LIFESTYLE

It may be unseasonably warm outside, but we're ready for all the good stuff that autumn brings – crunchy leaves, pumpkins, fires, and the perfect excuse to get cosy on the sofa and crack open another candle (can you ever have enough? No.) There are obviously some incredible candles out in the world, but there's something inherently satisfying about making your own. Happily, there's a new workshop in town where you can do just that. Set up by new-to-Brighton candle-maker Haute Flame, aka Taffie, Sip and Wick is a waxy take on the now-ubiquitous paint and sip workshops. Set in one of The Joker's gorgeous private rooms on the first floor - full-length windows and plump cushions a-plenty – a huge amount of thought and attention to detail has gone into this workshop, from the beautifully designed how-to sheets to the bespoke labels. There's also an adjoining private bar just for workshop attendees, so you can make the most of your free drink (your first is included in the ticket price) as you get to know your fellow makers. After some intros, your first task is to choose your custom blend from a wide range of essential and fragrance oils. This is harder than you might think, especially if you're indecisive by nature (that'll be us then). Scents chosen, Taffie goes on to explain the next steps, which are also all helpfully laid out on individual sheets at each workstation. Unusually, there's no need to share anything, so no waiting around impatiently, everything you need is on your tray. To be honest, we don't think we've ever attended a workshop that had such clear instructions and, as someone, who is, shall we say, not exactly gifted when it comes to practical things and has a tendency to go rogue, this was an absolute godsend. (A first for us: we didn't drop or break anything.) The hardest part was probably coming up with a non-lame name for our candle (not sure we nailed that one). Once you're done with the candle-making, there's a swift room makeover before you get stuck in to the painting side of things while your candle sets. You'll decorate two taper candles from a range of colours to take home. Again, this is trickier than it looks, but there are plenty of tips and ideas from Taffie to get you started. At the end of the two-hour workshop, you'll come away the proud owner of a bespoke scented candle (and the knowledge you need to make more in the future), two hand-painted candles and, if you're anything like us, an itch to spark those babies up as soon as you get home. The vibes are immaculate, too: there's a carefully curated playlist featuring low-level R&B, Afrobeats, soul and jazz while Taffie herself is super-friendly and welcoming, making sure everyone knows what they're doing. After making our candle, we found the painting quite meditative – the perfect way to switch your busy brain off and get fully engrossed in something creative. Next dates: Sunday 16th November and Sunday 14th DecemberBook tickets

LIFESTYLE

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