Stowsmiths

17/06/2026

05/06/2026

I talk about the basil candle all the time in real life: at markets, in the Burford shop, and when friends come round to my house and see it on the kitchen counter. It doesn't have a place on the grid here and perhaps you haven't smelt its pure, uplifting joy in a glass and need to know more. Here goes...

Its hot throw is a herb bed of sharp greens; peppery and full of zest. There are sweet citrus notes to temper the sharpness: orange and lemon rind.

Consider it the kind sister to a harsh citronella candle as it works to repell insects when lit. The perfect burn for outdoor drinks.

If you receive our emails you will know we currently have an offer. When you purchase a tumbler candle you can buy a basil candle of any size for 40% off using BASIL40. It can be hard to choose scent online, but should help your leap of faith.

Happy weekend!

17/05/2026

It is the final day of Artweeks at Tyte Tap House in Great Rollright.

If you're out visiting sites in the area today, pop along to the house for a browse.

Open until 5pm today.

Thank you to for having a table of candles alongside this talented group of makers.

12/05/2026

A few photos from the week so far...I have loved being at Tyte Tap House this week. Such a varied and talented group. A selection of the work on show is shown here but there is plenty more to see. Open until this coming Sunday. I will be there again on Friday if you want to pop along.

Poppy seed heads in Great Rollright by

Natural soap: just butters and oils (no palm oil) and scented with essential oils

A pot by Noriko for Artweek in Great Rollright.

A break to man the shop in Burford in the drizzle

Venice Reflections - my favourite photograph by

Boards by Jonquil. Each board is tagged with the type of wood and source.

More candles of course...

05/05/2026

Scenes from this weekend.
Thank you to Jane and her team for working so hard to put on a great event ❤️. The weather played ball and thankfully no soggy gazebos for the traders to dry out this time. If you came along, thank you. I know it is a difficult time at the moment and all small businesses are feeling the pressure. Your support means the world.

This week I will be setting up in Great Rollright at Tyte End House for which starts on Saturday. Hope to see you there!

This week I am busy finishing a wholesale order. The oils that I use to blend atlas rose have arrived and I am pouring and restocking these. The week has started smelling amazingly!

29/04/2026

This year I am excited to be taking part in Oxfordshire Artweeks. Jane Stillwell kindly asked me to bribg my candles along to her site. The Tyte Tap Artists are an incredibly talented group of artists exhibiting in Jane's garden and studio in Great Rollright.

At Tyte Tap Artists you will find: collage, photography, wooden boards, ceramics, garden pottery, papier-mâché birds, blacksmith & ironwork.

Opening times:
9th to 17th May 2026
10 am to 5 pm daily

There is ample parking on the drive and street. Do come along and say hello.

Jake Gill
Jane Stillwell
Kate Daunt Collage
Noriko Macfarlane Pottery
Andy Gill
Jonquil Sabin
Trilby Jones Papier-mâche Birds

26/04/2026

Sunshine, plants, and candles. Thank you for having me at your market. Such a gorgeous location.

14/04/2026

Upcoming events ✨️

Spetchley Gardens Plant Fair and Artisan Market - Sunday 26th April

Milton Market, Bruern Farm, Chipping Norton - Sunday 3rd May

Oxfordshire Artweeks - Tyte End, Great Rollright, OX7 5RU -joining the Tyte Tap Artists 9th to 17th May - more info to come!

25/03/2026

I am just popping on to say that today is the last day that I will send orders out before Easter weekend (in case you were considering gifting candles instead of chocolate).

As a thank you for following along I am offering free delivery on orders*, but any placed after today will be sent out on the 8th April. No need for a code.

Wax burners are back in stock! See photo.

If you have admired the work of Chipping Norton based Bliss Mill Studio for a while, now is the time to shop because Polly has dropped off a beautiful collection of tealight holders, wax burners, and match pots. They never hang around for very long. Do also check out her fine dining ceramics .

* Orders must be over £15 to qualify for free postage and packing.

X

18/12/2025

Festive market season may have drawn to a close for Stowsmiths but if you are in Burford you can browse our products .31burford.

Situated at the bottom of the High St, this beautiful old building houses a collective of independent businesses. For a small business like mine being a part of this shop has been transformative.

If you pop in you will always find a friendly welcome and many beautiful things either made locally or curated by other small independent businesses. We also share the space with who make delicious dahls, tarts, and cakes.

Scroll to the end to see Burford looking beautiful at closing time last week.

(📸 Grace of )