Comments about our 2-Day Soap Making Boot Camp
“It was a great time and I can’t wait to come back…had a blast! Learned so much!” – Vivian
“Wanted to add new aspect to my gift business experience. Love natural & US made products & hand crafted. I believe it’s a positive “selling” experience! All really knowledgeable & great to learn from. Patient & answered all questions Wonderful group of instructors that inspire and teach and share everything they know to help you start a new hoppy or business” – Anne Shay
“Very Informative and knowledgeable teachers. I like that we were able to experience David’s casual approach on the last day. Lori and her staff were very accommodating from hotel to classes. Everything as easy and centrally located. Staff knew their stuff! I have been motivated and educated!” – Laura Murphy
“Each teacher explained a bit more based on their experience. I enjoyed teaching styles and all the information. I liked everything. I’m excited to go home and try some of everything. Haven’t done hot process so that is what brought me here. Great learning environment, very knowledgeable!” – Brook Lund
“All very helpful! So fun & informative, thank you!” – Cheryl
“Lori Nova’s 2-day Soap Making Boot Camp is and absolute delight! This class was the most comprehensive, well taught class in the Bay Area to my knowledge, with instructions for beginners, as well as information for the experienced soap maker. Visitors will get to see the entire soap making process for themselves, and learn basic natural soap making that anyone with good equipment, ingredients and common sense can do. I have a high praise for Lori and her teaching, and the beautiful studio that she teaches in. I have learned far more by enrolling in this class than I had expected at first and I have been given the tools and confidence to pursue soap making on my own. Thank You Very Much, Lori!!” – Vashuda
"I wanted to tell you again how great the soap making bootcamp was this weekend! All 3 of you were great and I'm really glad I was there. Having absolutely no soap making knowledge before this weekend, I now feel totally confident that I can do this and am eagerly awaiting a few more supplies arriving so that I can mix up my first batch!" - Lisa Day
"I really enjoyed the variety of information offered. I wanted 'live' demonstrations versus book learning. I feel I have a better understanding & confidence. I really like the record keeping sheets for keeping track of what you did with what recipe. If I lived here, I would take a lot more classes! The boot camp was full of terrific information presented in a very friendly & organized format with no secrets. I so loved the enthusiasm & passion the instructors have for their trade. I love the freedom of experimentation & encouragement given." - Dawn Westrich
"I've never made soap or really learned much about it, so wanted the opportunity to learn as much as possible at once. I really liked the Hot Process soap & the info about dividing & dying the soap batches with Ruth. Two days is great! It feels like a lot of in-depth information, but it's not too much. It's fun hearing the ideas & experiences of all 3 teachers who have different styles. It makes for a great balance. Ruth's class was fun because we got to see her make so many different types of soaps & designs in 1 day. Beyond thet eachers, I think the class is great because of all the people in the class whom I can network with or learn from. I got a ton of information & feel like I now know enough to make it on my own & experiement." - Lisa Day
"Enjoyed your class very much. I very much liked the styles of soaps made. The amount of information was just right for a two day class." - Carlos Amezcua
"Absolutely wonderful class! Lori knows her stuff and has so many tricks and tips that are wonderful whether you are just interested or looking to get more serious. I had so much fun, and it was well worth the money!" - Susan Williams
"Take Lori's classes! They are excellent!" - Cecilia Munguia (New York)
"I am very glad I decided to take this class. I am now so excited to go back home and get started! Thanks for a well put together boot camp. I will be glad to come back for more." - Florence Olamiguke
"The amount of information in this class would have been overwhelming if not for the fabulous, well organized packet of handouts. This way I get to keep everything I learned!" - Jan Marie Silvera
"If you ever want to learn how to do it the right way attend the 2-day boot camp with Lori!" - Sharon Beaudoin
"I knew nothing about soap making, and now I feel like I can go home and start. Thank you for the lye calculator!" - Nancy Roberts
"I was skeptical of using lye in making soap, but after taking this class I am confident that I can start making soap on my own." - N. Williams
"This is absolutely the best soap class! It's the best return on your investment if you are thinking about starting a soap business!" - Ana Chassoul
"Lori and David's experience and knowledge were quite evident. I have learned so many useful tips that I feel confident enough to try out at home. Definitely a must-take course for beginner and advanced soapers alike!" - Anonymous
"What a lovely way to learn this craft! It's such a darling studio brimming with useful information and fun, informative experiences." - Beth Liebetrau
"This is my second time attending a class at The Nova Studio. I enjoyed it so much that I signed up for another class! Thank you for offering such a true and unique experience." - Sue Waters
"This was a very detailed class for anyone interested in making soap. A lot of hands-on up-close viewing of the whole process, safety precautions, and various teachers. Such an excellent class with great resources and samples to take home." - Karen Soike
"Lori's passion and love of soapmaking is evident in her boot camp classes. She shares her knowledge with energy, skill, and enthusiasm. Thank you!" - Denaige Shanks
"I loved this class. I am not new to soap making, but I learned a lot. I appreciated the chance to purchase the tools that Lori demonstrated. The 2-day exposure to other soapers is stimulating and inspiring." - Janey Davies
"This was money well-spent! If only I lived closer and could take classes more often!" - Carol Tann
"I really appreciated Lori's style of teaching. I feel very equipped and even prepared to experiment some!" - Teresa Skinner
"This course was so much fun and full of information. I just can't wait to get back home to try all this out!" - Leon Sol
"The boot camp is very informative, and there's enough information given to allow you to make your own soaps with confidence. The studio is a comfortable, very friendly environment!" - Anna Coyle
"I liked being able to see the process first hand, rather than having it explained in a book. It helped to have my first experience working around lye in a classroom situation, rather than trying to make my first batch of soap at home alone.” - Mardi Gagilo
"Lori of The Nova Studio is very thorough and shows lots of different techniques for soap making. I feel very confident in making my own soap." - Toushonta Hogan
"Lori and David are very knowledgeable. They do not leave out important steps needed for success. Truly this boot camp is a great starting point to get you on a path of success. It was well worth the money!" - Lisa D. Postell
"The Nova Studio classes are highly recommended. The teachers are knowledgeable and helpful with whatever concerns you may have. I left satisfied and anxious to put my new skills to use. Thank you!" - Emily Poole
"The weekend was extremely informative. I really feel that i can go and make beautiful soap!" - Leslie Hornlike
"The boot camp was well worth the 6 hour drive! This class made it easy to understand the process of making soap." - Czar P.
"This thorough class has given me the confidence to being soaping both CP and HP processes and the knowledge of materials and behaviors that I learned was excellent." - P. Leis
"This 2-Day boot camp is a fantastic way to overcome your fears of working with the dreaded lye! Both Lori and David shared some great techniques: Lori on how to work with smaller, more controlled batches, and David on how to manage the colossal slab. A great class for intermediate soapers." - Stacy Young
"I really enjoyed the bootcamp! I learned so much about the process and supplies need. I was really nervous about using lye, and now I'll be much more confident! Thanks!" - Britt Sandkulla-Sinclair
"You may not be able to have “hands-on” in this class; but for 'freshman'
in the soap making business, you will appreciate what you will experience in this 'intensive' camp. Not only you do you get to know soap making step by step, you also get to know hot process versus cold process soap making method." - Anne
"This class was the greatest. I can't tell you how great the soap made in this class was. It was really exciting seeing it come out of the mold." - Emily Stone
"I live 2,500 miles away, but this boot camp was worth every mile! The knowledge I am taking back with me is invaluable. I feel like I read every soap book out there in one weekend, except Lori masterfully unscrambled what otherwise would have been confusing. I now have no fear and feel capable!" - Amy Alago
"Lori and David did an excellent job in teaching the class. I am so glad I took the class before making my first batch of soap! I am much more knowledgeable in the basics and the many different ways it can be done." - Kristen Hussey
"With so many classes being offered in soap making I feel my time and investment was wisely used. I'm looking forward to returning and taking more classes. Thank you for your dedication in teaching others your knowledge in soap making!" - Elizabeth Trevino
"I didn't know anything about making soap, but now that I have spent two days observing, I can't wa itt o go home and begin to make my own!" - Donna Beckman
"This was a great two-day program! David and Lori did a great job teaching me all about the basics of cold process, hot process, and big batch soap making. Both were incredibly knowledgeable and probably have saved me from some bumps and knocks starting out. I'm ready to dive right in! Thank you!" - Katherine Levy
"I loved the boot camp! It was everything I had hoped for and more." - Julie Peace
"Thank you Lori for all your time and preparation for the intensive. Before the intensive, I had no idea how to make cold process soap from scratch. But now I feel confident to get in there and make my own soap! Thanks again for focusing on essential oils and all natural ingredients as well!" - Jessica Fetzner
"It's so great to have such expert instruction! I loved seeing the how's and why's and final results of all the batches made. This boot camp was well worth the time and the money!" - Angie Fielder
"This course gave me a lot of confidence that I can start making soap on my own. I learned a tremendous amount about so many aspects of this process and feel that I have also heard of lot of 'lessons learned!'" - Patricia Hendershot
"Lori's classes are well worth the traveling to point Richmond, no matter where you are. She's a great teacher and generous with her knowledge." - Alison
"Lori was an extremely informative and concise instructor. I truly enjoyed learning from her. David was very informative, and his big batch was gorgeous." - Kaitana Q.
"The 2-Day Boot Camp was the perfect introduction to CP and HP soap making. I now have the confidence I need to get going in my own kitchen. The inspiration I've gotten from these courses and from talking with the other participants will be invaluable to my new hobby/business!" - Rebecca Present-Thomas
"I love Lori! She is a book of knowledge and in depth and informative with her answers. She is real and funny!" - Lisa Curran
"Officially the best soap classes in the universe!" - Jing Jing Wang
"This class really helped me visualize the soap making process. Just reading books would not have made me confidant. I left the class feeling very confidant in my ability to make soap. Thanks!" -Tiffany Lawson
"Lori's class really takes the mystery out of soap making. Your imagination will be stimulated about all the different types of soap you can create." - Tom Folks
"For a year now, I have been playing with M&P soap making. I now have the confidence and the inspiration to take on the new challenge of Cp and even HP soap making!" - Janice
"This was a great intensive for anyone wanting to learn soapmaking. I picked up lots of little tips that will be so helpful!" - Sharon DeRose
What did you like best about the 2-Day Soap Boot Camp?
“Interactive classroom approach! Openness of tried and true recipes, experience and knowledge from Lori’s perspective and other soap makers.” - Cathryn
“Very focused on one special product with different techniques to achieve. Much information and knowledge has been given.” - Jennifer
“Getting valuable information from the instructors’ experience which is not in any soap-making book out there.” - Lulu Wu
“Hands-on learning, seeing the finished product, the size of the class.” - Sue Waters
“Relaxed atmosphere conducive to learning and the freedom to ask questions, take pictures and really get all you can out of this boot camp.” - Anonymous
Anonymous 2-Day Soap Boot Camp Comments:
“I would like to sell soap & this is the only place in the area that teaches this. The basics-can’t get enough of that! I love everything, can’t think of anything to improve the bootcamp! This was a nice introduction to soap making and I love my handouts and all of the resource information!"
“David’s class was truly the best yet! David should be kept for as long as possible!"
“Lori is an excellent teacher who is filled with tons and tons of knowledge. I learned a lot from this class.”
“David Critchfield who taught us the ‘Big Batch” soap making is also an excellent teacher who has a wealth of knowledge in this field.”
"Each class I take teaches me more. It seems taht there's always something new for me to learn from the Nova Studio! This class has challenged me to be more creative!"
“I liked everything! What seemed to be a complex process was made very simple.”
"I learn more with each class - always something new that I didn’t know before. This class will help challenge me to be creative!"
"Everything! Everything was so much fun and I enjoyed the vast knowledge of info about every aspect of soapmaking that was discussed. Great way to spend a weekend!"
"It was great to see all the variations of soap – colors, blending, styles etc. Terrific to meet others with the same enthusiasm and passion about soap."
"Trying experiments in controlled environment was good for students of more advanced levels. Shows creative aspects and troubleshooting considerations."
"I enjoyed the classes very much. Unknown points that were unclear became more clear. I am now ready to explore further and create more complicated soap with artistic touches."
"The explanation of knowledge. Both were great at answering questions and were honest if there was something that was not known. Both mental and visual knowledge were achieved."
"Jokes kept me interested. Great knowledge of subject. Fun. Gave options on how to personally make soap work for you."
"The combination of different ways of making soap was amazing. The students enriched the class with the comments, and I loved all the opportunities we had to learn! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It was well worth the trip and the weekend!" (Mexico City)
