Candles are not only things that provide light but can also be enjoyed as decorative interior items without being lit.
Personally, I thought that simple and stylishly shaped candles were the mainstream.
However, the candles from the candle-making specialty store "Candle Fairy", which I learned about from an acquaintance, have flashy colors and cute shapes like characters, completely blowing away my previous image of candles.
Fortunately, I was informed about an event where I could make original candles at Candle Fairy, so I decided to participate.
I was curious whether I, who am not very skilled with my hands, could make one, so I joined the original candle-making session.
Let me introduce what happened on the day.
About the Candle Making Experience
The candle making experience was a hands-on workshop held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL.
TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL is a tourist information center located within the Bikan Historical Area. In addition to planning inbound tourism tours, they occasionally hold workshops that can be enjoyed not only by tourists but also by locals.
This time, in collaboration with the candle-making specialty store "Candle Fairy" located in Achi-cho, Kurashiki City, an event was held where participants could make original candles.
Achi-cho, where Candle Fairy is located, is an area with fewer tourists compared to the Bikan Historical Area. Similarly, the back alleys of the Bikan Historical Area, where TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL is situated, are also experimenting to increase tourist traffic. This event was planned with the hope that people would visit not only the Bikan Historical Area but also Achi-cho and the back alleys.
The participation fee, including material costs, is a total of 1,000 yen including tax. The finished candles are wrapped in small bags and can be taken home.
The staff at Candle Fairy carefully taught us how to make the candles, so even those who had never touched a candle before could easily create one. The content is enjoyable for all ages, from children to the elderly.
The Day's Events
The venue, TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL, is located within the tourist facility "Login Kurashiki".
I arrived a little earlier than my reserved time, so I was fortunate to witness the moment when the previous customer's candle was completed.
The girl here made two types of candles: a chick and a red demon. The three-dimensional decorations and cute expressions of the candles are charming. She mentioned that both candles were "easy and fun to make."
Finally, it was my turn.
First, I chose the spherical candle that would serve as the base. It had a cute, round appearance, and I was torn over which color to choose from the variety available.
Since it was a scorching day, I decided on a light blue candle that seemed refreshing.
Next, I selected a candle from the variety of samples that could serve as a model. Basically, the candles that could be made at this event were either Momotaro or a demon. I decided to make the demon, which seemed to allow for more individuality.
Looking at the lined-up candles, I realized that the position of the eyes, the shape of the eyebrows, and the size of the mouth all create completely different expressions.
I picked a demon that could serve as a model and immediately started making the candle.
First, Making the Facial Features
On the table were small pieces of candle cut into fine bits. Using these, I will create the facial features and decorative parts one by one.
There are colorful colors available, but it seems I can mix multiple colors to create an original color.
The staff at Candle Fairy carefully taught me one-on-one how to make the candles.
"Pinch the candle pieces with your fingers, and after a little while, the candle will gradually soften due to your body temperature. Once it becomes soft enough to be kneaded, shape it and stick it onto the round candle. If you fail at shaping or sticking, you can warm it up and try again, so don't worry," she said.
Knowing that I could redo it, I felt relieved and got started.
The first thing I made was the eyebrows. I suddenly remembered that I had thick eyebrows as a child, so I decided to make the eyebrows thick. I thought big, round eyes would be cuter, so I focused on creating bright eyes.
The task of attaching the parts symmetrically was unexpectedly difficult, and as I kept reattaching them, the staff advised me, "If you attach the facial features higher up, the expression will be more visible."
Following the advice, I continued to attach the facial features one by one.
I shaped the nose to be high, wishing for "may my nose become even higher."
As the candle took on a facial expression that I liked, I began to feel a sense of familiarity with it. I was already satisfied that I had created a unique face different from the model demon.
Adding Fangs and Horns for the Finishing Touches
When I attached the fangs and horns, the demon-like appearance finally started to emerge.
I thought about mixing orange and yellow for a marbled pattern on the horns, but I couldn't mix them well and gave up. Personally, making the horns symmetrical was the most difficult part.
Finally, I mixed in some leftover candle scraps and added decorations to the horns.
After wrapping a thinly rolled candle around the horns, the original candle was completed.
During the process, the Candle Fairy and the staff from TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL encouraged me with comments like "It's so cute!" and "It has a great face!", so I was able to enjoy making it while chatting instead of working in silence.
The staff will coat the candle with wax to ensure that the parts do not come off. After cooling a bit and completely drying, it will be finished.
When I told the Candle Fairy staff that I had fun making the candle for the first time, they smiled and said, "The happiest moment is when we receive feedback from customers saying they enjoyed it."
This experience of making candles has made me want to visit Achi Town, which I have never explored before. Next, I would like to try making candles at the Candle Fairy store.
Conclusion
When I brought the candle home, I carelessly placed it in my bag, causing the nose, which should have been high, to bend upwards. Rather than feeling shocked, I felt that it created more originality, and I'm growing fond of it day by day.
I was worried if I could make it well, even though I am clumsy, but there were no difficult processes at all, and I was able to make it easily.
I participated in the event alone this time, but thanks to the warm atmosphere created by the staff who engaged with me, I was able to enjoy the process throughout. I would recommend the experiential workshops at TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL for solo participants as well.
TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL is planning various events in the future, so please check it out as one of your outing options.
Candle Making Experience at TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL Data
| Name | Candle Making Experience at TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL |
|---|---|
| Date | July 23, 2024 (Wednesday) Reception from 10 AM to 4 PM |
| Location | 2-20-9 Achi, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 1,000 yen |
| Website | TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL |
