Creating Memories by Candlelight: My Experience at a Candle-Making Workshop

During my school days, power outages were common in the summer. I vividly remember using candles as a source of light during those times. I even wrote my final exams by candlelight since kerosene lamps were not an option due to scarcity. My appreciation for candles grew as they saved the day, allowing me to continue studying.

Recently, I saw a flyer announcing a candle-making workshop in my apartment complex. Although I had used candles before, I had never made any myself. The prospect of learning a new skill and attending the workshop was exciting. A local art studio for kids was conducting the workshop, and I wanted to know if it would be appropriate for me as an adult. Despite my doubts, I decided to attend.

Upon arriving at the workshop, I noticed that most attendees were adults, with no kids in sight. The facilitator set up a table with various materials and tools, such as emery-coloured bowls with caps for filling the wax, long wicks with round wooden sticks to centre the wick in the bowl, and small 20ml of oils in different colours and fragrances.

The facilitator began by melting the wax cubes in two electric stoves and explaining the five-step process. The steps included:

• Place the wick in the centre of the bowl.
• Collect the needed fragrance in a small plastic container.
• Selecting a few flowers.
• Pouring the molten wax into the bowl.
• Stirring the oil and the molten wax

I followed the instructions in sequence, one by one.

As I stirred the wax, I chatted with our neighbours and got to know them better. The workshop allowed me to connect and bond over a shared interest. After 45 minutes, a thin layer of candle formed on the top. I then sprinkled the flowers while the wax was still molten. Thirty minutes later, my candle was ready, and it looked beautiful.

The workshop brought back fond memories of my childhood. It made me realize that doing small things by hand gives me immense joy and satisfaction. A couple of years ago, I attended a similar pumpkin carving workshop, which was equally enjoyable. These workshops not only allow me to learn new skills but also provide an opportunity to make new friends.