At Camphill Village Store in Copake, New York, every product carries a story—one rooted in community, craftsmanship, and a mission to uplift individuals of all abilities. Founded in 1961, Camphill Village Copake is an integrated, intentional community where adults with developmental differences live and work with dignity and purpose. Among its many Craft Studios, the Candleshop stands out for its stunning hand-dipped beeswax candles—each one crafted with care, devotion, and a deep respect for tradition.
Recently, the Candleshop introduced new tube packaging for its Shabbat Candle Set (12 pairs) and blessing card—designed in-house by Ilan Ronen, the Candleshop work master, creative director, and long-time designer. The result is a thoughtful, meaningful package that celebrates both the sacredness of Shabbat and the simple beauty of handmade craft.
Before arriving at Camphill Village, Ilan spent years immersed in art direction, typography, graphic design, teaching, and print production. His path eventually led him toward intentional community work and social therapy—a transition that aligned his artistic talents with a deeper purpose.
“Life can be meaningful when we live, work, and help others develop and find their own place,” Ilan shares. “My experience in design and branding has enabled Camphill Village, a nonprofit, to build a distinguished identity that elevates the handmade products created in our studios.”
His dual roles—designer and community mentor—blend seamlessly in the creation of the new packaging.
For this project, Ilan set out to create packaging that is ecological, meaningful, and visually striking. Paper tubes became the natural choice—recyclable, upcyclable, and highly adaptable to the variation found in hand-dipped tapers.
The design itself is rich in symbolism:
Kraft paper, a staple of the brand’s aesthetic, represents natural simplicity and the handmade essence of Camphill’s products.
White, traditionally associated with the holiness of Shabbat, appears on the telescoping part of the tube, creating a visual interplay between modesty and sacredness.
Typography and lettering, Ilan’s lifelong passion, shine through in the Hebrew calligraphy he drew for the product name.
Gold stamping adds a touch of festivity and refinement—balancing rustic kraft, clean white, and deep blue accents.
The result is packaging that feels both simple and luxurious, functional yet celebratory.
“As a designer, I try to imagine the customer’s first physical impression,” Ilan says. “The tube’s usability, multi-functionality, and its role as a branding tool make it special—not to mention that it serves as an excellent storage solution with upcycling potential.”
In handmade candle production, no two tapers are identical—a charming reality that presents challenges in traditional box packaging. Tubes solved this problem instantly, offering flexibility and structural protection.
Ilan evaluated labels and boxes in the early stages, but ultimately, he turned to Paper Tube Co. for their expertise, reliability, and designer-friendly process.
“Working directly with manufacturers can be frustrating,” Ilan reflects. “Paper Tube Co. created a missing link in packaging production—managing the complexities so designers can focus on creativity. Their experience, quality, and dedication made them our first and only choice.”
The team’s support, especially during Ilan’s first tube-printing project, made the process smooth and inspiring.
“April and her team picked up on the creative direction immediately. They offered excellent support and became a true source of inspiration.”
What sets Camphill Village Store apart isn’t only the craftsmanship—it’s the philosophy behind it. Profit isn’t their primary driving force. Instead, they prioritize ecological responsibility, social therapy, and meaningful work for community members.
Their Craft Studios produce everything from beeswax candles to herbal teas, with upcoming plans for new products, custom molds, innovative tealight tubes, and cross-studio collaborations—including new tea tube packaging for The Healing Plant, Camphill’s herbal craft studio.
Ilan’s vision continues to evolve, always rooted in beauty, intention, and community wellbeing.
Camphill Village’s handmade products stand out in the marketplace not simply because of their quality, but because of the mission they carry. Each tube of Shabbat candles is more than packaging—it is a vessel for tradition, artistry, and human connection.
“I want people to support Camphill Village and enjoy our handmade products,” Ilan says. “They embody love, devotion, and a sense of well-being.”
When asked to share a testimonial for the Paper Tube Co. team, Ilan put it simply:
“Your team is amazing. I really enjoyed working with them on both the creative and production aspects of the product. It was our first tube printing, and I was uncertain at first, but they guided the process with inspiration and expertise. Thank you so much.”
