Natural Soap by Melinda Coss, focuses on using natural ingredients in soap making, and the soaps within the book could not look more beautiful. Whether you are looking for an introduction to the art of soap making, or are experienced, this book and it’s wonderful recipes will have you ordering Sodium Hydroxide faster than you can say it.
Soap making is thought of as being technically difficult and a little on the dangerous side of crafting. However, with Melinda’s wealth of experience, she has perfected a cold process method which simplifies soap making. The book majors on this method and the techniques section is comprehensive and understandable.
The beginning of the book focuses on the required ingredients, and the method of making soap, and yes, there is a lot of information, but it’s necessary stuff. Diving into the actual recipes themselves should be enough to persuade you that getting through the technical sections will be worth it. There is no denying that the ingredients will have to be specifically sourced, but there is a thorough section at the back of the book for sources especially those in the UK.
The photographs and styling are stunning, seductive to the potential soap maker. Each recipe, and there are over 40, has suggestions for variations and packaging. Here at CoolCrafting, we like that.
I didn’t expect there to be other product types included in the book, but along with traditional Bar soaps and Liquid soaps, there is a great section on Creams, Balms, Whips & Melts.
On my soap making list are Fig & Honey, Laurus Nobilis, and Bollywood. The heavy creams such as Sleeping Beauty sound like the perfect antidote to the oncoming Northern winter, and I love the idea of Flower Milk. With a little forward planning I could be growing some of the ingredients for my very own soaps and creams from my very own garden – could it be more satisfying!
I particularly like the fact there is an emphasis on building a business around your soap making. Many crafters enjoy their hobbies so much, they would love to make a living out of it. Melinda has some great advise, some of it tough love, about starting up, and more helpful information if you decide it could be for you.
In summary, this is a seductive book, which gives enough information for the beginner (that would be me, then) to start soap making, and enough inspiration for the experienced soap maker to take their hobby to a business level. Natural Soap by Melinda Coss is published by New Holland Publishers and is available to buy here as well as at other bookstores.