Imagine spending a couple of hours in a cozy studio surrounded by the warm glow of wax and essential oils, crafting your own candles. That’s exactly what Candlestock’s Wax Imagination Studio offers in the heart of the Catskills. Priced at $45.95 per person, this 2-hour activity combines fun, creativity, and a dash of mindfulness—perfect for friends, families, or anyone eager to try something different.
You’ll get to choose from a variety of projects like dipping beeswax tapers, rolling your own candles, making cupcake candles, or crafting scented masterpieces with essential oils. The studio is small and personal, with groups capped at 12 travelers, ensuring everyone gets plenty of individual attention.
Two things really stand out: first, the variety of candle styles you can create, which means you’re not just making one type and calling it a day. Second, the welcoming, creative atmosphere makes it easy to relax and enjoy the process—even if you’ve never held a wax dipper before.
A possible consideration is that this experience is only about 90 minutes of actual hands-on activity, so if you’re hoping for a longer, more in-depth workshop, you might find this a bit brisk. But for those looking for a fun, no-stress activity that results in personalized candles to take home, this fits the bill perfectly.
This workshop suits creative souls, families with kids 6 and up, and anyone curious about candle-making but not ready to commit hours. It’s especially appealing if you like tactile, hands-on experiences or want a memorable souvenir of your Catskills visit.
Key Points
- Hands-on craft: Make three different types of candles, from beeswax tapers to scented creations.
- Family friendly: Suitable for ages 6 and up, with children 6-13 needing adult supervision.
- Small group size: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
- All materials included: No hidden costs; you take home your crafted candles.
- Flexible booking: Reserve on mobile, with confirmation received immediately.
- Value for price: At $45.95, you get a memorable, creative experience plus tangible souvenirs.
A Detailed Look at Candlestock’s Candle Making Experience
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Location and Meeting Point
The experience begins at 1450 NY-212, Saugerties, NY 12477—a charming spot in the Catskills with easy access and near public transportation. The workshop takes place in a dedicated Wax Imagination Studio, which is cozy and inviting, filled with the scents of beeswax and essential oils. The setting immediately puts you in a creative mindset, surrounded by colorful wax pastes, wicks, and molds.
What to Expect During the Workshop
Once you arrive, you’re greeted by friendly staff who walk you through the various options available. The core activity lasts around 90 minutes, during which you’ll select and craft three different candles. The experience is designed to be tactile and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get hands-on.
Dipping beeswax tapers is a traditional favorite, where you slowly lower a wick into hot beeswax repeatedly, building up a tall, elegant taper. This process provides a meditative feel and a chance to really understand how candles are made at a fundamental level.
Rolling candles involves molding wax into your chosen shape, then adding your own personal touches, like colors or embellishments. This is a great option for those wanting to see a different technique besides dipping.
Cupcake candles are fun to make as they resemble miniature desserts, complete with swirls of colored wax. If you love scents, you’ll enjoy crafting your own scented candles using essential oils, where you select fragrances like lavender or citrus to personalize your creation.
Other options include wax and flower greeting cards, which combine visual art and wax, and more. The variety keeps everyone interested and allows you to tailor your experience to your preferences.
The Creative Process and Materials
All materials—wax, wicks, molds, scents, and decorations—are provided, so you don’t need to bring anything except your enthusiasm. The staff guides you through each step, offering helpful tips along the way. The small group setting means you can chat with your neighbors, share ideas, or learn from their designs.
The Final Product
At the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with three beautifully crafted candles—personalized and ready to brighten your home or serve as thoughtful gifts. Many reviewers comment on how proud they are of their creations, often noting that the candles look professionally made despite being their own handiwork.
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Group Size and Atmosphere
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the group feels intimate without being crowded. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and supportive—perfect for beginners or those who just want to have fun. Children are welcome with adult supervision, making it a family-friendly activity.
Pricing and Value
At $45.95 per person, this experience offers good value for what you get: personalized candles, new skills, and a memorable experience. Given that you’re creating three candles, the cost breaks down to around $15 per candle, which is reasonable considering the personalized nature of each piece.
Accessibility and Booking
The workshop is easily booked online with mobile tickets, and confirmation is immediate, making planning straightforward. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, which adds peace of mind if your schedule changes. The studio is near public transit, so getting there is manageable even without a car.
Why This Experience Is Worth It
We loved the variety of candle styles available, which keeps the workshop engaging. The meditative dipping process provides a calming break from busy sightseeing, and the personalized candles make for wonderful souvenirs or gifts. Plus, the small group size ensures plenty of individual attention.
However, if you’re looking for a longer or more in-depth class, this might feel a bit quick, but for a fun, creative outing, it hits the right notes. It’s a perfect choice for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a hands-on activity that’s both relaxing and rewarding.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This candle-making experience suits creative travelers and families with kids who want to do something memorable and tactile. It’s also great for special occasions like birthdays or as a unique gift idea. If you enjoy DIY projects or want a tangible memento of your Catskills trip, this workshop is a good fit.
FAQ
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 and up are welcome, but kids 6-13 must be accompanied by an adult.
How long does the workshop last?
The actual hands-on candle-making takes about 90 minutes, within a total of around 2 hours including arrival and wrapping up.
What types of candles can I make?
You can choose from dipping beeswax tapers, rolling candles, cupcake candles, wax and flower greeting cards, and scented candles with essential oils.
Are materials included?
Yes, all necessary materials—wax, wicks, scents, molds—are provided as part of the experience.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.
Is this experience accessible by public transportation?
Yes, it’s near public transit, making it easier for those without a car to participate.
Will I take my candles home?
Absolutely, you’ll leave with your three handcrafted candles, ready to be enjoyed or gifted.
Is the group size small?
Yes, maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
In the end, Candlestock’s Candle Making Experience offers a charming, creative break that’s perfect for those who love tactile activities and want a tangible souvenir from their Catskills visit. It’s an authentic, hands-on craft that turns wax and wicks into personal art—and it doesn’t require prior experience, just a willingness to get a little messy and have fun.