The Editor

Hi! My name is Debbie Chialtas.  I have been a soap crafter for five years.  My background is in Fashion Design, with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University.  Fashion plays an important role in my own soap crafting, and my interest in trends and design culture is as strong as ever.

I own Soapylove, a fun and bright line of soaps and body products, and keep busy with soap design, blogging, teaching, and publishing my eZine.  The Art of Soap is actually my second book.  You can find "Soapylove", from North Light Books here.

I enjoy showing people just how interesting soapmaking is.  It's a subculture of its own with an extremely diverse community.  Soapmakers pull inspiration from so many places: religion, environmental awareness, their heritage, children, and even food.

In The Art of Soap I wish to represent a little of everything: Philosophy, Inspiration, Technique, and Presentation.  Artisans from all over the world have contributed their work and personal stories to the book.  With Erin Pikor's stunning photography, it will be a feast for the eyes and inspiring to read.    

I hope you will join me on my journey to publish this book and pick up a copy! 

Thank you so much!
Debbie