STAFF REVIEW: ONLINE CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOP

Being locked down with a 1-year-old has meant spending lots of afternoons getting creative. Each weekend brings the potential for a new activity to keep us entertained indoors. He’s already an expert with Moonsand, painting, playdough and we’ve even attempted (a very messy) baking session. But what about me? When I was given the chance to do a candle making class with Charlie Doodle, I jumped at it. A whole hour to myself, child and partner free? YES PLEASE! 

The package arrived promptly after booking myself into a class. Almost everything I needed was in the pack, excluding a pan, heat source and some water. Just like most, I have all those things around the house, so when the date came, I was all set!

The class was hosted over Zoom on a sunny Sunday afternoon. It was a small group, consisting of just Charlie and four other participants. It was friendly, intimate, and allowed us to ask all the questions we needed. 

After a brief introduction into the different waxes you can use and learning some interesting facts of the trade (such as bee’s wax burns the slowest), the candle making commenced! We began by pouring our pre-weighed soy wax into our pots and bubbling on the hob, Bain-Marie style. Next, it was time to add our essential oils. I chose Fig and Wild Cassis (divine). 

Charlie informed us that we need to be extra cautious when adding our essential oils, and to only add a maximum of 10%, or we may risk burning our houses down! I can assure you I was playing it extra safe as I used my pipette to add mine!

Next, it was time for the trickiest part, keeping the wicks in place whilst we poured in our wax! This is definitely a skill that I am yet to master.

Charlie took us through the whole candle making process step-by-step, ensuring she was checking on us all along the way. Her passion for what she does was clear to see, and her friendly demeanour put the whole class at ease. 

Overall, the online candle making class was an excellent experience. A perfect hour of escape and ideal for those who are thinking of going into the candle making business or just fancy a new hobby!

Thank you again Charlie, I look forward to coming in and doing one of your classes at your studio when this lockdown finally ends!