Umbra is celebrating its two year anniversary!

We at Umbra are celebrating our two year anniversary in the new location on St. Elmo Ave. It has been a wonderful two years and we plan to be bringing you wonderful smells and unique, beautiful gifts for many years to come!

In honor of this happy event, we are giving away a free votive in our favorite holiday fragrances with every purchase. Choices are Holiday Jubilee, Yuletide Bayberry and Pine Mist and will be available everyday this week.

Thank you for being a part of the Umbra family!

Also, especially for you lover's of my favorite holiday beverage, we have a limited supply of Eggnog candles! Get them while there still here!

December Artist of the Month

Flight Path Designs

You have got to check out these amazing new belt buckles from Flight Path Designs! These one-of-a-kind leather buckles are straight from artist Naomi Yamamoto's studio in Vancouver B.C. Her trademark process is a unique technique of imagery fused onto leather which creates a luxurious, rich surface. Naomi has always been drawn towards the tactile nature of materials, constantly striving to push the limits and explore the possibilities of different mediums. Her work utilizes a combination of found imagery from her travels through China, Tibet and Spain and transfers them onto vintage textiles and leather to create this fantastic line of belt buckles.

Flight Path Buckles will be arriving towards the latter half of next week, approximately December 9. Come in soon before they are all gone!

Happy Holidays!

After Thanksgiving Day Sale- 20% Off Everything!!

As a loyal Umbra Essence customer, we'd like to invite you to our Black Friday Holiday Sale, our BIGGEST SALE of the year! Shop at Umbra Essence Candles & Gifts on Friday, November 27th, and enjoy 20% OFF EVERYTHING - candles, jewelry, ceramics, and more! We're pleased to announce that this year, our special holiday sale will last all day long, 10am-7pm, but our collection of one-of-a-kind handmade items won't, so don't wait!

We're constantly looking for the next addition to our specially selected collection of offerings. Now, just in time for the holidays, we've expanded our collection to include numerous new jewelry items, ceramic pieces, accessories, and more. Come check out a myriad of beautiful items by fresh new artists at Umbra Essence, as well as brand new pieces from your favorites. (Fresh picks from Shari Dixon, Mark Issenberg, Shadow May, Home Studio and more!)

Alongside our sumptuous line of hand crafted candles, we strive to offer the very best handmade items from the Chattanooga area and around the country, all selected to enrich life with light, warmth, and joy. When you select a hand crafted gift from Umbra Essence, not only are you giving something truly unique, you're supporting fine artists, the local economy, and our community. What better way to share your light this holiday season?

We want to make your holiday gift-giving experience a pleasure, not a pain! To help you pick the perfect gift for that special someone (or to help your special someone find the perfect gift for you), we offer a convenient gift registry for all occasions. We also offer a convenient gift-wrapping service. And if your recipient lives out of town, out of state, or across the ocean? No problem. We'll gladly ship your holiday gifts directly from our store!

You will not want to miss our biggest sale of the year!!

November Artist of the Month

This Is It! Creations

This Is It! Creations, from Jacksonville, Oregon, has created a line of environmentally friendly journals that inspire individuals and ultimately benefit animal welfare. Their focus since 2005 has been in creating eclectic handmade gifts that encourage reflection, appreciation of the moment and remembering what is important in life. Their motto, "freedom from the ordinary ~ freedom for the animals," applies to their creations and to their lives. This Is It! Creations currently donates 5% of their profits to animal welfare groups such as the Jane Goodall Society and Best Friends Animal Society.

The paper used in making these endearing journals is either 100% recycled or a special blend of paper made from the lokta bush of Nepal. The cultivation of the lokta bush provides an environmentally sound, self-sustaining natural resource. If cut eight inches from its base, the lokta bush grows back to full size and can be harvested again in only four years! The long fibers are extremely durable and the plant is a natural insect repellent, making it perfect for a long-lasting journal. In a true commitment to sustainability, even the packaging of these lovely journals is biodegradable and compostable!

A journal from This Is It! will make an inspiring and unique gift for yourself or a loved one. Be sure to come in and see the fantastic creations from November's Artist of the Month!

New! Light of Hope Candle for Susan G. Komen For The Cure®

Umbra Essence Candles and Gifts announces the launch of a new product to add to their successful brand of handcrafted candles. The Umbra Essence Light of Hope Candle for Susan G. Komen For The Cure® is a custom blend of lavender and vanilla and has been hand-colored a delicate pink by Umbra Essence Candles’ owner and candle maker, Jamie Mosey. “Breast cancer touches so many lives today and I am no exception. I deeply understand what families go through and why awareness and research are so important.” The Light Of Hope Candle pledges to donate 20% of the retail sales of this candle to the Chattanooga Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure®. The new Light of Hope Candles are available in three popular sizes, 3”x3.5”, 3” x4.5”, and 3” x 6.5” round pillars, and available exclusively at the Umbra Essence Candles and Gifts store in St. Elmo beginning on National Philanthropy Day, Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

Up to 75 % of the funds raised by the Chattanooga Komen Affiliate remain in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. “It was important to me to be able to have a local impact and have a way to help the families in my own community,” Mosey said. Sarah Bowman, President of the Chattanooga Affiliate, agrees, “A candle perfectly symbolizes the efforts of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Affiliates around the world. The work we do together represents hope, love and strength to millions of survivors and their loved ones."

Umbra has created a lavender scent for the Light of Hope candle specifically for its versatile qualities. “Lavender is so much more than simply a fragrance. It can have both a calming and uplifting effect. Relaxing the body and mind during the healing process is so important. We added a touch of vanilla for sweetness and believe we have a perfect blend for this special edition candle,“ says Mosey.

Be sure to come in and get your beautiful, limited edition candles today and know you are contributing to great cause.

Special Limited Eggnog Candles are here!

Be sure to stop in today and get one while they are still available. They sure smell yummy!

October Artist Feature- Houston Llew

Spiritiles

Houston Llew, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, is an artist working in the medium of glass fired onto copper. Llew's Spiritiles are a fresh dialect of lustrous art created to capture the spirit of the moment- fun, culture, adventure and love. Through their eclectic imagery and the stories engraved on their sides, these luminous artworks string together like bejeweled paragraphs in the narrative of life.

Spiritiles are made of molten glass on copper, an ancient medium translated into interesting contemporary art. All Spiritiles are hand colored and handcrafted by Houston Llew and his artists in Atlanta, Georgia. The materials for Spiritiles are made in the United States, with glass coming from the Southeast and copper from the Southwest. Spiritiles measures 5 ¼” x 8 ½” x 1 ¾” and weigh three pounds. They easily hang on a wall or stand alone. These wonderful works of art will never fade or tarnish and may be enjoyed in sunny or humid places where other art may not endure.

Houston Llew's Spiritiles will be a fresh new visual piece for any room in the home. The eclectic variety of work is sure to appeal to any palate. They are sure to enlighten your décor and your life. Be sure to come visit and see our newest artist!

Gallery Hop 2009

Featured Artist- Matthew Dutton





Fall is nearly upon us and that means its time for the annual Gallery Hop! We, at Umbra Essence, are very excited to be participating again this year. The Gallery Hop,which is put on each year by the Association For Visual Arts and the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership, will be taking place on Saturday, September 12 from 2pm until 9 pm.

This year Umbra Essence has chosen to feature local artist, Matthew Dutton during the Gallery Hop. Matthew Dutton is an artist who combines non-traditional media with innovative approaches toward traditional art making methods.

We will be hosting a reception for him on Umbra's garden terrace. Everyone is invited to visit our gift gallery to meet Matthew and see some of his work. Complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served.


Be sure to stop in Umbra or AVA to pick up a Gallery Hop brochure map and listing of all the participating galleries. For more info please visit the AVA website www.avarts.org or call 423.265.4282.

We look forward to seeing you! It is going to be a great time for sure so mark your calendars. This is an event that you do not want to miss!

September Artist Feature- Bibelot Design

Bibelot Design located in Ontario, Canada was started by Christine McGrath in 1994. The company began designing jewelry and small items and has since evolved into creating a line of fresh, modern, and sophisticated home accents using glass, textiles, and wood veneer. In 2006 McGrath's husband, Reid Maltby joined Bibelot and is very active in the creative process.

Having evolved from designing only jewelry and small items, Bibelot Design now produces frames, coasters, night lights, vases, and mirrors. Each piece is handcrafted from start to finish with great attention to detail. Whether your tastes are modern or retro you are bound to find a great addition for your home decor. Be sure to pop in for a visit and check out one of our newest additions, Bibelot Design.

Highlights of Sundown in St. Elmo 2009

Thanks everyone for coming out this summer and making Sundown in St. Elmo a success. We hope to see all of you again soon!

August Sundown in St. Elmo

August 15th from 6pm-9pm

Featuring local potter Mark Issenberg


Umbra Essence Candles and Gifts is pleased to be hosting an evening with local potter Mark Issenberg, Saturday, August 15th from 6pm-9pm. An artist reception will be taking place and include the opportunity to meet Mark and see his work. Complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres will also be served on our garden terrace.

Here's a look at what else will be going on in St. Elmo:

BodyWisdom Therapeutic Massage: Receive $5 off when you book your first massage during the open house. Body Wisdom will also be hosting Chattanooga Stand, a project engaging community members to express their ideas for Chattanooga's future.

Pasha Coffee & Tea: Relax in Chattanooga's only fully organic coffee bar, and enjoy "New Voices," featuring readings from local poets, and enjoy new paintings by local artist, Carl Roberson.

Collective Clothing: Check out St. Elmo's utterly hip new store featuring and eveing of live music, plus enjoy 25% off pants from the shop's vintage collection.

Mojo Burrito: Enjoy a complimentary soft beverage with the purchase of any adult entree.

Blacksmith's Bistro: Stop by for Sundown specials including half-price fries, $4 house wine, and $3 drafts.


This month one person will be the lucky winner of the "Sundown Prize" gift basket. The prize basket will include the following:
Umbra Essence: $30 gift certificate
BodyWisdom: 30 minute massage (value of $40)
Collective Clothing: $30 gift certificate
Pasha's: $15 gift certificate
Making Arrangements: $25 gift certificate
Mojo Burrito: $10 gift certificate

Pick up your passport at BodyWisdom Massage Studio and get your card stamped at participating St. Elmo merchants for your chance to win! We look forward to seeing you!

August Fragrance of the Month- 10% Off

Melon Peach Passion





The aromas of vine ripened melon and juicy sweet peaches picked at their peak-if you are passionate about the fruits of summer, this one's for you.

August Artist Feature- Simple Ink

Simple Ink, located in Bend, Oregon, first began in 1999 when founder, Amy Gautschi and her friend Kate were strolling through a historical Japanese paper district. Together they noticed that the paper was beautiful enough to frame. Ever since then, Amy has been busy creating and establishing her own line of unique letterpress paper goods.

Simple Ink is recognized for its product of simple beauty, rich papers and letterpress craftsmanship. Letterpress is a five century-old relief printing technique in which a raised inked image meets a fine paper with enough pressure to create a precise, debossed impression. Only antique presses are used in this process. All Simple Ink artwork is letterpress printed on the hightest quality of 100% cotton (Tree Free) paper.

Every component of their product-right down to the clear sleeve packaging-is recyclable. A portion of each sale goes to either Kiva and Finca, which are two organizations that seek to aid entrepreneurs in poverty stricken countries. One of their goals is to help these countries by creating more job opportunities for those in need.

July Sundown in St. Elmo

Featuring Dalton silk artist Julie Whitehead of Julie Belle Designs

Umbra Essence Candles & Gifts is pleased to be hosting an evening with Dalton artist Julie Whitehead, Saturday, July 18th from 6pm-9pm. An artist reception will include the opportunity to meet Julie and see and discuss her new work including hand painted silk scarves and pillows. Complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres will also be offered on our garden terrace.

Here's a look at what else will be going on in St. Elmo:

Body Wisdom Therapeutic Massage will be having an open house and all new customers will receive $5.00 off a massage booked during the event.

Pasha Coffee & Tea will host an evening of poetry readings from several local poets. Come relax in Chattanooga's only fully organic coffee bar.

Collective Clothing will have live music and in-store specials. If you haven't already, come check out St. Elmo's newest business specializing in recycled, resale, vintage, and urban fashions.

Mojo Burrito will be celebrating its 7th anniversary so be sure to come out and help celebrate! Get a free piece of cake, a free beverage with an adult entree and in-store giveaways throughout the evening.

Blacksmith's Bistro & Bar will also have several specials going on: Enjoy $4.00 House wines, $3.00 drafts and half-priced fries.

We are looking forward to our second Sundown in St. Elmo. Be sure to save the date: Saturday, July 18th from 6pm-9pm. Come enjoy an evening of socializing and help support our local businesses. We hope to see you there!

June Sundown in St. Elmo Recap

Thom and Wynne D. Demas and Bethany Dillard of Body Wisdom

Poetry Reading at Pasha's

Live music at Collective Clothing

Featured artist Shadow May and his wife Ana at Umbra Essence

Wynne D. Demas and others enjoying our terrace

Our first Sundown in St. Elmo was a success. We all had a wonderful time!
We look forward to seeing you all at the next Sundown in St. Elmo, which will take place on July 18th and will feature Dalton silk artist Julie Whitehead of Julie Belle Designs.