A friend recently told me that there are only 14 Saturdays left before Christmas. “That’s OK,” I replied, “I only need one!”
I try to avoid thinking and talking about the ‘C’ word until I can touch Christmas Day on the nose but over the years it has got harder as people write and ask me for original present ideas for their outdoor-loving loved ones!
So I am relenting a little – and mainly because I have just been told about a couple of courses that have huge Christmas present potential.
I did my Beekeeper’s Beginners Course with the lovely Catherine Clark from Usk a few years ago and whilst I have gone on to talk ‘wax lyrical’ (pun intended) about my bees, Catherine has gone on to be far more bee-like and industrious!
She established her own business, Honey Bee Beautiful and makes the most exquisite skin care products from her very own bee hives. And now she is running courses showing you how to do (almost) the same!
The courses are held in Monmouth and start later this month. The honey soap and balm course will introduce you to the art of cold processed soap making, making natural beeswax lip balms and lotion bars
Once you’ve mastered the process of soap making you might not want or need to buy a commercial bar of soap again! You will be provided with the recipe for a fresh bar of honey soap and one of your own to take home and will then make your own 100% natural beeswax lip balms and beautifully scented lotion bars. All of your makes will be yours to take home in a goody bag.
As always, endless cups of tea and coffee are included along with freshly made Welsh cakes!
There is a candle making course in November, which will introduce you to the art of beeswax candle making and blending essential oils and of course, both courses will allow you to make your own Christmas presents for friends and family.
In the New Year, Catherine is holding another soap and balm course and also a course in making your own all natural scrubs and beeswax perfume balms.
You will have a go at creating your own unique essential oil blend, which you will mix into your balm. Having mastered the balms, you will then move on to make a Body and Face Scrub with a choice of salt, sugars or coffee and your own choice of essential oils and botanicals.
The January courses could also make an ideal Christmas present for those crafty friends and family members! You can find out more at Catherine’s website www.honeybeebeautiful.co.uk or call 07889 221393.
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