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Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea in Bexley (Kent) - Easy access from London

5(74 reviews)
Learn all the essentials of how to make luxurious, fragrant soaps, for home, gifts to wow your friends and family, or as an aspiring entrepreneur.
Bexley
In-person
£145 pp
5hrs
Beginner
Next available date:18th May 2024
What happens in this class?

Paula, the award-winning founder of Old Bexley Soap Company, is a member of the UK Guild of Craft Soap and Toiletry Makers, has years of experience making the finest of soaps, and you will be in expert hands. She will take you through the traditional cold process soap, step by step, and you’ll leave with 8 luxury palm-oil free soaps you have made from scratch.

You’ll be in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We finish with a delicious Afternoon Tea.

Many of our students have gone on to do our Soap and Cosmetics Compliance Course, deepening their…

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Things to remember

The course includes all ingredients, the use of soap making and protective equipment as well as refreshments and afternoon tea. You’ll take home a selection of soaps that you’ve made yourself, a beginners recipe and a comprehensive course handout. Most importantly you’ll have the confidence to make…

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Latest Reviews
5(74 reviews)
undefined - 24 March 2024
The beginners soap making day was a great event. Although it is called a beginners course, it was aimed at both students who want to start a business as well as those there just for fun. We learned the basic chemistry behind the soap making process as well as the practical skills needed to make bars of soap. Each person left with six bars of soap, all of which were unique to the student, because the variety of colours and perfumes available to choose from was very varied. There were nine students on the day that I attended and each was there for a different reason. The way Laura led the class, each person was treated equally and all questions were answered regardless of whether they were asked by someone there just for fun, or someone thinking about a new career. I really enjoyed my day and would highly recommend this course. Tea, coffee and other drinks were readily available and the "Afternoon Tea" lunch was most enjoyable. Thank you Laura
Laura Fernández - 17 March 2024
Paula is a passionate expert, very knowledgeable in the art of making soap. She could answer any question and offered advice and help to the different needs of the attendees. Paula is very friendly and generous with her time. She explained all the process step by step, informed us about the properties of the many essential oils, clays and the many different substances that she had available to make our personalised soap. It was not only a very valuable training to start making my own soap at home but a really enjoyable day that included a lovely lunch. I will definitely try another workshop with Paula.
Katarzyna Sosnowy - 2 March 2024
Great atmosphere nice experience lovely people
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Booking Options
5hrs workshop1 class
from £145
Private BookingFor groups of 6 to 50 guests
£144
Book for a large groupAre you looking for a large group/private event?

Obby Guarantee

We ensure quality. If your class doesn't reach your expectations, we'll give your money back.
Obby guarantees good classes

Age Requirement

18

Flexible cancellation policy

Any class can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
Your Teacher

Paula , founder of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. is a member of the Guild of Craft Soap and Toiletry Makers in the UK and has extensive experience in soap and candle making. She is passionate about natural skin care and luxury fragrances and enjoys sharing her soap and candle making passion with others.

Class Location
Freemantle Hall Bexley (Next to The Kings Head Pub)
Bexley
Bexley High Street
DA5 1AA
Bexley

Reviews

undefined - 24 March 2024
The beginners soap making day was a great event. Although it is called a beginners course, it was aimed at both students who want to start a business as well as those there just for fun. We learned the basic chemistry behind the soap making process as well as the practical skills needed to make bars of soap. Each person left with six bars of soap, all of which were unique to the student, because the variety of colours and perfumes available to choose from was very varied. There were nine students on the day that I attended and each was there for a different reason. The way Laura led the class, each person was treated equally and all questions were answered regardless of whether they were asked by someone there just for fun, or someone thinking about a new career. I really enjoyed my day and would highly recommend this course. Tea, coffee and other drinks were readily available and the "Afternoon Tea" lunch was most enjoyable. Thank you Laura
Laura Fernández - 17 March 2024
Paula is a passionate expert, very knowledgeable in the art of making soap. She could answer any question and offered advice and help to the different needs of the attendees. Paula is very friendly and generous with her time. She explained all the process step by step, informed us about the properties of the many essential oils, clays and the many different substances that she had available to make our personalised soap. It was not only a very valuable training to start making my own soap at home but a really enjoyable day that included a lovely lunch. I will definitely try another workshop with Paula.
Katarzyna Sosnowy - 2 March 2024
Great atmosphere nice experience lovely people
Natasha Bramble - 6 February 2024
This course is incredible and covers everything you need to know about making cold process soap. Paula is very generous with her skills and happy to share lots of information to help you make the best soaps possible. As well as a great sandwich lunch with a creamy scone, we came away with approx £80 worth of hand made soap. I think this course is easily the best available and great value for money.
Lorna Chalk - 28 January 2024
I really enjoyed the beginners soap making course. I've been buying hand made soaps on my local farmers market for a while, but thought I'd like to try making them myself. Paula is a great teacher, she generously shares her knowledge and it's a very hands on course giving you the confidence to try it at home. Her handouts are very comprehensive, and the afternoon tea was delicious!
Susan Curry - 28 January 2024
Fantastic day! Paula and assistant were so informative and very helpful with all the process. I would highly recommend this course. Great presentation skills. Extremely good value for money and lovely lunch included. I will be back for another course.
Janet Boots - 11 December 2023
I had a fabulous day very interesting and enjoyable, Paula is such a lovely lady as all the others people who where at the course , nice lunch . I learnt a lot from the course
AGNIESZKA KOSACZ - 19 November 2023
What a fantastic workshop :) Paula is a very knowledgeable in the field and knows how to teach it in an easy way. We made 8 big bars of soap which we took home. We also had a nice home made lunch there too. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
Joanne Cole - 19 November 2023
The soap making course was fabulous. Thoroughly enjoyed learning about the science behind the practical skills we were taught to make 8 super soaps to our own essential oils blend and design. A friendly mixture of attendees and Paula was wonderfully warm and thorough. Lovely homemade afternoon tea too. Would highly recommend and intend to sign up for more courses 👍
Emily Jazayeri - 13 November 2023
Absolutely loved the course, can’t wait to sign up to some other ones. ❤️
Vanessa Bryant - 12 November 2023
A great day course and introduction to a new skill. Paula is informative, knowledgeable, helpful and very friendly, and the group size was just right. Enough practical work to gain confidence, and plenty of products to create our own recipes. The day finishes with a great afternoon tea/lunch, fresh, tasty and plentiful.
Ann-Cherie Holgersson - 22 October 2023
This was my second course with Paula and it was a fun and informative day! I learned lots and will not hesitate to go back for more courses. We made beautiful soap from scratch , with a generous choice of additives and fragrance. She explained the process of cold process soap in detail and all questions answered. Highly recommend the Old Bexley courses!
Heather Brown - 30 September 2023
The day was informative and fun. Paula took us through all the steps, explaining everything thoroughly. Her and her assistant made us a cream tea, which was the perfect end to a lovely day. I would recommend this course .
Adam Harper - 26 September 2023
This is a great introduction to soap making. Paula is super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Would thoroughly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn the basics of soap making and the chemistry behind it.
Rosaura Abdelkader - 26 September 2023
I am pleased to have attended this course, I learned a lot, and it was a nice experience to meet new people with the same passion for making soaps. Thank you Paola and Rosa for such wonderful experience.
Gillian Bunn - 25 September 2023
Excellent course with an excellent teacher Paula. She is very knowledgeable about her craft and is only too smart l asked to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with her students, past and present. A must have treat for business or pleasure. We will definitely be booking another course. A*
Tracy Spree - 24 September 2023
I absolutely loved the course, the day was great I felt I learned so much, Paula you are so helpful and explained things so well and I can’t wait to come on another of your courses, I’m so excited to be able to make my own soaps. The afternoon tea was delicious. I would recommend to anyone if you are thinking of doing this course then do it you will have such a good day, 10/10 from me.
Kate James - 24 September 2023
Thanks so much Paula - I had the best day & learnt so much! The day flew by and was so much fun and genuinely useful. Looking forward to carrying on making more soaps at home with all the new knowledge and advice I now have to guide me!
Beverley Baxendine - 24 September 2023
A lovely day, fun, informative, well paced, and a good afternoon tea to follow
Seny Nas - 24 September 2023
I learned so much in this class and looking forward to have one to one for business class
Katy Alldred - 27 July 2023
Fascinating class lead by someone who is passionate about the subject and incredibly knowledgeable. You leave the class itching to get started with creating your own soaps. Would highly recommend.
Gizella Andrei - 22 July 2023
I dis enjoy making soaps 🧼 and the end I liked the fantastic sandwiches.. ☺️ Thank you !
Kay Verge - 26 June 2023
Excellent day. Good venue, Paula was a great tutor and very knowledgeable. Lovely day to meet new people and learn a new skill. Would recommend.
Tracy Coates - 22 June 2023
I have now attended the beginners candle making and soap making course and would thoroughly recommend them. Paula is very knowledgeable and you come away from the course confident to try yourself at home. Afternoon tea at the end of the day is delicious!
Joanne Storey - 19 June 2023
Excellent soap making course run by the very friendly and knowledgeable Paula. Everything is provided in a safe comfortable and relaxed setting. Paula has a wealth of knowledge which she is keen to share and will answer any question you have. We came away with 8 large bars of beautifully smelling pretty soap. Afternoon tea afterwards was delicious and also gave an opportunity for everyone to discuss the process etc. I would highly recommend this course. You are not only learning to make soap but going deeper into the rules and regulations of selling if that is what you want to do.
Patrick Murphy - 18 June 2023
The soap making course was fantastic. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day making my soap. Paula’s enthusiasm for the craft was truly inspiring. She talked us through the process step by step, enabling us to confidently make our own first batch. I had a lot of fun blending the essential oils and adding various ingredients to my soap. The end result was very pleasing. I would definitely recommend the course to friends and family.
Arron Guy - 18 June 2023
I would highly recommend The Old Bexley Soap Co. soap making course. Paula is obviously very passionate about all things related to soap making and a great teacher. She creates a friendly atmosphere and is warm and welcoming. Even though the course is just one day long I learnt all I needed to know and felt proficient and confident enough to make my own cold processed soap the next day on my own at home, and my soap turned out beautifully! Now I feel I can make loverly soap for my friends and clients confidently. Thank you Paula, you’re my soap guru!
Anna Oxenden - 21 May 2023
I found Paula's beginners course very enjoyable and informative. It was pitched exactly right for novice soap makers and has given me the confidence to explore further. Highly recommended!
Genine Price - 14 May 2023
Paula’s Beginners soap making course was so enjoyable. I went to learn something new and relax! This course delivered that and more. Paula is a natural born teacher. Would highly recommend.
Olga Hatton - 7 May 2023
Very informative and engaging! I've learnt so much! Highly recommended!
Maryneidy Arocha-Santiago - 3 May 2023
I attended the beginner’s soap making course, which I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only did I get home with 8 beautiful soaps but also with good knowledge to get me started straight away. The course was very practical and hands-on. In addition, Paula is very friendly and makes of the course such a nice experience. I highly recommend Paula and her course.
Anitha Samuel - 1 May 2023
Excellent course! Paula gave the right amount of theory and took us through the steps of soap making.. It was a very useful learning experience especially for a beginner like me. We made a good amount of soap and I can’t wait to try them as well as experiment with my own recipes! Thank you Paula.
Bharti Nehra - 6 March 2023
Wonderful session of soap making with Paula and her lovely assistant Rosa. A Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere to learn something new. Delicious Lunch and scones to accompany too. Will definitely be going back for more.
Lisa Corti - 4 March 2023
Enjoyable course, very knowledgeable teacher and some lovely soaps to take home at the end of it.
Patrizia Pessenda-Garcia - 30 January 2023
Thank you Paula for such an amazing workshop. It was very good, we learn so many facts and took home 8 lovely soaps. Paula is extremely knowledgeable and very friendly, making the whole day an amazing experience. We had lots of fun learning and making the soaps. I highly recommend Paula's workshops. Can't wait to do another one :)
Vanessa - 29 January 2023
A fabulous day. Paula delivered the class perfectly. Thoroughly enjoyable and informative. Would highly recommend.
Cheryl Huggins - 29 January 2023
Wow I have always been interested in natural soaps, and grew up using them, so I was keen to join the class, after a good friend recommended it to me. I was not disappointed, an amazing class, structure, information was simply perfect! The group was really diverse, we had so much fun, my soaps I made were much better than I could have imagined. To follow all of this, the day was complimented with a beautiful afternoon tea with handmade scones, PERFECT.. Looking to book another class 10/10
Louise Frost - 14 January 2023
Excellent course, really enjoyed it.
Amanda - 1 January 2023
There is nothing that Paula doesn't know about soap making. I'd do another class with her any day. I came home with 8 delicious soaps, all given as Christmas presents to very delighted family members and I can't wait to get started on my new hobby.
Nasreen Noor - 14 December 2022
It was indeed a fantastic workshop with Paula.. I totally enjoyed those 5 hours of learning when she made us comfortable through her insightful and supportive teachings.. The group size and mix of energy was perfect as well.. I would highly recommend this soap making course to anyone interested in getting their basic right, either for personal satisfaction or for business ideas...!!
Sue Webster - 12 December 2022
Lovely day. Would definitely go to another class. Candles maybe next time. Very relaxed atmosphere with everything supplied and loads of info and guidance
Chinwe Osaghae - 11 December 2022
This was the best workshop I have attended! ...very engaging, interactive and interesting! Paula has a great talent for passing on knowledge. I went away from the workshop buzzing with excitement wnd so many ideas. I look forward to doing another workshop with Paula in January 2023😊
Jon Dewhurst - 28 November 2022
Great afternoon learning a new skill. Paula was a great teacher
Sandra Goode - 21 November 2022
another brilliant course, time was taken to explain everything with ample opportunity to ask questions before we made our own soap. Help was readily available as we made our soaps a very good way to learn.
Patricia Caro - 21 November 2022
Very informative, clear, detailed course taught by the charismatic and knowledgeable Paula. I highly recommend this course for anyone that wants to find a new hobby or starting a new business! Highly enjoyable.
Loraine Williamson - 20 November 2022
Loraine
Kate - 12 November 2022
Had such a lovely day learning how to make soap with Paula. She has a wealth of knowledge and was very happy to share her experience. I’d highly recommend attending one of her courses.
Oluchi Iheanachor - 12 November 2022
Give this course a try and you won't regret it. I got so much information and made some soaps following the demonstration of Paula. Excellent course to learn how to make soap from home, in your own time. Thank you 😊
Hannah Tengbe - 16 October 2022
The course content was beautifully presented. The environment was amiable because I felt at my ease to ask as many questions as possible. Will definitely recommend to friends.
Carla Elliot - 10 October 2022
I had a very wonderful experience on my beginners soap course Paula was very lovely woth lots of wisdom and experience to help guid me on my new adventure, I will definitely be returning for more courses had so much fun and the complimentary home made scones were fabulous Thankyou!
Erica - 9 October 2022
An enjoyable day at a comfortable pace. The morning was theory followed by putting it into practise, then afternoon tea. The rest of the attendees were friendly and all made beautiful soaps. Paula was easy to talk to and informative. I chose to attend a course as I didn’t fancy experimenting with caustic soda at home, and am now confident I can handle and store it safely. Can’t wait to try my soaps once they’ve cured in 2 months! Then I will be making some more. Venue was great for me as I live locally.
patrick weber - 9 October 2022
I really had a fantastic day making soap for the first time. Paula is fantastic in explaining all processes involved. Thank you very much!
Clare Cook - 23 September 2022
Fantastic class run by the brilliant Paula. A hands on session, with lots of tips and experience shared plus a lovely lunch provided.
Ali Findlay - 19 September 2022
To say I had a wonderful day is an understatement. It was marvellous. My excitement and desire for soap making was definitely satisfied and now I have the bug. As a science lover, I geeked out when the soap making process was explained by the lovely Paula. Paula made it so easy to understand and modelled the process like a pro. We then had the opportunity to make our own soap. I loved the fact that there were so many ingredients to choose from, we were really spoilt for choice. The session ended with a very delicious tea party with some of the most yummiest of sandwiches. It was indeed a beautiful day, spent with lovely people and have acquired a wealth of knowledge that I will definitely be using to change my life. Thank you Paula.
Stephen Radley - 19 September 2022
This is a really good introduction to soap making. Paula explained the soap making process clearly and it was a really good fun making the soap. There was was lot of choice to make whatever soap you liked and Paula and her colleague Rosa made sure you did things correctly and safely. Every thing was very well organised and Paula is a very engaging teacher. The afternoon tea ,sandwiches and scones were good too. I would definitely recommend this course .
Delphine Sawyer - 18 September 2022
Paula is a great teacher, and I was lucky to be surrounded by a lovely bunch of people. The course was well structured and organised. Having made some beautiful soap, we were treated to a fabulous cream tea with sandwiches and scones. I would highly recommend this course!
Nadiya Tawfik - 18 September 2022
Wow what can I say, I had the most wonderful time at Paula’s soap making course. I learnt an incredible amount of information through Paula’s detailed and friendly teaching and enjoyed the soap making with such a large variety of ingredients to choose from. All of this finished by a delicious afternoon tea and homemade scones - a dream come true! Thank you
Sandy Ryan - 18 September 2022
Wow so impressed by Paula and The beginners soapmaking course. I loved every second. Paula is so thorough in her teaching, so friendly and approachable. I came away with so much information and also soaps that I made as well. We all had a lovely afternoon tea, and Paula looked after us all so much, going above and beyond. Paula thank you, Don't waste time thinking about whether to book yourself in, just do it, you won't regret it x
Daniel Wright - 23 July 2022
I had a great time learning how to make soap and took home a set of delicious smelling and attractive looking soap bars. I now feel confident enough to make my own soap in future. I would highly recommend you this course to anyone looking to build experience or confidence.
Christine De Ionno - 16 July 2022
This is the third of Paula’s wonderful workshops that I have attended; she takes a lot of care to create a great learning experience and is generous with her information, encouragement and support. The soap-making process was a bit like baking and we were taught how to make and handle lye safely. It was a real treat to be helped to mix aromatherapy oils to make the beautiful fragrances that went into our soaps and to have a range of botanicals with which to garnish them. We all went home with 8 soaps which showed everyone’s creativity with the fragrance and appearance – it was a treat to see and smell everyone’s finished soaps. This is a process which can be replicated at home as long as care is taken with making lye and waiting a good number of weeks for the soap to be used safely.
Elisaveta Kaneva - 20 June 2022
Another fabulous day at the Old Bexley Soap Co! Thank you for a fun but hard working day! Thank yon for the lovely lunch and amazing home-made scones! Loved the soap making course!
Penny Docheva - 20 June 2022
Paola is an angel! I loved the course and really enjoyed making soap, I did not expect it will so much fun! Thank you for looking after me xx
Florence Ngoma - 19 June 2022
Absolutely enjoyed the course. Paula is very lovely person and teacher, good listener and very understanding. I learnt alot un 5hrs it was so worthy and I met lovely people on the course. Highly recommend whether you want it for business or pleasure, you'll never be disappointed.
Emma McRae - 19 June 2022
An excellent class for all budding soap makers. Paula is one of the best teachers I have come across and she extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of soap making and the beauty business. She challenged me to create my own recipes instead of following the trends and helped me to have a greater understanding of soap making as an art. I highly recommend this course, as its not only very fun and informative but the cream tea after is delicious! This course is worth every penny and I will be coming back for more at some point.
tejinder virdhee - 29 May 2022
I attended the candle workshop with Paula and it was amazing, well organised and well explained. I had been on 2 other workshops elsewhere as I wanted to learn candle making for business. This course was by far the best with instructions on where to source your supplies and what makes a good candle versus a bad candle. The afternoon tea with home baked scones was just a lovely treat to the session. Thanks so much 💕
Sue Ulay - 20 May 2022
I throughly enjoyed my soap course with Paula. She extremely helpful and explained whole thing with lots of useful information. If was a great experience and the day was fun. Thank you Paula.
Tracey Kinsley - 16 May 2022
Brilliant one day soap course. Well organised, friendly and professional. Lots of choices to customise our own soaps. The day flew by and I already feel confident to try at home. Thank you so much for such a great day.
Ksenija Laskova - 15 May 2022
Informative and positive learning experience with theory and practical components. The day ended with delicious, tailored to all, afternoon tea. Thank you to Paula and the team!
Debbie Butler - 26 April 2022
Really enjoyable course very informative just right amount of time, inspired me to order some soap making ingredients and get going at home
Esme Vincent - 25 April 2022
Enjoyable day with a friendly and knowledgeable teacher. Everything well set up and organised. Made some lovely soap. My only comment would be; if someone has stated vegan on their form, to ensure that vegan food options are available. There was nothing clearly labelled and the scones were served with cream. It felt like my preference had not been noted or considered. Otherwise, a good day.
Lilly Mandarano - 25 April 2022
Had a great day soap making. Paula is very professional, warm and knowledgeable. The handout and information is really thorough and we feel very ready to try it on our own. She's and her assistant were really approachable and accommodating. Everyone got plenty of support and attention. There were loads of ingredient choices to make our soaps and we are so excited to try our soap once it's cured. The afternoon tea was a really nice tough and gave us a chance to ask questions in a relaxed environment. Top notch course.
Eva Rose - 25 April 2022
I absolutely loved the course Paula taught. she is very knowledgeable, and friendly. I came to the course not knowing anything about soap making, and left with lots of ideas and full of inspiration.! Iwould 100% recommend this course to anyone who wants to venture down the path of soap making.. thank you again for a great day!!
Fabiola Fernandez - 25 April 2022
Amazing experience, very good curse to learn how to make soaps or to get expand your knowledge.Paula is very passionate about soaps making and she really have a lot to share and explain, I really recommend this curse
Yan Alade - 24 January 2022
It was so fun and relaxing to learn how to make soaps from scratch. Paula is a excellent teacher. The hardest part of the course is to now wait 6 weeks so I can use my handmade soaps. Thank you Paula