You’d be shocked to learn what’s inside most candles. Not only do soy candles blended with petroleum and other chemicals burn faster and contain carcinogens, but many are only fragrant for the first 25% of their life. But the handmade candles from Avon Lake’s Furbish & Fire, which are fully fragranced and made from 100% soy wax, burn brighter. “All of our candles use cotton wicks and all-natural fragrances, so they’re family-friendly and safe to burn,” says Michelle Liller, who founded the company in 2015. What’s on the outside matters, too, when it comes to Furbish & Fire’s Wine Bottle Candles ($25). In addition to recycled packaging, Liller’s wax containers are hand cut from upcycled wine bottles, which are then labeled with more than 700 of her custom designs. If you can’t find something with enough sass (“WTF”), state pride (“Hang on Sloopy”) or holiday cheer among that list, create your own custom label for no additional price, an option that’s popular among realtors and others gifting clients. “Our customers like when we get a little funny, but you can find daily inspiration or something that reminds you of someone special,” Liller says. “There’s truly something for everyone.” furbishandfire.com
Click here to read the full list of 25 items from our Handcrafted Cleveland Shopping Guide.