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Candle Making Workshops: Fun with Friends and Family

I have been teaching candle making workshops in Calgary for over a year now. In that time, both the participants and I have learned a lot. Today, I want to share some of the beautiful creations I’ve seen in workshops so far. I’d also like to share how the workshops evolved and some of the brand new workshops we are offering this year.

For the last year, the focus of the candle making workshops was rolled beeswax candles. When I first started making candles, I made rolled candles. I have since branched out into making solid beeswax candles as well. That said, I still enjoy making rolled candles. The beehives are quite popular and one of my favourites too!

Cayman Blue Rolled Beeswax Beehive Candle
Cayman Blue rolled beeswax beehive candle with bee.

There are a few styles available in our store although I think making custom orders is more fun! From making custom sized pillars to supersized tapers, every order is new and exciting.

Custom Rolled Beeswax Pillar Candles in Natural
Custom Rolled Beeswax Pillar Candles in Natural
Custom Super Sized Rolled Beeswax Taper Candle in Cilantro
Custom Super Sized Rolled Beeswax Taper Candle in Cilantro

Make and Take

I love to share my knowledge with others, so I am naturally enjoying the workshops. I started out small by running what I call a Make and Take station at markets. Anyone with a few minutes to spare and interest in candle making can stop by and learn to make a candle.

Make and Take: Candle Making at the Inglewood Night Market July 2016
Make and Take: Candle Making at the Inglewood Night Market July 2016

I have had people of all ages stop by for candle making fun. It’s always a pleasure to see how excited they get about the finished product.

Candle Making Workshops

From here, I started running longer workshops. To me, workshops are more than just learning how to make something. I wanted to provide a opportunity for people to have fun with friends and family. As an added bonus, they get to do something a little different. Paint parties and ceramic painting have been around for awhile. I hadn’t seen any candle making workshops in Calgary.

Candle Making Workshop November 2015
Candle Making Workshop November 2015. Busy bees!

Candle making workshops are great for newbees and oldbees (pun definitely intended). Experience is not necessary, but we do welcome those who have it! Not only do makers learn to create candles, they have an opportunity to socialize. Whether it’s with friends and family or strangers, we have fun. We’ve had groups of friends, date nights, and solo adventurers, so there’s a good mix every time.

November 2015 Rolled Beeswax Candle Making Workshop
Beautiful candles from a rolled beeswax candle making workshop.

On top of candle making, I like to share some of my bee knowledge. Makers learn a bit about where the raw materials come from and how bee colonies operate. The bees work hard to produce the wax. I believe it’s important to acknowledge their amazing contributions.

Candle making is part art and part science. Rolled beeswax candle making workshops are perfect for getting the creative juices flowing. Before coming to a workshop, I encourage participants to look for ideas. Google and Pinterest are both great resources. We have a Pinterest idea board to help makers get started. Sometimes the ideas work and sometimes not quite, but we can usually find a way to make it happen!

Candle Making Workshop June 2016
Candle Making Workshop June 2016. Check out the spiral and stacked candles they made based on Pinterest finds!

All the people who come to rolled candle making workshops leave with a unique set of candles. I love seeing the variety each person gets to take home.

November 2015 Rolled Beeswax Candle Making Workshop
Beautiful candles from a rolled beeswax candle making workshop.

Workshop Partnerships

Earlier this year, I was fortunate to partner with Sam from The Tea Wagon to do a combined workshop. Sam led the group in creating their own custom tea blend while I taught them how to make beehive candles. There were so many choices of ingredients for the tea blending! It was interesting to learn about each ingredient. We learned about the benefits they have and how they are normally used.

Tea and Candles May 2016
Making a custom tea blend at the Tea and Candle workshop.

The beehives were beautiful and the tea blends sounded delicious! I am looking forward to partnering with Sam again for more workshops. Find out how you can sign up for our upcoming tea and candle making workshops below.

Tea Blending and Rolled Candle Making Workshop May 2016
Personalized tea blend and rolled beeswax beehive candles.

Upcoming Candle Making Workshops

This year, I wanted to come up with a series of new and exciting candle making workshops. I received a lot of feedback from previous workshops. One request I saw a few times was for lip balm. I’m excited to share we will be running a lip balm workshop this season!

From teacup candles to holiday themed candles, every month features a different project. I am excited to be partnering with The Tea Wagon again and Stitch Plus Stitch this season. Details on all the workshops we offer are available on our workshop information page. If you’re interested in coming to a workshop, registration links are available here.

Private Candle Making Workshops

Although our public workshops are quite popular, the dates don’t always work for everyone. For large groups or busy schedules, we are happy to offer private workshops. Private workshops are great for:

  • Birthday parties
  • Corporate team building
  • Family fun nights
  • Ladies night
  • Church groups
  • Camps
  • More

We can also help organize wedding activities including:

  • DIY wedding favours
  • DIY unity candle sets
  • DIY wedding decor
  • Bachelorette parties
  • More

Contact us for details on how you can book a private event.

Candle Making Kits

Mini Taper Beeswax Candle Kit
Kit to make four rolled beeswax mini taper candles.

If you prefer to fly solo and need a hand getting started, we have candle making kits. Kits come with materials and instructions to make your own rolled beeswax candles. No cutting required! All kits are available in the colour and style of your choice. They also make perfect gifts for young makers who may not feel comfortable using knives yet. Shop now to get yours!

Beeswax Sheets

Mexican Blue Beeswax Sheet
Mexican Blue Beeswax Sheet

For those who already know what they are doing, we also sell beeswax sheets. Local pickup is available year-round. With twenty four different colours to choose from, there is something for everyone. Check out the available colours here.