Why choose hands-on workshops?

Practical, tactile skills—like concrete and gypsum casting, silicone mold making, and candle crafting—are best learned by doing. In a hands-on setting you:
— Turn theory into real objects from day one
— Troubleshoot common problems with an experienced instructor
— Build a portfolio of sellable or giftable pieces
— Join a local community of makers in Yaroslavl

What you’ll learn (at a glance)

— Concrete casting: basic mixes, reinforcement, mold design, finishing and sealing
— Gypsum/plaster casting: mixing, bubble-free pouring, mold release, carving and coloring
— Silicone mold making: choosing silicone type, mold box design, demolding techniques, multiple-cavity molds
— Candle making: wax types (paraffin, soy, beeswax), wick selection, fragrance/oil loading, colorants, safe pouring and finishing

Typical workshop formats

— Short intro (3–4 hours): one finished project (e.g., concrete planter, small gypsum sculpture, single silicone mold or simple candle)
— Weekend intensive (1–2 days): multiple projects + full workflow from mold to final piece
— Multi-session course (4–8 weeks): deeper coverage—complex molds, advanced finishes, small-business basics

Sample one-day workshop agendas

Concrete casting (one day)
— Intro & safety briefing
— Design and mold choice (silicone, wood, plastic)
— Mixing demo and hands-on casting of a small planter or tray
— Vibration/degassing tips and curing basics
— Demolding, sanding, sealing and decorative finishes

Gypsum casting (half to full day)
— Types of gypsum and when to use them
— Mold prep and release agents
— Pouring techniques and avoiding air pockets
— Demolding, sanding, painting and patination

Silicone mold making (half day)
— Silicone types (condensation vs addition cure), shore hardness, food-safe options
— Mold box construction and object mounting
— Mixing and pouring silicone; curing and demolding
— Casting test with plaster or resin

Candle crafting (3–4 hours)
— Wax comparison and melting points
— Wick sizing and placement
— Adding fragrance and color safely
— Pouring and troubleshooting (sinkholes, frosting)
— Finish, label and burn-testing

Starter kit checklists

Concrete beginner kit
— Portland cement or pre-mixed concrete
— Fine sand or aggregate
— Small molds (plastic/wood)
— Mixing bucket, spatula, gloves, respirator
— Sandpaper, sealer

Gypsum/plaster kit
— Plaster of Paris or gypsum casting plaster
— Measuring cups, mixing container, spatula
— Release agent, small molds
— Sandpaper, paints

Silicone mold kit
— Silicone rubber (two-part)
— Mold box material (plastic or wood)
— Mold release agent
— Mixing cups, scale, stir sticks

Candle making kit
— Wax (soy, paraffin, beeswax)
— Wicks and stickers, wick centering tool
— Heat-safe pouring pot, thermometer
— Fragrance oils and dyes, molds or containers

Safety essentials

— Wear nitrile gloves, eye protection, and a respirator when working with fine dust (cement, plaster) or strong fumes (some silicones, fragrance oils)
— Work in a well-ventilated space; use local exhaust if possible
— Follow manufacturer instructions for curing times and safe disposal
— Keep open flames away from solvents and cloths saturated with oils (candlemaking fire risk)
— Dispose of unused mixes responsibly—do not pour large volumes of cement/plaster into drains

Finding workshops and supplies in Yaroslavl

How to find local classes:
— Search Russian terms on social networks and platforms:
— «мастер-класс по заливке бетона Ярославль»
— «мастер-класс форм из силикона Ярославль»
— «мастер-класс по свечам Ярославль»
— Check VK (ВКонтакте), Instagram, and Telegram channels for local creatives
— Look for «творческие пространства», art schools, cultural centers (культурные центры) and local makerspaces
— Scan local event listings and craft fairs (ярмарки) — instructors often demo there

Where to buy materials:
— Local строительные рынки and хозяйственные магазины for cement, aggregates and tools
— Hobby and craft shops for wax, dyes, fragrance oils and basic mold supplies
— National marketplaces (Оzon, Wildberries) and specialized online stores for silicone rubbers, professional resins and wicks

Selling and showcasing your work in Yaroslavl

— Local craft fairs, weekend markets and cafes are great for small homewares (planters, candles)
— List on Russian marketplaces and social networks; good photos and a short production story sell well
— Collaborate with interior studios, florists and gift shops—concrete and gypsum decor are