Hello, I just made my very first batch of soap last week, and it will be ready to use in 3-4 weeks. I am a homebrewer, and at the end of the brew day I have so much spent grain leftover I was looking for ways to use it instead of throwing it away. I came across an article where a homebrewer used the grains as an exfoliate in hand made soap. I figured I've never made soap before, so I'll give it a try. So far I like it! I bought a book called Soap Crafting by Anne-Marie Faiola, and I'm still reading it. Does anyone have any suggestions for good books for beginners?