This cocktail candle making class in San Jose is one of the most playful crafty team building activities in the Bay Area. Each guest turns the look and aroma of a favorite drink into a candle in an upcycled glass and takes it home at the end of the session.
The private class runs an hour and a half and is priced at $85 per guest for groups of 6 to 12 guests. All skill levels are welcome and beginners are well looked after, with all materials provided.
What's Included
- A guided introduction to gel wax and its unique properties
- A wide range of fragrances to capture the aroma of your chosen drink
- Colors to design a palette that mirrors your favorite beverage
- An upcycled glass for your candle; the glasses vary with each
This cocktail candle making class in San Jose is one of the most playful crafty team building activities in the Bay Area. Each guest turns the look and aroma of a favorite drink into a candle in an upcycled glass and takes it home at the end of the session.
The private class runs an hour and a half and is priced at $85 per guest for groups of 6 to 12 guests. All skill levels are welcome and beginners are well looked after, with all materials provided.
What's Included
- A guided introduction to gel wax and its unique properties
- A wide range of fragrances to capture the aroma of your chosen drink
- Colors to design a palette that mirrors your favorite beverage
- An upcycled glass for your candle; the glasses vary with each workshop
- All materials, and your finished drink-inspired candle to take home
How the Class Runs
Start by picking the cocktail or beverage you want to recreate, any drink you love. Next, choose fragrances that capture its aroma and build a color palette to match its hues. As you craft, you learn about gel wax: how it behaves, why it suits drink-style candles and how it shapes the finished look. Because the class uses upcycled glasses that change from workshop to workshop, every candle is one-of-a-kind, with an added touch of sustainability. By the end of the session each guest has a drink-inspired candle that celebrates a favorite drink in a new way.
Why It Works for Groups
Everyone has a favorite drink, so the conversation starts on its own. Guests compare choices, borrow color ideas and admire each other's glasses, which makes this one of the more creative team bonding activities for colleagues who do not usually work side by side. With 6 to 12 guests per private session it is one of the most relaxed fun team building activities for small groups, and every person leaves with a finished candle rather than a half-done project.
The host lists it as a great team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or bachelorette party, as well as a date idea, and the candle makes a unique gift for her, for mom or for couples. As christmas team building activities go, a cocktail candle is a festive, giftable keepsake, and the shared making process keeps it among the most interactive team building activities for adults that still feel calm.
Plan for the Day
- Think of the cocktail or beverage you want to recreate before you arrive
- Expect a different glass than in the photos, since the upcycled glasses vary by workshop
- No experience is needed; all skill levels are welcome
About Your Host
Your host is a women-owned craft studio in South San Jose run by a one-woman maker who started it in June 2023. It began with craft fair pop-ups and mobile workshops around the Bay Area, offering candle, perfume and natural beauty and body care making. Each workshop blends artistry with tradition and is inspired by Korean craftsmanship, and the founder holds certifications from several Korean craft associations, including an Essential Oil Perfumer Certification, two candle making certifications and zero waste certificates.
Before turning to craft full time, the founder majored in multimedia design and film production and worked as a graphic design operator. Today all workshops run in a bright creative space she opened in late November 2025, with open layouts, natural light and a breezy balcony. The goal of every session is the same: slow down, enjoy the process and leave with something meaningful made by your own hands.
Good to Know
- Private groups range from 6 to 12 guests
- All materials are provided; just bring yourself
- Workshops are by booking only; walk-ins are not accepted
- The studio is on the second floor and is reached by stairs only, so let the host know in advance if accessibility is a concern
- Workshops are designed for adults; some may suit teens 12 and up, so ask about age suitability before booking
Plan Your Class
Share your preferred date and group size to check availability. At $85 per guest with gel wax, fragrances, colors and an upcycled glass included, it is a cheerful, hands-on way for a team or a group of friends to make something together in San Jose.
