Whether I’m looking for a holiday, a pair of shoes or a candle making workshop, there is one thing that they all have in common: RESEARCH.
I sometimes can get into analysis paralysis so this blog is to help you overcome that by following some simple steps to really get to the workshop that’s right for you based on my never-ending search (and actually this one was pretty simple).
Why bother doing a workshop?
Personally, a workshop appealed to me for the following reasons:
- Expert-led for an in-depth understanding of how to make awesome candles and an opportunity to ask questions.
- Dedicated time away from any distraction to focus on it.
- An opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and maybe even make some friends or join a community.
- An opportunity to learn beyond the basics and start the steps to building a business from it.
- Face-to-face learning which again focuses your mind on completing it in the time.
Why candles?
This blog is all about self-care in motherhood, and one of my favourite activities as part of my self-care routine is to light a candle while reading a book or relaxing and watching some tv. Candles go hand-in-hand with relaxation for me. The skill to make your own candle appealed to me as I loved the idea of being able to curate my own scents and ultimately develop it into a business that aligns with this blog (new offer for you all pending!).
- Help to create an ambience
- Help to calm your mind (different fragrances can boost your mood or mute it)
- Supports a restful sleep
- Help to reduce stress and anxiety
- Add personality and style to your home decor
I’m in love with the candles I made, and also it’s so good to have family around who are like ‘oooo that smells nice’ and me to go, ‘oh that thing, only a candle I made :)’.
What workshop would work best for me?
So you’re sold on trying candle making but still unsure what next step to take. Well, there are a number of options that I’ve listed below.
Homekits
+ These are brilliant if you just want to play around with candle making and do it at your own pace. They come with all the supplies so you don’t have to worry about what to get. There are so many home kits and very affordable.
– Not so great if you’re anything like me and never get around to unboxing it let alone doing it! Plus, there’s not much room for personality or as much learning as curating your own.
Candle introduction workshops 1 hour
+ You’ll find these as a 1 hour workshop or combined with a social activity where you get to learn a new skill and have fun. These are brilliant ideas for a date night or an activity with a friend – birthdays, hen parties etc. These workshops tend to be pretty affordable.
– If you’re looking to build a business from candle making this isn’t the right workshop. They’re more geared to those who want to learn something new, not necessarily take it up as a full-time hobby or business.
Candle making workshops 2+ hours
+ You’ll find there are longer workshops available which will touch on more theory around candle making so you’re not only making a beautiful candle but you’re understanding why you do certain things. These are much more time intensive but packed full of useful tips and information to set you up to successfully make your own as a business or as a full-time hobby.
– Not necessary for those who just want to make a candle and that’s it. These are great for those who want to gift them to friends and family, and make it more of a hobby. As you’ll be committing more than a few hours, there’s the time involved too. These workshops can be more expensive.
Candle making courses
+ There are longer courses for those really serious about becoming a Chandler and wanting to understand the ins and outs of candle making from end to end. These can provide you with more in-depth knowledge as well as an opportunity to go at your own pace depending on the type of course you take.
-These will be more expensive and time intensive but if this is something you’ll be making your full-time job, it may be worth considering!
How can I find a candle making course?
First off decide whether it’s a hobby or a business you’re learning the skill for as that will determine where you look.
Secondly, decide whether you’re more of an ‘in-person’ or happy to do it virtually/do-it yourself person as that will also help to whittle down your options.
Then check out the following to start:
- Google candle making near me – I was able to found one local to Bromley that ticked all the boxes, you’d be amazed what’s right on your front door!
- Check out https://obby.co.uk
- Check out https://classbento.co.uk/candle-making-classes-london
- Check out https://londonrefinery.co.uk/pages/locations
- Check out http://www.oldbexleysoap.co.uk (I did this one, and Paula is amazing!)