Candle Making Workshop - Noordhoek Community Center

ABOUT

A little about the history of candle making

Candles hold a profound legacy as both functional illuminators and symbols of cultural heritage. Originating as early as 200 BC in China, where beeswax was molded into rudimentary forms, the craft evolved through ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans, who refined techniques and introduced molds and wicks made from various materials. The Middle Ages saw candles as vital light sources, crafted predominantly from tallow or beeswax by artisans skilled in chandlery. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, candle-making became mechanized, but the traditional methods persisted, cherished for their artistry and connection to tradition. Today, candle-making endures as a heritage craft, resonating with individuals seeking hands-on experiences and a reconnection to simpler times.

This workshop in learning the art of making poured, dipped, and rolled beeswax candles offers participants a gateway into this rich history and a chance to engage in a timeless craft. Beeswax, renowned for its natural fragrance and clean burn, carries a legacy of purity and sustainability, appealing to modern sensibilities. Through hands-on instruction, participants not only gain practical skills but also an appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship required to produce each candle. Crafting candles becomes a meditative process, fostering mindfulness and creativity as individuals immerse themselves in the rhythmic motions of pouring, dipping, or rolling wax.

Joining the workshop promises a multitude of benefits beyond learning a new skill. Participants can find satisfaction in creating personalized candles, tailored to their preferences in scent, color, and design. Beyond the tangible products, the workshop fosters a sense of community, bringing together individuals with a shared appreciation for artisanal crafts and a desire to preserve traditions. Moreover, mastering candle-making opens doors to entrepreneurial opportunities, whether through selling handmade candles or sharing the craft with others. As society increasingly values sustainability and craftsmanship, the ability to create environmentally friendly handmade candles has become a valuable asset. Ultimately, the workshop offers not just a practical skill, but a journey into the timeless artistry and cultural significance of candle-making, enriching lives and preserving heritage for generations to come.

Your facilitator

Summer is a dedicated craftsperson who has experience in a plethora of modalities. One of their favorite artistic expressions is with wax, innovating new ways of developing creative candles outside of the scope of the traditional methods. She will teach you the fundamental candle-making techniques in this course and you will walk away with 3 candles. One dipped, poured, and rolled. From this you will have the knowledge needed to take home and experiment for yourself, with the ability to embark on your own candle-making enterprise.

DIRECTIONS