Sarah Ditchfield's candle-making journey started after her husband bought her a candle-making kit one Christmas. She developed her skills and began to experiment with different types of waxes, containers and moulds. Sarah sold many of her initial creations to independent shops, hotels and restaurants.
In 2012, Sarah launched her company, Candle by Events, which runs candle-making workshops for adults as well as birthday parties for children. Her company also runs team building candle-making workshops for multinational corporations, plus family fun days, hen parties and activities for schools and clubs.
Sarah loves sharing her passion for candle-making with others, and hopes you enjoy making the projects in this book. Sarah lives in Marlow, Buckinghamshire with her husband Philip, her two children Louise and Christopher and Welsh Springer Spaniel, Amber.
An Interview with Sarah Ditchfield
Where were you born?
Woking in Surrey and I now live in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
What is your educational background?
Before I had children I had a career in HR for 20 years and held a number of senior HR roles, within blue chip companies, specialising in training and development. I studied the professional HR qualification and am MCIPD qualified, I’m also trained in Myers Briggs MBTI.
What first got you interested in craft?
My husband bought me a candle-making kit one Christmas. In the evenings (over a glass of wine!) I practised the different techniques in the kit and discovered I really enjoyed the candle-making (it’s similar to cooking, which I also love) so I started to read around the subject and began making other types of candle.
How long have you been crafting?
I’ve always enjoyed crafting since a young age, for my wedding I made the favours and wedding invitations.
Where do you get your materials?
I buy most of my materials online from specialist candle-making suppliers.
How/Where did Search Press discover you?
I was running a number of workshops at the Country Living Fair at the Business Design Centre in London and Katie French, Head of Editorial, came by my stand.
What were your first thoughts when asked to write a book?
Very excited and quite honoured to be asked.
Has publishing a book changed your life in any way?
It’s early days but I believe it increases my credibility as a professional candle-maker and trainer. I really enjoyed the whole experience from writing the projects to the photo shoot!
Any tips for beginners?
Don’t spend a lot of money buying specialist equipment, you can experiment using many household equipment and there are lots of tips in the book about this!
What is your favourite craft tool?
My large wax melters, which are made specially for candle-making.
Have you travelled for your craft?
I travel a lot around the UK running workshops and meet a variety of interesting people. One day I can be running a corporate teambuilding workshop, the next day a children’s party or hen party!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Travelling overseas, visiting shops and craft fairs, chatting to those who attend my workshops and the internet.
