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Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea in Bexley (Kent) - Easy access from London

4.9(74 reviews)
Learn to create top quality, fragrant, natural candles you can feel proud to burn in your home or gain enough skills to start a business.
Bexley
In-person
£145 pp
5hrs
Beginner
Next available date:25th May 2024
What happens in this class?

Paula, the award-winning founder of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co., a master Chandler with years of experience is your host and teacher.

You’ll be in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and leave with two beautiful handmade soy wax candles - one large 30 cl and a smaller 12 cl. We finish with a delicious Afternoon Tea.

YOU WILL LEARN:

  • About the different type of waxes and their differences in candle making.

  • About wick types and how to wick your candle correctly.

  • About different types of containers

  • How to burn a candle correctly.

  • How to make your own soy wax container…

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Things to remember

We have a great location in Bexley Village (zone 6 on Oyster Card) which means we are easy to get to from London, Kent, Essex and East Sussex, just a couple of minutes walk from Bexley train station, with trains from London Bridge, Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Cannon Street…

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Latest Reviews
4.9(74 reviews)
Sitti Abdou - 18 March 2024
I wanted to learn to make that beautiful Candle (that we see in magazines). So, I read a lot and a lot of reviews, sent a lot of emails, and messages, and checked different courses for months before deciding to go with Paula whose first impression was a nice person and quick responsiveness to email. I can happily also say that Paula is extremely good, she exceeded my expectations providing the excellent course “Beginner’s Candle making”. The course was complete (the part I loved the most was choosing the fragrance), and she answered all the questions. I am so happy! I left the course with 2 Amazing candles! Of course, I will not hesitate to recommend Paula, Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. to other colleagues because I know she is simply the best.
Tina Welch - 11 March 2024
A fantastic candle making day with the incredible Paula! Informative, fun and very interesting. Paula's knowledge is second to none as well as being a very nice lady. Thank you.
jane lockhart - 11 March 2024
The course was excellent. Paula's passion for the subject really shone through and I particularly appreciated her talking about the business side of things. She also spent time talking about the safety aspects and that was so insightful. I would definitely recommend this course. I have done a workshop before with another company and it in no way measured up to Paula's course which was exceptional. Thank you Paula for your passion and dedication to such an interesting and lovely topic. I came away with 2 beautiful scented candles which I have gifted to family and they loved them.
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Booking Options
5hrs class1 class
from £145
Private BookingFor groups of 6 to 50 guests
£145
Book for a large groupAre you looking for a large group/private event?

Obby Guarantee

We ensure quality. If your class doesn't reach your expectations, we'll give your money back.
Obby guarantees good classes

Age Requirement

16

Flexible cancellation policy

Any class can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
Your Teacher

Paula , founder of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. is a member of the Guild of Craft Soap and Toiletry Makers in the UK and has extensive experience in soap and candle making. She is passionate about natural skin care and luxury fragrances and enjoys sharing her soap and candle making passion with others.

Class Location
Freemantle Hall Bexley (Next to The Kings Head Pub)
Bexley
Bexley High Street
DA5 1AA
Bexley

Reviews

Sitti Abdou - 18 March 2024
I wanted to learn to make that beautiful Candle (that we see in magazines). So, I read a lot and a lot of reviews, sent a lot of emails, and messages, and checked different courses for months before deciding to go with Paula whose first impression was a nice person and quick responsiveness to email. I can happily also say that Paula is extremely good, she exceeded my expectations providing the excellent course “Beginner’s Candle making”. The course was complete (the part I loved the most was choosing the fragrance), and she answered all the questions. I am so happy! I left the course with 2 Amazing candles! Of course, I will not hesitate to recommend Paula, Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. to other colleagues because I know she is simply the best.
Tina Welch - 11 March 2024
A fantastic candle making day with the incredible Paula! Informative, fun and very interesting. Paula's knowledge is second to none as well as being a very nice lady. Thank you.
jane lockhart - 11 March 2024
The course was excellent. Paula's passion for the subject really shone through and I particularly appreciated her talking about the business side of things. She also spent time talking about the safety aspects and that was so insightful. I would definitely recommend this course. I have done a workshop before with another company and it in no way measured up to Paula's course which was exceptional. Thank you Paula for your passion and dedication to such an interesting and lovely topic. I came away with 2 beautiful scented candles which I have gifted to family and they loved them.
Rachel McGivern - 29 February 2024
Great course, very detailled and I learnt lots. I had a great day and the group were really friendly.
Lorraine Hendricks - 24 February 2024
This was an amazing experience. Quality ingredients were provided to make two lovely candles and I also made a defuser and a room spray which are sublime! The session was relaxed but very informative and we were also provided with a handout that detailed all we learnt on the course and more. I highly recommend this to everyone who is thinking about it.
DEBRA COLLINS - 28 January 2024
Had a great day. Everyone so friendly and welcoming. Learnt so much. Thank you Paula.
Hallam Bather - 26 January 2024
Really enjoyed the course. Was fun and educational. thank you Paula. x
Emma Jenkins - 22 January 2024
This course was gifted to me as a surprise from my lovely partner and it was utterly glorious from start to finish. I arrived at the venue completely confused as to what was going on but was warmly welcomed by Paula, Rosa and the other participants of the course. I only knew what was about to happen when I sat down and was thrilled! What followed was marvellous. Paula was so knowledgeable, personable and a wonderful teacher. The time flew by and there was a collective sense of satisfaction at the end! After 5 hours, we had made two beautiful candles but some participants had paid extra to make reed diffusers and room spray so I asked if I could pay extra so I had the full set. Paula then talked us through how to make the items. The equipment, instruction, refreshments and overall experience were all incredibly high quality. All in all, I couldn’t recommend this day more highly and I would be keen to participate in further courses run by Paula*. My partner could not have found a more perfect gift and I can’t wait to start on my Burn Test homework. * I would pay this time though!
Iwona Wisniewska - 10 December 2023
I really enjoyed my candle making class
Victoria Cole - 9 December 2023
Informative course, Lovely host . Very happy with the ‘all in’ option . Would recommend
Vicky Stroud - 12 November 2023
Great workshop! Paula was very thorough and informative when teaching and the atmosphere was fun and friendly. Looking forward to using the techniques I’ve learned into making candles for my family and friends :)
Maria Cottam - 6 November 2023
Loved the course! Paula is so knowledgable and with her great personality the course is really interesting and fun. I learnt loads and is definitely my new hobby. Thank you
Suzanne Forshaw - 6 November 2023
Thank-you Paula! Great day learning about candles, and room sprays, I can’t wait to have a go at home!
Carlie Wakeman - 25 September 2023
Had the best time learnt so much and couldn’t wait to get making after all the knowledge and advice,
Inga Regenass - 25 September 2023
I had the pleasure of attending this excellent Soap making course hosted by Paula, it provided a comprehensive introduction to soap making, she was throrough, organised and approachable, a wonderfu day spent with very friendly people and a delicious lunch was provided.
Christophe Cohen - 17 September 2023
Absolutely beautiful session and wonderful host. A dream team Paola manage with Rosa to make us a memorable time. A real giver of insightful informations! I truly become, and with no hesitation
Dawn Weintraub - 17 September 2023
Paula’s class was so much fun. It went by so fast with lots of information I needed to learn on the different waxes & wicks. Looking forward to taking another class in the near future. Thank you for such a wonderful class.
Melissa Spring - 17 September 2023
I went along as a complete novice & came away inspired & confident enough to create my own candles at home. A fabulous & educational day with the extra bonus of an afternoon tea. Looking forward to booking another course in the future.
Abhi Gupta - 12 June 2023
Really thorough, informative, and enjoyable day. There was a lot of information to take in but it was well-structured and everything was easy to understand and I am looking forward to practising more at home too.
Jill Rutter - 12 June 2023
Fantastic course which gave me both the skills and the knowledge to strike out on my own and make candles. Excellent handouts too.
Donna Henry - 11 June 2023
Absolutely brilliant day. Very comprehensive and informative. Felt completely confident going away and applying the knowledge I learned into practice. Paula is a great teacher and always willing to answer any queations. Lunch was a bonus too which I never knew was included.
Brent - 11 June 2023
Had a very enjoyable day and feel very confident about making and testing candles over the coming weeks. Teaching, materials, equipment and refreshments were excellent.
Beverly Flood - 21 May 2023
Absolutely loved the candle making course. Paula who took the course was very helpful and welcoming and very informative. The whole day was really lovely and interesting. I Love my candles
Neshe Swan - 21 May 2023
Absolutely loved the class, going to book the Pillar candle course. Paula a great teacher & was happy to tell us her mistakes so that we didn’t make them. Lovely lunch & lovely people also in the course
Bharti Nehra - 21 May 2023
Another excellent session with Paula who made candle making look simple , easy and fun. A very enjoyable and relaxing few hours, well spent in the company of like minded people keen to learn this new skill of candle making. And of course always look forward to the delicious homemade scones and sandwiches.
Kathryn Prosser - 21 May 2023
Had a great time at the beginners candle making course. Paula has a great passion and knowledge for candles. Who knew there was a right and wrong way to burn candles? Would highly recommend.
Marjorie Griffith - 11 May 2023
Hi Paula, not sure if i have already written a review so here goes my thoughts again. Very good course, it was informative, detailed and to the point. You have provide me with the skills and confidence to start making my own candles for the moment for myself. I really enjoyed the day. Please could send me a certificate to remember that i took the course
Tanya Fihosy - 30 April 2023
What an incredible course! I was looking for a candle making course where I could gain both the skills and confidence to start my own candle business - and this was it. Don’t search any further. The information provided is so detailed and it was a lot of fun too. I’ll be back for the Diffuser one next!
Caitlin Hess - 30 April 2023
Lovely full day course run by Paula from start to finish! It was structured well & tailored nicely to what people were most interested in throughout the day. Highly recommend :)
Jeanine Harmitt - 29 April 2023
The course was amazing and I learnt so much. The trainer and the class size was perfect and I loved the end product. I’m definitely thinking about doing additional courses.
Shirley Hale - 24 April 2023
I really enjoyed the candle making course. It was a fun and friendly environment and I learnt a lot about the process and the safety aspects of candle making and came away with 2 amazing smelling candles. And a great afternoon tea too! I would definitely recommend the course. Thank you Paula
Mehernaz Kaleem - 22 April 2023
Wonderfully step by step instructions explained while you’re making the candles Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Kerry Ari - 22 April 2023
Lovely class. Paula is great. Very clear teaching. Paula is very generous with the level of information and teaching she provides. Also to a high standard. Highly recommend. Also a lovely day out. I will be signing up to another one of Paula's courses soon.
Mandy - 20 March 2023
Amazing informative class!
Brenda Tigue - 20 March 2023
Thank you for a wonderful new experience. Paula delivered a relaxed and comfortable course which was also packed full of technical and practical information. Looking forward to starting a great new hobby !
Mary Embleton - 19 March 2023
Very enjoyable pleasant atmosphere and informative . I came via a charity auction and some other participants were looking to develop a business and all seemed satisfied. Enjoyed the scones!
L - 19 March 2023
Paula is a lovely, welcoming and knowledgeable person. In regards to the course, it does need some improvements in the structure. It would be easier to understand and learn if there was a presentation in a slide show following some order in candle making rather than what felt like just a chat about the topic. We were given a print out A4 about the information but this was just a guideline not everything discussed.
JILLIAN TRAVERS - 19 March 2023
My second superb visit to make candles this time, last time was soap making. Both days have been fantastic, truly welcoming and a wonderful knowledgeable tutor. Will be looking to book my third visit asap.
Kim Burroughs - 19 March 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed my candle making and reed diffuser course. Paula made the course fun but also explained the process really well. I would definitely recommend getting yourself on one of Paula’s courses, I can’t wait to get myself booked in on another one. Oh and the afternoon tea was lovely, especially Paula’s home made scones 😋
Hayley Raynsford - 25 February 2023
Informative, fun, practical and enjoyable. Highly recommend
Marion Slaughter - 27 January 2023
I am inspired! Such a great course, loved every minute. Paula was a fantastic teacher, and I am so grateful for the knowledge she shared to help me to kick start my candle making and I can't wait to introduce candles to my business. I will definitely be back for more!
Michelle Risley - 24 January 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Paula was so friendly and knowledgeable and the whole day was well organised. I was slightly nervous attending on my own but the majority of attendees were also on their own and we soon settled in. Hot drinks and biscuits were available throughout the day and the afternoon tea was excellent. Bringing home 2 lovely candles was a bonus. I would highly recommend this course.
Sejal Patel - 23 January 2023
Really insightful and interesting! Loved Paula’s way of teaching and explaining the facts of candle making. Had a lovely time!
Nicky Salama - 22 January 2023
Great candle making course from Paula. Informative, interesting and fun. Will definitely do another class with you Paula.
Jonathan Gay - 22 January 2023
The candle making course exceeded my expectations, it was fascinating, enjoyable, informative, and left my mind buzzing with ideas! Paola is an outstanding teacher; there were handouts, explanations, demonstrations, science, art and beautiful products to take home at the end. Included were beverages, delicious sandwiches, relaxing music, and cream teas. The facilities and venue were really nice too. I cannot wait to attend the next course!
Sol Gonzalez - 22 January 2023
Amazing! She knows everything and was very clear when she was explaining. Much recommended.
Maria Gillivan - 11 December 2022
Really enjoyable day. Paula is a great teacher and I would feel comfortable now to have a go at candle making on my own.
Joyce Reynolds - 5 December 2022
I had a lovely time learning and meeting new people. I’m 86 years old and Paula was very attentive and considerate of my abilities but not to the detriment of others. Food was lovely too.
Sally Prall - 5 December 2022
Very informative course and Paula was extremely friendly and considerate to all our needs. Fab food as well as fab tutoring.
Tara Marie Grant - 5 December 2022
This was what I was looking for. Brilliant direction from Paula and wonderfully assisted by Rosa. Thank you for an amazing day.
Coleman - 3 December 2022
Amazing course
Alla Weiss - 20 November 2022
Candle and soap making classes exceeded my expectations.Paula is an extraordinary teacher that pass on here vast knowledge both in practical and theoretical forms.With her guidance we got a taste of a new world of smells , colors, truly a fantasy given life. Thank you Paula for letting us be a part of this magic!
Kate King - 20 November 2022
A delightful day, informative, creative & enjoyable. I would like a programme of other courses for the new year.
Deana - 14 November 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a really interesting and a fun day. And you had two scented candles that smell amazing to take home. Paula really knows her subject (I was surprised how much I learnt) and she made it feel so relaxed. Whether you are thinking of starting your own business or just as a hobby, I would highly recommend this course. A big thank you to Paula and Rosa for a memorable day and hope to see you again on one of your many other courses.
Michael Thomas - 13 November 2022
I loved this workshop. I have to say that Paula is incredibly generous with her knowledge of the creative, science, and business of fragrance products. She is also very personable and kind and took the time to make sure that we all understood candles, but also had a lovely afternoon. Delicious afternoon tea served by her lovely husband - and aided by Rosa! It was such a nice way to spend a few hours (which flew by) and come away with such a lot of knowledge. I cannot recommend this workshop enough!
Ayshe Osman - 13 November 2022
I attended Paula’s beginners candle making course and it was such a lovely experience. I knew Paula would be very knowledgeable and I learnt so much from her and felt so comfortable asking her all of the questions that I had. It was a lovely space where everyone felt relaxed and had lots of fun. I would love to try more of Paula’s courses!
Karen Wheeler - 30 October 2022
What a fantastic day. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. It was a lovely blend of being taught and social. The teacher is so knowledgeable and her presentation is outstanding as she focuses on you the person and the best way for you to get as much as you can from the event and what you are learning.
Vanessa - 9 October 2022
Really lovely day. Very informative re making candles. Made 2 super candles. Gluten free food was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyable day.
Linda Francois - 3 October 2022
Fantastic course. Paula shared her passion and expertise whether attendees were there for business or just pleasure. You’ll learn so much more than those ‘experience’ days. Highly recommend this course.
Rachel Gregory - 2 October 2022
I was very excited about doing this workshop and it didn’t disappoint, Paula is a wonderful host and guided us through a most enjoyable day. It has truly inspired me to explore candle making. I would highly recommend this workshop and the lunch was amazing especially the homemade scones. Thank you again. 💕
Susan Smith - 2 October 2022
Very indepth course fun and showing you anything is possible
Tracy Coates - 18 September 2022
The course was very informative and I felt that it has given me the knowledge needed to make my own candles at home. Paula was a great tutor and the day was very enjoyable. The afternoon tea was lovely and going home with 2 candles at the end of tea day makes it a perfect experience. I would definitely recommend and will hopefully be doing the soap making course in the future.
Ayfer Guncu - 18 September 2022
It was a very friendly atmosphere and learned very useful techniques to make candles . Also very important how to use of health and safety procedures and well advice given when you want to sell candles.
Elisabetta Cirulli - 11 September 2022
This is my second course with Paula of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. and it was another great one! Paula is thorough, passionate, patient and makes sure you don't just walk away with top-line information, but she provides all the tools and knowledge you need to make a start in earnest, be it as a business or hobbyist candle maker. I'll be back for the reed course for sure and then probably an even more in depth one-to one. Highly recommended!
Christine De Ionno - 16 July 2022
This was the first of Paula’s excellent workshops that I have attended. There was much to learn as making perfect candles is not easy. Paula guided us through the process from start to finish and we all went home with 2 beautifully-fragranced soy candles. The learning environment was relaxed and fun and it was a special day for me and my colleague – both of us were taking time out of our very busy work schedules. I would recommend the workshop to anyone who wants to de-stress from work or other difficult events or just for fun.
Sandra Goode - 12 June 2022
There were nine in the group a nice number. whilst the atmosphere was relaxed there was a vast amount of advice given. Paula stressed how important it was to do tests for the safety of burning the candle. Am looking forward to doing the soap making course later on
Tifanny Bernard-Wilson - 15 May 2022
I had the most amazing time learning how to make candles! Paula was lovely and very thorough in her teaching. It was informative and fun! Met a lot of lovely people too and enjoyed a great afternoon tea. Would recommend for anyone who wants to start a candle making business, or just want to have some fun!
Elisaveta Kaneva - 10 May 2022
It was such a magical experience to create my very first candles! Everyone in the class was so excited and buzzing, and that created even a better atmosphere! The course was very informative and the material well-prepared for all requirements. Paula and her lovely lady-helper were so friendly and well-organised. The catering was organised to suit all food requirements with a great sandwich selection and drinks, to home-made scones! Truly scrumptious! I had really wonderful experience! Thanks ladies!
Jasprit anand - 9 May 2022
I was interested in doing this course for a while, and I am glad I took this course. Paula explained the whole thing with a lot of interest and information. She was extremely happy to answer any questions we had. Thank you greatly and appreciate all the others attending who were so friendly and helpful.
Angela Griggs - 15 February 2022
Brilliant course! I also did the soap making course in November last year and loved that too. Highly recommend Paula, she is a brilliant and enthusiastic teacher and so knowledgeable! Can't rate her highly enough.
Kelly Gill - 16 January 2022
The class was so informative and Paula is a fabulous teacher and really knows her stuff after 20 years in the business. She also provided a lot of information on moving firearms to start a small business and offers a 1 to 1 more in-depth personal business course. We came away with 2 hand made candles. Refreshments were available through the day and a beautiful afternoon tea was also provided. Can’t recommend this course enough.
Kristina Shepherd - 16 January 2022
Excellent course! i have learnt so much it was excellent. very knowledgeable teacher.
Magdalene LEWIS - 6 December 2021
I attended the beginners Candle Making course. It was a well run course, Paula gave lots of information & Happy to answer any questions. I would highly recommend Old Bexley Soap Co
Emily - 6 December 2020
A fantastic course with Paula. I learned so much in a day I feel confident now to make more candles at home. Thank you!