Soap Crafting Book Recipe Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

Bramble Berry has always been one of my favorite soap supply companies. When I first started making soap, I learned so much from Bramble Berry and owner Anne-Marie Faiola's Soap Queen blog and youtube videos. I watched so many Soap Queen videos that I and my family had the theme song stuck in our heads.  Heck, "glop" is practically a household word in our home. 

In addition to watching tons of videos, I learned to make soap from reading many soap-making books. I loved these books and learned the essentials of soap making, but they always lacked something. I learned recipes and technique, but what was missing was the artistry involved with soap-making.

As an artistic person, what I love so immensely about soap-making is that it engages all my senses. I love the swirling, the gradients, and the color combinations, all while making something that smells fantastic that I can give to loved ones as a gift that I made. 

Until now, I have not been able to find a book that embraces both the technique and artistry of soap-making.

 In her new book  Soap Crafting, Anne-Marie not only provides all the soap making basics, but also techniques, such as the Mantra Swirl, Funnel Pour, Gradients, Linear Swirls and many others. These are all the things I wanted to learn as a beginner, but could never find in book. Soap Crafting includes recipes for natural colorants as well as fun, bright colors with micas, Lab Colors and oxides.

Where was this book when I started making soap? I would recommend this book to anyone who makes soap. It is equally appropriate for the novice soap maker or the advanced artisan who wants to try some new, more complex techniques. 

When I was contacted about making a recipe from Anne Marie's new book, I was thrilled! I have been anticipating the release of this book for months.

A few weeks ago, I was provided everything needed to make the Calendula Cleansing Bar.

This recipe challenged me to do a few things I had never done before: Using Calendula petals as an additive in 3 different ways in one soap (Calendula petals infused in sweet almond oil, added to the batter and then used on the top for added aesthetic appeal!).

The recipe was easy to follow and the bars turned out amazing! The recipe only uses 2 oils, sweet almond oil and olive oil, so it is extremely gentle on the skin. The Calendua petals also act as a gentle cleanser that is perfect for those with sensitive skin, maturing skin or young skin.

Here are some photos from my soap making session:

After the infusion, I used cheese cloth and a strainer to remove the Calendula petals.
This oil added a beautiful, natural yellow color to my finished soap.

Ready to get started,. I have everything I need! On a side not, this 10"
silicone loaf mold sold by Bramble Berry is awesome!

Blending!

After I reached light trace, I added some of the Calendula petals.

Pouring!

The final step was to add the remaining Calendula petals to the top of the soap. Naturally beautiful!

The cut bars look and smells incredible. Everyone who sees this bar loves it!

This bar is scented with Lemongrass essential oil and smells divine! This is the perfect bar for those that don't want artificial colors or fragrances. It is also the perfect choice for people with sensitive skin. I will definitely be making this recipe again!

Please check out these other blogger who have also made recipes from Soap Crafting!

http://oilandbutter.blogspot.com/

http://soapandrestless.blogspot.com/

http://www.greatcakessoapworks.com/handmade-soap-blog/

http://craftsanity.com/

http://lustercanyon.blogspot.com/

Giveaway!!! 

Please follow me and leave a comment and I will randomly draw someone to win the new Soap Crafting book (can only mailed to U.S)! You must enter by 10 p.m. PST., Sunday, September 1st. The second place winner will receive a free bar of this amazing soap!