Thoughts on Design, Color Theory & Branding

I took an Adobe Illustrator course at Flower City Arts Center. It's a space in Rochester, NY specifically for makers, designers & creators. After taking the course I plunged into a branding update for our hang tags. I've been wanting to do this for months. I'm so pleased with the way the colors turned out. I chose a unique color for each scent. 

These images capture one scent: Cranberry & Clove and the different color options that I created for it. I did this for each scent: 12 total. Honestly, once I started this project the creativity was flowing. I loved creating a cohesive color palette that reflects our branding. 

Soft blush, muted tones, botanical elements...

My good friend Jess created the beautiful calligraphy and I translated it into illustrator. 

Winter Workshops

2017 came to a close with new things. I decided to add impromptu candle workshops in conjunction with our Winter Market at Wrafterbuilt's Studio. Teaching is something I have some familiarity with, but it's still a little nerve-wrecking to have eyes on you while you explain things. It's okay for your nerves to be wrecked every now and then...right? 

There will be more to come in 2018. We discuss the age old trade of candle making, how to choose fragrance blends, which kinds of wax is best... also there is wine.

Winter Markets

Last Winter I was 2.5 months postpartum with little Violet. I was easing/adjusting into a new role of mother (and new role as wife...honeymoon baby). Slowly I stockpiled and prepped batches of candles (in between naps, library visits & meal prep) and took on a whole month of markets. 

During the Queen City Market, I chatted with people about my goods and some of the comments stuck with me. Several folks sniffed their way through the line up of candles on display and mentioned how they really aren't "candle people" however they absolutely love the scents that I've curated. As a maker, feedback like this is so appreciated. Even the die hard anti-rose and anti-lavender people walked away with my Bulgarian Rose or my Lavender scents. Secret: a touch of Vanilla is added to my Lavender oil and Bulgarian Rose is so unique you can't say no...

Image Source: @tannergelatt

Image Source: @_Carolinestasia

The Essence of a Memory

Every fragrance tells a story. Whether Bulgarian Rose will always remind you of your first apartment, or Oakmoss & Amber will forever evoke memories of bringing your newborn baby girl home for the first time. My hope is that you can relive these sweet moments time and again by burning your Linwood Candle. 

This photo was taken a couple days after coming home from the hospital with my newborn baby girl. Roses: a gift from my sweet sister in law and Oakmoss & Amber candles scented our room. 

My sweet baby Violet. Photo taken by Jennifer Misso. I am so grateful for these newborn images. 

A couple days old, snug in a blanket. This beautiful little scene was almost 1 year ago.