Entry No. 35 — the Helena file — filed under: hands-on
Copper Mountain Candle Co.
Owned by Helena native Kelsi Furlong, Copper Mountain is a small-batch soy candle maker that runs roving candle-making workshops around town, often hosting them at spots like Missouri River Brewing Co. and Speakeasy 41. You pick a vessel and fragrance, then get guided through measuring, mixing, and pouring your own candle over a roughly two-hour session, drinks usually available. Sessions run around $35 and up per person and you take your candle home.
The story
You won't find Kelsi Furlong behind a traditional storefront counter along Last Chance Gulch. The Helena native built Copper Mountain Candle Co. around a roving, pop-up model, hauling small-batch soy wax, clean fragrance oils, and pouring pitchers directly into taprooms and lounges like Missouri River Brewing Co. and Speakeasy 41.
The setup turns candle-making into a social, hands-on craft night with a drink in hand. Over roughly two hours, you pick a vessel, evaluate fragrance profiles, and get guided through measuring, mixing, and pouring your own custom soy wax creation.
When she isn't hosting taproom workshops, Furlong's work surfaces quietly across town—stacked as dough bowl candles inside Birdseye Mercantile or set up at local vendor pop-ups like the Helena Holiday MADE Fair. It makes the business feel less like a standard shop and more like a local secret that surfaces whenever there's a table to set up.
What it's like
Expect to slide onto a stool or long bench inside a local brewery, where tables are laid out with measuring beakers, scent bottles, and warm wax heaters. You'll grab a drink from the bar, pick your container, and work through calculating scent ratios before pouring your wax. The session takes about two hours, giving you plenty of time to linger while your candle sets. Tip: seats sell out quickly when dates are announced, so lock in your spot as soon as a pop-up is posted.
The move: Catch one of their pop-up workshops at a local brewery, blend your own scent, and pour two candles side by side over a beer.
- 📍 Helena
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Gulch Distillers — Pair your taproom candle-pouring session with a visit to this local distillery near Last Chance Gulch for spirits made from Montana grain.
- The Rathskeller at the Montana Club — Double down on Helena's offbeat drinking dens by heading subterranean at this basement speakeasy beneath the historic Montana Club.
- The Rock Room — Match your custom scent creation with a quiet stop on Euclid Avenue to pick up intuitively curated minerals and crystals.
Good to know
Where are the candle-making workshops held?
They operate as pop-ups at rotating Helena venues, frequently taking over spaces like Missouri River Brewing Co. and Speakeasy 41.
How much does a workshop cost and what is included?
Tickets typically run around $35 and up per person, covering your chosen vessel, clean soy wax, fragrance oils, and hands-on instruction.
Can I buy pre-made candles without attending a class?
Yes, finished candles are sold online, at local markets like the Helena Holiday MADE Fair, and in local retail spots like Birdseye Mercantile.
How long does a session take?
Classes take roughly two hours from selecting your scent to finishing your pour.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · ktvh.com · helenamt.com · speakeasy41.com · birdseyemercantile.com · handmademontana.com
last checked: 2026-06-24