1st time soapmaking

[lelah.livejournal.com]

I recently got into the idea of making soap and I am a little scared by the process. Can anyone suggest a beginner's how-to tutorial for me? I read this blog all the time, but they are so good, they are too advanced for me! http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/ (I mean, look at the pirate soap if you scroll down! Whoa!). Do you think melt-and-pour is the easiest way? What would you suggest for the next step? I want to take baby steps, I am a little afraid of chemicals. I think if I gradually work up to them, I will be okay. What do you all you soapers think?