A girlfriend gathered a disparate group of chums and got us to a candle making lesson down Rye Harbour Road at Plaristo in time for Christmas.
We had no idea what to expect, but it was all very good fun and very productive. We made three pairs of quality candles in the colour of our choosing. We started off being placed in front of a little electric burner which was keeping our molten wax at a steady 65/70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then we were all given three pieces of high quality cotton thread (the wicks) about 16” long, to fold in half and hold in the middle forming two wicks, to dip. We were encouraged to hold this wick with two fingers in the middle to avoid the wicks/candles touching each other.
Our luxuries up to this point were a delicious coffee and a stool to sit on!
Having got your wicks nice and straight, you then dip them very slowly and deliberately into the hot wax, and with no hesitation at the bottom of your dip and then very slowly up and out. Whereupon you then hang up your efforts to cool. This is repeated again and again and you rather wonder what you are doing there.
Luckily we all had each other to chatter to which made the little cooling waits rush by. After about 5 or 6 dips, the magic starts to happen, and you see a definite rather skinny candle starting to form.
Are you getting the picture? There was a lot of opportunity for double entendres, and you can quite see where dipping your wick comes from. Very slowly in and then very slowly out. Keeping them very straight. But I’m afraid it is entirely in your own mind. The results are three pairs of stunning candles, hopefully to match your dining room décor. Or for proper Christmas presents made with love!
Do go and see for yourself, and possibly equip yourself with some very grand candles at the same time or, if you prefer, there are masses of every shape, size and colour to buy as well.
Contacts: Sylvia
Ryeshop@plaristo.com
01797 222802
Image Credits: Col Everett .