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