Customer Review: Standard Wax Candles!

Here at Practical Art, we sell the amazing work of more than 130 local artists! But you don’t have to take our word for it. Loyal customer and Practical Art community member, Jenna, sent us her review of our Standard Wax candles.

“I purchased a variety of these soy-based candles to give away as Mother’s Day gifts in May. I ended up liking the whiskey + fig scent so much that I kept it for myself! Each candle comes in a stylish ceramic holder, or cup. I have, in the past, had an allergic reaction to soy candles, but not with these. They are lightly scented and the perfume or essential oil doesn’t smell cheap. They seem to be long-lasting. I definitely would buy these again. Other scents that I recommend are the “bergamot + basil” (nice light herbal scent) and the citrus + black currant which has a slightly lemony slightly tart aroma. Four out of five stars!”

Thanks, Jenna! If you want to try out these awesome candles for yourself you can find them here at the shop OR on our webstore!

Let us know about your favorite Practical Art pieces by emailing us at info@practical-art.com or coming by the shop to talk to one of our fabulous staff members. We can’t wait to see you soon!

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Valentine’s Gift Guide!

Come on, folks– we are the Valentine’s STATE after all! Let’s show the nation how it’s done! Give some love to your local artists by picking up a lovingly handmade gift for your loved one on love’s nationally-recognized day. Love, love, love– don’tcha love it? I love it. And, as usual, we’ve put together some of our favorite suggestions for you, just to make shopping local even easier:

If you’re a whizz in the kitchen, consider making a special dinner. Set out some candles, flowers, and place this wine barrel stave wine glass holder by artisan Jim Daut over your partner’s favorite bottle of wine for a presentation that winks and says, “it’s just us tonight”.

 

Jewelry! (Of course!) Artisan Heather Magill has expertly crafted a heart necklace that isn’t just a Valentine’s piece, but classy and modern enough to be worn year-round. But also keep in mind: Valentine’s isn’t just for heart-shaped things! This beautiful pair of earrings by artisan Christine Porter might be the sweet little token of appreciation just right for how you folks celebrate the holiday. (But hmm… don’t these look kind of great together?! SET!)

 

And while the artisans haven’t been crafting live flowers, they HAVE been creating gorgeous vessels to show off nature’s blossoms– give the gift of a living plant in an Annette Weaver ceramic planter.

So many choices, and you’re ahead of the game– there’s still two weeks. You could even write a lovely letter, poem, or song in that amount of time: and a beautiful wooden box by Jim Rogers would be a wonderful house for such a special memento.

Let us and 100+ local artisans help you celebrate and honor the love in your life!

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Featured Item: Standard Wax’s “Sage + Pomegranate”

SAGE + POMEGRANATE CANDLE

handcrafted by Practical Art artisans Andrew King & Samantha Irwin of
Standard Wax

A 75-Hour burn time?! Heck to the yes! That’s 75 hours of balanced, fruit n’ herb-infused atmosphere. Seriously, light this up and your house, cha, I mean your insta-spa, becomes a place you never wanna leave. (So be careful lighting this candle if you have guests over, unless you want roommates.)

The best thing about these bad boys? After you’ve burned the candle up, if you don’t wanna just use the empty, handmade ceramic vessel as a pencil holder, planter, or coin cup– you can bring it back by the shop and for $10 Andrew & Sam’ll refill it with your favorite fragrance! (Personally, I bought TWO so if one was away being refilled, I still had one to burn!)

Ok, maybe there’s one thing that’s EVEN better– what if you could weigh in on the creation of one of these candles, personalize it some, to make it the best gift ever given? Well, here’s your chance:

A GREAT GIFT FOR:
The Holidays!
Housewarming
The Office Mate
Your Kiddo’s Favorite Teacher
Your Favorite Gal Pal

  CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE! 

www.practical-art.com

Gotta Whole Lotta Love! Valentine’s Gift Guide!

Have a sugar? A sweetie? A main squeeze? Apple of yer eye? Well, it’s that time of year again. St. Vincent’s bringing the wine and St. Valentine is at his heels, a-rollin’ in with his confetti of candy hearts, red & pink streamers, and teddy bears holding boxes of chocolates.

Maybe you want to show your special someone that you care, but you’re looking for something a little more meaningful, or a little classier, than that typical cheese-fest. Well, we’ve got it, and what’s better? It’s handmade, one-of-a-kind, and locally-crafted.

Jewelry is a classic standard, and this darling piece by artisan Lisa Pauling is subtle and sweet.

Consider this petite chateau, by Maurice Hamburger, in deciding how to house that special piece of jewelry (or tiny love note). It skyrockets your presentation and is a lovely piece of art unto itself.

Fill this little heart, by Dan Basinski, with a favorite candy and sneak it onto your true love’s desk. Don’t underestimate the simple surprise.

The flower that never dies. These votive holders by Keith Weiskamp are a great gift to accompany a few verses of poetry about how long you’ll love her?  (Sorry, poem not included.)

And yes, we know you dudes like to be romanced as well. This ‘Leather & Tobacco’ candle, by StandardWax, has the earthy, dark-cherry notes of pipe tobacco mingled with the sweetness of a freshly-oiled baseball glove. We’re thinkin’ it’ll do well to set the mood.

And because Practical Art loves love, and loves our customers near AND far, we’re offering FREE SHIPPING between now and Valentine’s Day. Pick up a gift for your sweetheart, your best friend, yourself, anyone and everyone– and enter the code ‘LOCALLOVE’ at checkout. We’re crazy ’bout ya, and not afraid to show it. Happy Valentine’s!