The annual "Spring in the Ozarks" Candle Workshop was once again held in beautiful Eureka Springs, Arkansas at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks on April 3-5.

Cricket Huth and Charlotte Curtis did a fantastic job in planning and preparing this event - which was, once again, deemed a huge success by all who attended. And the "goodie bags" that were passed out were very much appreciated!

Almost two dozen participants from several states were able to attend this year's event with a great time being had by all. There were relatively new candlers as well as participants with 30+ years of candle making experience in attendance. I feel very safe in saying that everyone came away from this workshop having learned and consider themselves fortunate in being able to attend.

Things got started on Friday as everyone arrived and checked into their rooms and then gathered together at the convention center at the motel where the actual workshop would take place. We all were able to just catch up on everything that has been going on in each others' lives and generally just took this time to enjoy visiting and sharing. The first of several great meals was laid out for us - and I have to say I added the first of several not so great excess pounds as we continued to visit old friends and got to know new ones. Saturday morning greeted us with a continental breakfast at the workshop to start out a very full day.

This workshop covered a variety of subjects including ...

Jean Wissmiller shared with us about making Christmas ornaments or sachets from leftover wax - a great way to get a bit "green" and use up some of that excess wax.

Carol Saffley discussed making alcove and wedding candles which include a music box movement - In addition she shared a recipe for "sticky wax" as well as giving out samples and discussing its possible uses.

Ed Ririe shared with us a number of candles they make including their U.S. Air Force containers and a very unique turtle he casted using a real turtle shell.

Alice Ririe showed us the importance of properly displaying your product and making them more "eye catching" with several demonstrations of how she packages some of her candles - I must say that a few details can really add some "pop"!

Joy Madero led us in placing wax on battery-operated tea-lites to better match the candle in which it is used as well as discussed making rustic looking tapers.

Alice Marquardt led us in placing decals, flowers and scrap booking supplies on glass/candles to "dress them up" and we also made unique pillar candle bases using napkins and tile.

Charlotte Curtis showed us how to make bows from paper strips cut from magazines and newspapers - and I must stress that I have an excuse for being "all thumbs" when it comes to bow making - but if she does this again next year I am not going to re-break my arm so I will have to come up with another excuse.

Several people brought molds and supplies to sell which resulted in a number of people getting some great deals!

Saturday was topped off with another awesome meal that packed on even more excess pounds - but I have to say it was worth every single one of them! At the end of the meal Eileen Hunt was presented with a birthday cake and serenaded with the traditional "Happy Birthday" (Sorry, Eileen, I tried to sing real low to keep from ruining it but there is a chance you may have heard me anyway.) After the meal many of us remained and continued visiting on into the night while some had to leave for the trip home.

Sunday morning broke with many leaving early to get on the road while several gathered at the restaurant for breakfast before making the trip home.

Go ahead and start making your plans right now to attend this event next year - I promise you you will not regret it!

Download this write-up to share! [24kb pdf]