The 38th Friday Four
Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch.
Let’s get into it!
This week the kids and I started to pull out the Halloween decorations from the basement! Tucked in the boxes was one of my giant orange concrete candles, completely untouched and smelling like pumpkins. Now this is a two year old candle, so the wax had started to discolor (it happens over time with certain fragrance oils) but it smelled fantastic. I lit it and after the first burn, it looks brand new on top! I am always amazed how quality ingredients can last such a long time. And feeling the smooth concrete that was handmade in that same basement gave me some sweet nostalgia of starting this company.
If you are newer around here, you may be wondering about the concrete. One of the first things offered at Tura Lura Co. was concrete candles. It was completely handcrafted from start to finish, and I’d spend the early mornings and late nights tending to all my concrete in the basement. From casting and unmolding, to drying and sealing - to get a concrete jar finished was a labor of love. It took a toll on my hands, and after debating for a long time on a variety of factors, I put all the concrete molds aways. With EDSh my joints are unstable, painful, and already arthritic. In the last few years, I have been working hard with OT and PT to preserve joints without surgeries. I wear some cool looking rings now (that are actually splints) and have made choices in this evolving journey to continue creativity, by being in community with others. I get to look back at the concrete start with love and appreciation that led to the studio. I always love hearing about other people’s journey, and what you are looking back on that brought you to wear you are. Feel free to reply and tell me what’s going on with you :)
So candles... It’s fall so lots of candle making class opportunities! There are a few times open in West Branch for Candle Pour Bar. And, I am really excited to partner with the Vue in Iowa City for a fun night in November to make your fall or winter candle while having a blast. They are hosting the tickets, so you need to go here to purchase. I have so many great oils that feel like fall and winter, I can’t wait to welcome you into a class!
Private Parties are going into full swing too, especially for the upcoming holidays! I have birthdays, bridal showers, holiday gatherings, and more - I am booking out until the end of 2024 now. If you’ve been curious and want to plan something, take a look at the updated page here with all the info on private parties, and reach out if you want to get a party on the books!
Happy Friday!
Erika
