For some, the glow of a beautifully crafted candle may be an opportunity to enjoy a peaceful moment during the hectic holiday season. But for Jane Thompson, a local counselor, it's the making of candles that provides calm interludes to her busy life all year long.

"I made my first candle 50 years ago, under the supervision of my mother, in a milk carton," Thompson said. "And I loved playing with wax, always have."

But playing with wax gave way to grownup pursuits, and her affinity for candles lay dormant for many years. Then, about 20 years ago, Thompson redecorated her house and wanted candles of a certain color. "So I cut up some frozen orange juice cans and remembered how to make candles."

And make them she did. "I was making so many candles because I loved doing it," Thompson recalled. "I would call family and friends and say, 'Do you need any candles? I'm having a wax attack.'"

All those candles naturally led Thompson to consider making a business of her avocation, and for a while, she supplied local outlets with her creations. But, she soon discovered that making candles on demand turned her labor of love into just plain labor.

"What I really love is the making of them," she said. "The marketing and selling is not my forte."

In time, Thompson reached a happy medium that allows her to pursue her love of candle making without being overtaken by the products of her creativity. Twice a year, Thompson hosts an open house - one in the winter and one in the spring.

Her recent winter event, called "The Wax Woman 8th Annual Holiday Open House," found local shoppers crowding around the beautiful

displays of her uniquely crafted works.

Thompson said she sees two types of customers at her open houses. "Some of my candles, people will not burn. They look at them," she said. "I also have customers who love candles and burn them; and that's fine."

Of course, Thompson is more than pleased that her customers, some who return year after year, love her candles enough to make them part of their holiday celebrations and gift giving. And she enjoys her open house events and the opportunity to show her mastery of her craft. But it's the process of candle making and the balance it provides to her life that is of equal importance to her.

"I'm a great believer in the power of play or in someone having a passion other than work," she said.

Candle making provides that passion for Thompson year-round, and the result is skillful artistry that brings pleasure and delight to all who own one of her fine creations. And that's a gift that keeps on giving, holiday or not.

Contact Laura Tonkyn at 394-8405 or laura.tonkyn@rapidcityjournal.com.