“I believe Candles and Copper embody the essence of The Velvet Hammer; They both bring a sense of warmth and unique beauty—
Where strength and integrity meet elegance and beauty. “
The Velvet Hammer, 2022
The Dreaming Beam, 2016
About The Velvet Hammer
WHY NONTOXIC CANDLES?
I have always had a great love for candles. They make a house feel like a home and add a great ambiance to any room. However, I began noticing that I was experiencing bad headaches when burning the big store brand candles. Upon researching the ingredients in these big name brands, it was no wonder that they caused headaches and other negative side effects. Paraffin wax emits highly toxic chemicals when it burns and the artificial fragrances in them only worsen the toxicity levels. Having been a natural and organic based person for years, I became passionate about developing a nontoxic candle with amazing fragrance options.
The Velvet Hammer candles use a coconut soy wax blend that is organic and non-GMO. In addition, the fragrances are all naturally derived from essential oils or plant extracts. This means that these candles are safe to burn, especially in homes with pets, children, and mothers to be. I believe that everyone deserves to have a candle they love that is affordable, nontoxic, with a fragrance that they adore!
For me, introducing candles to my shop was the perfect addition. “I believe Candles and Copper embody the essence of The Velvet Hammer; They both bring a sense of warmth and unique beauty—Where strength and integrity meet elegance and beauty.
WHY COPPER JEWELRY?
I began making jewelry back in 2013 when I first moved to Orcas Island, one of the many beautiful islands that decorate the Northern coast of Washington State. At the time, Orcas Island had no cellphone reception and the locals told me I had three options to outlast a winter on the island. A hobby, a honey, or a habit. I chose the first option, and thus my first jewelry brand was born. It was one islander in particular who introduced me to working with copper and his name was Whisky Bob. Whisky Bob was a one of kind man with a heart as big as his handlebar mustache. He was always kind, had a lively sense of humor, and was a beloved member of the community until he passed away in 2018. Whisky Bob would make copper bracelets from old electrical wire and give them away to many of the island locals who came to enjoy a libation with him at the tavern. I remember him telling me about all of the wonderful healing properties copper held. That is when I decided that I wanted copper to be my primary medium in jewelry making. I have a great love for working with copper. The Velvet Hammer brand is the embodiment of my creative spirit and it is an honor to be able to share my creations with the world and I deeply appreciate your support.
—Bailey Sande, Designer & Founder