As final construction touches are being put onto recently-opened Oakridge Centre, summer continues to shine with sports, outdoor adventures, and events being offered as part of Oakridge’s community programming. From workout sessions, outdoor movie nights, salsa in the park to curated workshops, there’s a variety of events worth checking out.
I was recently invited to Ollie and Co.’s candle-making workshop at Time Out Market, an enjoyable, two-hour hands-on experience themed around cocktails. The event is part of Oakridge’s Workshop Wednesday series on until September.
For those new to Ollie & Co., they’re a local home fragrance and lifestyle brand launched during the pandemic. Owner and founder Jeannie Leung began Ollie & Co. (named after her dog, Ollie!) as a “lockdown hobby”, inspired by scents connected to people, places, and moments in life.
The collection has expanded from hand-poured, non-toxic, vegan, cruelty- and paraben-free candles to hair and body products, reed diffusers, room sprays and collaborations.
Upon arrival at Time Out Express, we were led to a long table filled with essential oils and all the candle-making equipment needed for our evening. The workshop is held at the far end of the Market, looking out towards the restaurants and diners.
Great for beginners and crafters alike, you’ll get to create a custom candle using Ollie and Co.’s extensive assortment of essential oils, from Tequila to White Grapefruit and Kiwi. An apron is set at each seat, to avoid any essential oil spillage on your clothing.
Once you’ve picked your scented essential oils, it’s time to start filling the metal vessel to the brim. Just a few extra drops of one oil or another can completely change up the scent! Luckily my four essential oils produced a really lovely, mint/citrus/pear-scented candle that I will enjoy lighting in two weeks (the time needed for each newly-formed candle to cure).
Rather than scrolling on our phones as we waited for the wax to solidify, the team prepared a short drink coaster-making session, teaching us how to weave wicker sticks in colourful patterns, later glued in place and sandwiched in between acrylic plates before being screwed together. Conversation easily flowed as those two hours flew by.
We got some perks too: In addition to our own homemade candle, we received Time Out Market gift cards, a super cute stuffed candle keychain, a 2 oz. Canada-themed candle (mine is Calgary Elbow Drive, a blend of Mountain, Hay, Ozone, Lilac and Fresh Grass), plus our Ollie & Co./Time Out Market apron to take home.
Ollie & Co. offers several candle workshops year-round, many of which are held at Bentall Centre, and are great for friends’ nights, couples, birthdays, small private parties and corporate events (they can accommodate larger groups and also host mobile workshops).
Visit Ollie & Co. online for more details and to view their collection.
