, including:

  • The Benefits of Masterbatching – How batching soapmaking oils and lye solution can benefit every soapmaker
  • Prerequisites of Masterbatching – What you need to know, do, and have before you start
  • The Three Limitations – Common limitations encountered by soapmakers including design, formulas, and physical limitations
  • Overcoming Limitations – Possible solutions to common limitations
  • Batching Oils – Procedures, equipment, safety information, tips and tricks
  • Batching Lye Solution – Procedures, equipment, safety information, tips and tricks
  • Batching Other Ingredients in Soapmaking – Fragrances, essential oils, colorants, and additives
  • Compilation of Resource Links – Suppliers, lye calculators, DIY equipment, videos, and more

The proceeds of this eBook will help cover the remaining expenses from Central Soapers Workshop 2013 as well as fund future projects, such as colorant testing and design technique studies.

Find Kenna online at:
Central Soapers Workshop
http://www.centralsoapers.com
http://www.facebook.com/CentralSoapersWorkshop

Amathia Soapworks
http://www.amathiasoapworks.com

I’ve got my copy…now go get yours!

-Amanda

Make Your Own Soap by Joy James

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I was sent a copy of Make Your Own Soap published by How2Crafts for review.  The book originally published in the UK is now available from Amazon in the US.     

I loved this book.  Joy James did a fabulous job in breaking down the how-to’s of soapmaking.  She even included some elusive tips that I wished I would have known when first starting out.  For example…she mentions how soap made with goat’s milk will have that funky smell when first cut.  Oh how I wish someone would have told me that when I made my first batch of goat’s milk soap! 

She goes over the history of soap making, safety, equipment, oil properties, additives, fragrances, coloring and more!  She provides three recipes including a palm free recipe that I can’t wait to try out!

At the end of the book is a glossary and a very helpful trouble shooting guide.

I have several soap making books and this one (BY FAR) has the best step by step photos.  The photos are beautiful from the cover of the book to the end of the book.  There are some wonderful photos of trace and gel phase…something some books only explain but it really does help to see it. 

So whether you are new to soap making or are a seasoned veteran I really think that this book is a great addition to a soap maker’s collection.  The photography alone makes it worth the purchase. 

You can see some more info about the book here and even download some free recipes.

You can purchase the book from Amazon here.

-Amanda

 

Creative Soap Making by Elin Criswell

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I recently bought a soap making book from a fellow Texan, Elin Criswell. The book, Creative Soap Making, is a wonderful book for the beginner as well as the experienced soap maker. As a more experienced soaper I especially enjoyed the interviews and the resources. If you’re a beginner you’ll learn the history of soap making and learn the process. She provides us with wonderful recipes and an invaluable resource section.  This book is a great addition to any soaper’s library. 

About the book (from the Author’s website, The Country Soaper)

Creative Soap Making is a great new soap making book written to appeal to both new and experienced soapmakers alike.

The author’s goal in writing this book is to teach the basics of how to make handcrafted soap, and also to open your eyes to the whole world of creative soap making.

The ‘Successful Creative SoapMakers’ chapter contains interviews with well-known successful soapmakers and pioneers in the soapmaking industry. This concept has never been included before in past soapmaking books. You can read how these popular soapmakers got started in the craft, how they got into soap-related businesses and their thoughts for the future for our beloved craft. Interviews include: Catherine Failor, Milky Way Molds; Sandy Maine, SunFeather Natural Soap Company, Inc.; Anne-Marie Faiola, Bramble Berry, Inc.; Donna Maria Coles Johnson, Indie Beauty Network; Irene Linauer, Irene’s House of Soap and Kayla Fioravanti, Essential Wholesale.

The book also includes a great resource section that will help you in further soap making studies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why Make Soap?
The Basics of Soap Making
Cold Process Soap Making Instructions
Soap Recipes (in standard U.S. and metric measurements)
A Guide to Soap Making Oils
Sundry Details
Recent Soap History
Successful Creative Soap Makers
The Basics and Beyond
Resource Section

About the Author

Elin Criswell is a fourth-generation Texas soapmaker of Swedish descent. Her Mom’s old-fashioned soap was a fixture in their household when she was growing up and she still cherishes her Mom’s old washboard.

She loves to talk soap to all and any who will listen and especially enjoys teaching the soap making craft to others. Her interest in writing predates her interest in soap making. She has written soap making articles that have been published in Hill Country Magazine and in online newsletters.

Her other favorite activities include amateur photography, long country drives and greeting the sunrise with coffee cup in hand.

She lives in Central Texas with the love of her life, her husband Danny, and their children. They live out in the country, away from her city roots.

You can find the book at her website,  The Country Soaper.