I promised to show some soap making books
from my vast collection of books in general so here they are!
I have more but these are what I
regard as my favorites.
'Crafting Soap at Home' by Mike Hulbert
'handmade soap' by Tatyana Hill and
'Aromatherapy Soapmaking' by Elizabeth Wright .
The first two feature beautiful and inspiring photographs
with a bounty of wonderful recipes while the latter
is a more practical book, simply explained and easy to read.
All three give great advice and safety tips and are
enough to get you in the mood to start creating!
Most people are keen to make soap but once they
are aware of the procedures involved they
back off from taking the challenge.
As for myself, the challenge is half the fun,
and when you see the fruits of your labour
it's something you can be proud of.

A plate of turmeric and rolled oats... how interesting
I hear you say! Well ,they are, when added to my home made
soap, and today I thought I would share with you this favourite

past-time of mine!
I've been making hand-made soap for the family for
the past 7 years. As I'm vegetarian, my soap doesn't
contain animal products and they are based entirely on vegetable oils.
The soap I made on this day contained rolled oats, olive and coconut oil,
hemp seed oil and the essential oils of
Lemongrass and Orange.
Soapmaking can be hazardous though I warn you,
due to the use of caustic soda.
But with a good book and the right equipment,
it is a very satisfying hobby. I used to sell soap at the local market
and many people remarked on how gentle and luxurious they felt on the
skin - in particular those with sensitive and troubled skin-
that's a great compliment.

The batch just poured into the mould.
A teaspoon of Turmeric added for color and a marbled effect.....

....and the final bars of soap.
These will take another six weeks to cure before
they will be safe to use.
So there you have it -
handmade Lemongrass and Orange Vegetable Oil Soap
-a la Andrea!