Testimonials

If all my teachers had taught like you, school would have been an entirely different experience for me. Learning from you was the best experience of my life.
— J.P., Talent, Oregon

I have been in the wholesale business over 15 years, manufacturing / line building / sales you name it, I can say I have done it all. I have always wanted to learn how to make shoes. I did not want to go Europe to learn, but wanted to learn American Shoe making. I stumbled upon a few people teaching but I chose Bill's school. The main reason - there are very little pre-made parts. You have to make everything from scratch and pieces of leather.

You are completely on your own with the watchful eye of a Master Shoe Maker. The major benefit you will learn is how to correct your mistakes with a completed shoe at the end. I thought I knew it all until I took Bill's shoemaking course. I have made 10 different shoes on my own after taking his class. I now have the right to call myself a "Shoe Maker" only after taking "Bonney & Wills School of Shoemaking & Design".

Bill it was an honor to learn from a Master Shoe Maker. Good luck and keep up this lost art!
— Pete Julienne, Orange County, California

I’ve been showing off my boots to everyone I meet and bragging about you and your workshop. Bill is such a good teacher, leading you through the shoe making in clear steps, guiding you to produce a quality moccasin that is also comfy to wear and beautiful. I loved the non-competitive feel of the group, and that he waited for all of us to be at the same step before going on. How reassuring to have such a master craftsman be one’s teacher.
— H.M., Ashland, Oregon

I highly recommend Bonney and Wills moccasin making class. I have not been known for my skills as a physical craftsman or artist. Bill on the other hand is both a master craftsman and teacher in the art of making shoes and teaching people. He met me exactly where I was and then gently coaxed me into the different aspects of the art as we made our moccasins.
— G.A., Phoenix, Oregon

Bill taught me the intricate craft of shoemaking in a miraculously short time. It was by all accounts an absolutely fabulous experience. Thanks to Bill I make high quality shoes with my bare hands and now belong to a rare breed of professionals. What a gift!
— Temitope, Houston, TX

Since taking Bonney & Will's Moccasin course my fiancee and I have developed a veritable infatuation with the shoes we then created and the craft in its entirety. The breadth of Bill's knowledge as a shoemaker and human being is immense and inspiriting. We feel eternally grateful and fortunate to have found his school and absorbed a slice of his expert instruction and hospitable company.
— Dustin Lyons, Ashland OR

I just finished Bill's shoe making class and made a wonderful pair of navy Mary-Janes. I loved this class -- every thing was very 'hands on' and Bill is so knowlegable and experienced. He is a true master craftsman. We worked with all of the equipment and had a great time. This was truly one of the best classes I have ever taken. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!
— B. R., Medford, OR

With lots of joy i think back on the days as an apprentice back in 2006. I highly recommend being Bill's apprentice. Having all the steps explained so clearly and patiently I really was able to learn how to make western boots, something not available in my home country Holland. Without all of Bill's teachings I could never have gotten where i am today. Thank you!
— roswitha van rijn, amsterdam, the netherlands

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