Kitschy and scented candles handmade in NYC

QASSA

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qassa (kah-'sah') adj. 1.encompasses all the warm fuzzy feelings that being home provides. 2. the kitsch factor reminds you of all the happy times in your life. 3. handmade in New York!

About Foodies especially love the Saint Julia “Child,” patron saint of gourmet cooking version, while the girly pink one devoted to the over-the-top Liberace and his mama are fittingly glammed up with crystals, gold paint, and a recipe for a “Lemon Drop” cocktail. Soto’s votives also nod to the celebrity, bearing the images of John and Yoko, an elegant Audrey Hepburn, and Madonna circa the 80s glory days. For her more spiritual designs, Soto turns to the likes of Hindu gods Shiva, Ganesh, and Vishnu.Most of Soto’s candles are unscented, but her small, growing aromatic collection, with recipes tweaked by a scent guru up in Utica, NY, are sans the art (“I wanted the scent to be the art.”) and perfect for summer. Look for oatmeal fig, rosemary mint, and apple sandalwood. Right now, she’s experimenting with new floral scents, and, inspired by a dreamy hot cocoa – a relic from one of our harshest winters – a spicy Mexican chocolate. ©2009 The Q Note: Life in the Borough of Queens
Some years ago, Veronica Soto got hitched, moved to Astoria, and left her comfortable life in New Jersey behind. A little bored in her new surroundings, Soto knew she needed a hobby to get acclimated. “Everything was brand new to me,” she recalls. “I was somewhat lonely and wanted to get back to my creative roots. I painted, but I didn’t have the space to do that at home.” So, when the now comfortably-ensconced-in-Queens Soto wandered through the aisles of a local Michaels, The Arts and Crafts Store, and stumbled upon collage materials, she knew she’d found a new art form to embrace – she’d be just fine living in her new neighborhood after all. The crafty collages she began to create soon morphed into candle designs, and in 2007, she launched her own company, Qassa. Her soy-beeswax candles set in retro, recyclable glass, are sold in select locations throughout the country and through her web site and Etsy. While we sweated out the most intense Presidential battle in history, her handmade Obama and Clinton votives were on sale at Astoria boutique, Candy Plum. Kitschy prayer candles pay tribute to vintage icons like Saint Judy “Garland,” patron saint of the overmedicated, and Saint Joan “Crawford,” patron saint of wire hangers, and include inspiring quotes from the featured celebrity.

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It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. -Eleanor Roosevelt

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Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived. - Helen Keller

They love us, they really do...

"WOW! Just...wow! Veronica worked with me on two holiday votives for two VIPs in my life and they are GREAT! Also, the heart wall hanging shown is so finely done, it's beautiful. Veronica was patient and kind throughout the process and kept me up to date on what was happening. I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER! BUY EVERYTHING THIS WOMAN MAKES!:)"

"GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS!! i love these candles, they are even more vivid & cool when in hand. really friendly seller as well. i love my purchases, thank you so much! you know i'll be back for more!! "

"I can't wait until QASSA becomes a household name! This candle is Fab!!! You ROCK my socks!"

"Love this votive, looked beautiful last night when I had the candle burning, very pretty & spiritual, Thank You, will be back for more!"

"It is just so kitschy-pretty! Gorgeous, warm glow when lit. Perfect addition to my coffee table!"

So cute!! No kidding, I walked around sniffing the candle for an hour. I can't place why, but I could easily have that be the last scent I ever smelled and be OK with that! The votive holders are so adorable and are just what I was looking for to add to my shrine. The quality was better in person as well! Very happy with my purchase. Muchos Gracias :)

"I could not be happier with this purchase. Veronica was wonderful to work with - friendly, flexible, imaginative, artistic - and great communication. She went above and beyond my expectations. I wish there was a +++++Positive for this feedback."

"Veronica rocks! She has amazing customer service and created a one of a kind gift for a very special friend. Her workmanship is perfect. Thanks so much!!"

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