It may be unseasonably warm outside, but we’re ready for all that fall brings—crunchy leaves, pumpkins, bonfires, and the perfect excuse to relax on the couch and light another candle (can you ever have enough? No.) Of course, there are amazing candles in the world, but there’s something inherently special about making your own candle. satisfactory.
Luckily, there’s a new workshop in town where you can do just that. Founded by new Brighton candle maker Haute Flame (aka Taffie, Sip and Wick), it’s a waxy take on today’s ubiquitous paint and sip workshops.
In one of The Joker’s stunning private rooms on the first floor – full-length windows and plump cushions galore – this workshop has been given enormous thought and attention to detail, from beautifully designed instruction sheets to bespoke labels.
There’s also a private bar next door that’s just for workshop attendees, so you can take advantage of your free drink (the first is included in the ticket price) while getting to know the makers.
After some introductions, your first task is to choose your own blend from a wide selection of essential and fragrance oils. This is harder than you think, especially if you’re indecisive by nature (which we are).
Selected fragrances, Taffie continues by explaining the next steps, which are also all conveniently laid out on individual sheets at each workstation. Unusually, nothing needs to be shared, so no impatient waiting, everything you need is in your tray.
To be honest, we don’t think we’ve ever attended a workshop with such clear instructions and being, shall we say, not exactly gifted in practical matters and with a tendency to go rogue, this was an absolute godsend. (A first for us: we didn’t drop or break anything.)
The hardest part was probably coming up with a non-lame name for our candle (I’m not sure, we nailed it).
Once you’re done with the candle making, the room will quickly transform before you’re stuck painting things while the candle is lit. You decorate two cone-shaped candles of different colors to take home. Again, this is trickier than it looks, but Taffie has lots of tips and ideas to get you started.
At the end of the two-hour workshop, you’ll be the proud owner of a custom-made scented candle (and the knowledge you’ll need to make more in the future), two hand-painted candles, and if you’re anything like us, itching to wake those babies up as soon as you get home.
The vibes are impeccable too, with a carefully curated playlist of low-key R&B, Afrobeats, soul and jazz, while Taffie herself is super friendly and welcoming, making sure everyone knows what they’re doing. After making the candle, the painting was quite meditative – the perfect way to turn off the busy brain and immerse yourself in something creative.
Do you want to cozy up with candles? Taffie has three more workshops coming up before the end of the year. To quote his motto: go ahead, make a reservation, you know it smells.
Sunday 27 October, Sunday 24 November and Sunday 22 December; at 2 p.m.; from £45
Upstairs at The Joker, 2 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4QF
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