Farm-fresh candles
Beau Burdette is a foodie and a fan of farmers markets. He’s also the founder of Produce, a new, always-in-season candle line inspired by farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
The company: Produce started in Charleston, S.C., in January.
The founder: After moving to Charleston several years ago, Burdette teamed up with Adam Fetsch, the founder of Rewined, a company that makes wine-scented candles in repurposed wine bottles. To promote Rewined, Burdette often visited farmers markets, trading candles for produce. Then he had his aha moment.
Inspiration: Fresh produce and sights, sounds, colors and energy of farmers markets throughout the Southeast
The goods: Hand-poured candles made with natural soy wax and premium cotton wicks. Year-round fragrances include carrot, honey, melon and radish. There are also seasonal fragrances. Summer scents are tomato, peach and corn. Candles in 9-ounce Mason-style glass jars are $24.
Best-sellers: Cilantro, kale and melon
Other favorites: Tomato, a summer seasonal scent
What's new: Fall and winter fragrances, ranging from fig and sweet potato to sage and rosemary
Popular as: Gifts for a hostess and gardener or party favors for your farm-to-table friends
Where to buy: In the Atlanta area, find Produce candles at Star Provisions, 1198 Howell Mill Road (starprovisions.com), and Urban Cottage, 998 N. Highland Ave. (urbancottageatlanta.com). Also at www.producecandles.com.
Poster boy
Summer is filled with countless memories. Of vacations. Or special places. To keep that always-on-vacation vibe alive at your office or home, hang artwork by Patrick Reid O’Brien.
The company: MyTownArt.com started in 2004 in Baltimore. The company's pop art collection features landmarks and icons of towns and places around the country.
The founder: After graduating from St. Mary's College of Maryland, the fine arts major started his career in advertising. But 10 years ago, O'Brien ditched his day job to follow his passion.
Inspiration: Travel posters from the 1920s to the 1950s
The goods: Original lithographs on paper ($36 for a 12-by-16-inch print). Also larger pieces painted on canvas and stretched over a wooden frame with a gallery wrap design. Canvas works come in three sizes and range from $129 to $349. O'Brien's work resembles the weathered signs or ads painted on the sides of an old barn or building.
Shore things: The "All I Need" beach series (5633). Includes some of your favorite beaches, including Hilton Head, Jekyll Island, and the Outer Banks.
Other favorites: The "Life Path" series (3040) in beachy colors
Claim to fame: Has been commissioned to do work for Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville brand, the Kentucky Derby and the White House gift shop in 2010.
What's new: A series of upscale images meant to be hung together as a set. Check the "new art" section on the website.
Where to buy: www.mytownart.com
Ocean inspired
Inspired by the coast and its creatures, North Carolina’s Shayne Greco is making waves with his handmade collection of functional pottery.
The company: Shayne Greco Ceramics started in 2010 in Burgaw, N.C. (near Wilmington).
The founder: Greco grew up in New Jersey and came to the South for a warmer climate to attend Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, where he majored in painting.
The goods: Vases, platters, bowls, urns and candlesticks in neutral colors and decorated with ocean life such as seahorses, lobsters, turtles and octopuses. Sizes and prices vary; $150 to $1,600. The collection, which uses lead-free glazes, is safe for use in the dishwasher or microwave.
What's popular: Anything octopus
What next: An inland collection that features horses, bears, goats and birds
Where to buy: www.shaynegreco.com
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from around the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home or rave about to friends? If so, please send your suggestions to: lljerkins@gmail.com. Also find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on Facebook or twitter@southernfinds1.
