Comments from David Critchfield's Students

Comments on Big Batch Soap Making (in the 2-Day Soap Making Boot Camp)

"I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you sharing what you've learned in your years of experience making soap. Your part of the boot camp I took back in March was by far my favorite and what I learned has changed everything about the way i make soap." - Michelle Adams

“Most knowledgeable, funny, upbeat, teacher. He’s very informative. What a great, great class for advanced students.” - Gale Heath

“David was funny and took things slow when he was explaining his process. He was a great teacher.” - Lauree

“I liked all the demonstrations, the oil information, the buckets and squirrel cage blender.” - Marie Mason

“I liked learning new tricks and the simplicity of his tools.” - Kathryn Holdforth

“Good tips. Small class size is great for focusing on individual needs.” - Karen Lian

“Great tips. Instructor was interesting and funny.” - Diana DeRego

“Lots of good gems and great insights. Fun, informative class.” - Carol DeRego

"I had a great time in the advanced soap class on Saturday we were definitely having fun while learning. I thought David had some great information and tips to share. I thought the discussion on the label value vs. soap making value of oils was especially interesting. His insights on marketing and packaging were also great. Please pass along my thanks to him for a great class. Being able to chat with the other soapmakers was an added bonus. It was fun to have a chance to compare methods and stories. Hopefully, some of the same group will be around for your next gathering. Or maybe there will be a soap only gathering at some point. Thanks for another awesome class." - Nami Teramoto

"I really liked Dave's laid back approach - learning about the piano wire cutter was very cool!! Very informative class - no nonsense!." - Ellen Jaworski

"Hi Lori! I enjoyed both classes today......your CP class teaches the basics so very thoroughly in an easy to comprehend manner and takes the fear out of working with lye. I appreciated that you taught us to be cautious and careful and organized. The advanced class was good to have so quickly following the first class as I could compare everything you taught us in relation to what David teaches utilizing the shortcuts and rule-breaking that he uses in his soapmaking business. The questions from people in the second class who are actively making soap were interesting and informative. Some of them are making soap to sell and David was able to address specific concerns of theirs that if I make enough soap, I'll be happy to have heard about! Thank you for the Nova Studio and the variety of classes that you offer. It's the best part of my visits home!!!"
- Mary Still

"I thought the advanced cold process soap making class was wonderful. David was a pleasure to take a class from very good personality! Thanks again. Your studio is awesome!!!!" - Pamm Reed

"I really loved the (cold process) advanced class. David's "try it and see what happens" attitude has made me braver in my soaping experiments. I also love just getting together with other soapers to hear what they are doing. What works, what doesn't. It's a really fun thing for me. And I get so many great ideas. Thanks." - Nell Berens

"The advanced cp soap class with Dave was great. I learned a lot of new info, and had other things learned in past classes reinforced and remembered. That's a great combination. Thanks again!"
- Debbie Keller

"I had a great time in the Advanced Soapmaking class -- David was a hoot and a holler and I am ready to move my production to larger capacity." - Lucija K. H.

"Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed yesterday's classes. Even though making CP soap (particularly a 35 pound batch) is a way off, David's class was very informative." - Linda Cary

More Anonymous From Survey... What did you like most about this class?
"The large amount of soap I can make and how smart & crafty the teacher is."
"Information on selling, large batch tips and soap cutting."
"How to make and cut a large batch of soap"
"Learning about the different oils."
"The teacher was relaxed, humorous and knowledgeable."
"The increased knowledge and ability to mix this information w/Lori's CP class."
"The honesty, willingness to answer questions and the other people in the class."
“David had good responses to the questions we asked. Also liked the practical, no-nonsense approach to soap-making.”
“Lots of insight provided on ways to save money – alternative oils, handmade molds, etc; great advice on going into business.”
“David was very easy going and very knowledgeable about the different oils used in soap-making. He was very eager and open about sharing his experiences in soap-making.”
“David is a very friendly, knowledgeable instructor. I learned a lot about making large batches of soap.”
"The demonstration was different than any CP process I had seen previously. I liked the fact that it showed another successful way to make soap. Very informative - David really knows his stuff! I really enjoyed this class."

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Comments on Make Your Own Melt & Pour Soap Base (aka Transparent Soap Making)
(NOTE: this class is now taught by Jen Grimes)

“David cleared up the transparent melt and pour soap making, and you can actually use David’s recipe to make a melt and pour base.” - Jah King

“Learning about re-melting and pouring soap into molds was very entertaining and fun.” - George Lolly

“David explained everything in the allotted time, and taught how not to contaminate sorbitol. He knows it all! It was great that he allowed us to get up close to the process.” - Dennis Olarte

“I loved David’s demonstration, the explanations of how the class evolved and the competitive analysis showing what other companies are doing and how they formulate clear soap bases. I have so many things to go investigate. This is a fantastic inspiration to start tinkering and it feels much safer than alcohol-based soapmaking.” - Jen Grimes

“I loved learning about melt and pour and the characteristics of whole oils.” - Anonymous

“David made the Melt & Pour from Scratch process easy to understand.” - Anonymous

“Melt & Pour from Scratch was one of the easiest classes I’ve taken here. David is so knowledgeable in this subject.” - Anonymous

“David is very skilled and professional in the Melt & Pour from Scratch subject. I love this class very much.” - Anonymous

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Comments on Liquid Soap Making
(NOTE: this class is now taught by Jen Grimes)

“Enjoyed David’s charismatic style of teaching. Got a lovely bottle of soap!” – Joanne Petersen

“I liked seeing it done and what it books like. Also, getting tips especially the SAP valves of KAOH and accommodating for the impurity of the KAOH.” – Kathryn Holdforth

“Easy-going style. Very knowledgeable and friendly. He shared his mistakes so we cold learn from them! I love taking classes here – all instructors are great! I wish I lived closer to take more classes!” – Donna Beckman

“David is so funny – it was a great class.” – Roni Seabury

“I liked to learn the little tricks that are from David’s own experience.” – Lulu Wu

“Not too complicated. Easy to understand. The instructor responded well to questions and had a great sense of humor.” - Tricia Farrar

“He was very honest about what making liquid soap would be like, the time , commitment, the end products. Loved Dave’s energy. I feel ready to try it on my own.” – Debbie Clausen

“David was very knowledgeable – feels like le loves this craft and has been doing it for years. He seems to know the chemistry quite well. I liked his relaxed and straightforward style.” – Lisa Hoffman

“Class was informal and informative at the same time. He managed the instruction and our questions without loosing his place in the lecture, and finished on time!” – Muslimah Alabi

“I liked the way David was able to answer questions, very interesting class. Looking forward to next class.” – Russel Roderick

“Fun! Lots of information.” – Laura Richards

“David kept me amused and alert. He was very helpful in answering questions.” - Melanie Bradley

“I appreciated the teacher’s laid back nature and being involved in a friendly soap making environment.” - Denise Mason

"Dave's extensive knowledge about soap making and his ability to cut through all the hype about what is good and bad about the ingredients was great. Excellent, fun class!" - Jane Robbins

"David provided exceptional information and was willing to answer any and all questions that came up. It was wonderful taking this class from such an experience soaper." - Nadine Laurent

"I really enjoyed the class and did not feel rushed. I liked the casualness, making quality soap, seeing the equipment used, and the sharing of information." - Priscilla Watts

“David did a great job of ‘de-mystifying’ the liquid soap process. He always has such a straight-forward approach to his classes.” - Janice King