Seashells by the Seashore Candle Making Workshop with Olga Kardonova

Step into a bright, creative atmosphere and enjoy a fun, hands-on candle-making experience inspired by the colors and charm of the ocean. This beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for anyone looking to slow down, get creative, and capture a little bit of summer by the sea.

You’ll design your own candle using an elegant white glass vessel and playful wax decorations inspired by ocean treasures - seashells, mermaid tails, sea turtles, and other seaside details. Along the way, you’ll explore fresh summer fragrances and learn the fundamentals of candle making while creating a candle that feels personal and unique.

No experience is needed. Come ready to enjoy the process and have fun creating.

Choose your signature scent

Explore a curated selection of fragrances inspired by the ocean and summer — think fresh sea breeze, coconut, citrus, soft florals, and beachy scents that capture the feeling of warm days by the water.

Create and pour your candle base

Learn the basics of candle making as you prepare your candle from start to finish. You’ll place your wick, blend your chosen fragrance oil with natural soy wax, and pour your candle into an elegant white glass vessel as your creation begins to take shape.

Enjoy a creative pause while your candle cures

While your candle sets, take a moment to relax and continue the creative experience. Personalize your candle and explore a small artistic activity that adds an extra thoughtful touch to your finished piece.

Discover the art of ocean-inspired decoration

Once your candle is ready, you’ll be guided through the fun finishing step. Choose from a curated selection of wax seashells, mermaid tails, sea turtles, and other playful ocean details to decorate the top of your candle and create a design that feels uniquely yours.

Take home your finished piece

Leave with a fully finished, one-of-a-kind sea-inspired candle. Thoughtfully crafted by you, from start to finish.

Olga Kardonova is an artist and maker who creates unique concrete candles and home décor. She transforms simple materials like cement and wax into beautiful, functional art-often painting her vessels by hand to add a personal, artistic touch.

Her work blends creativity with craftsmanship, bringing warmth and personality into everyday spaces. She finds joy in both sculpting and painting, using each piece as a way to express herself and share beauty with others. For her, art is about storytelling, self-expression, and making the world a little more inspiring-one handmade piece at a time.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Shop Made in VA - Old Town Alexandria, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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