Made on Islay Members & Their Crafts

Lesley Lutomski - Candlemaker

Jim and I have lived in Port Ellen since 1999.  I love being able to get out and about, and having such varied countryside within easy reach.  I enjoy walking and birdwatching.  Not that I need to get out to do the latter - our garden is always full of birds, with some very surprising species making the occasional appearance!  Indoors, my hobbies include knitting and tatting, which is a form of knotted lacemaking.  I make cards with small tatted motifs, which I sell to raise funds for the Salvation Army.  I've always been fascinated by colours and shapes, which I think is reflected in my hobbies.

I have been making candles for about ten years, and over that time I have enjoyed experimenting with different techniques and materials.  I have been using beeswax for some time and find its honey-like aroma most appealing.  I also like the idea of using natural, renewable materials and have recently expanded my range with both soy wax and palm wax.  I dye each batch of wax as I use it, so the results are slightly different each time.  I produce a large range of scented candles and am hoping to introduce aromatherapy candles, made with pure essential oils, in the near future.

I usually have a range of different sizes, shapes and colours in stock.  Candles can also be made to order, at no extra cost.  Prices vary depending on the weight of the candle and the amount of work involved in its production.  Beeswax candles are dearer, as the raw material is much more expensive to start with.  Beeswax candles range in price from £1.50 to £15.00.  Other candles range from £1.50 to £7.50, with small scented candles just £1.25 each.

I attend the Port Ellen Craft Markets.  For more information about my candles, please e-mail me or visit my website.