Oklahoma's Own: Keepsake Candles Great Choice For Gifts

Craig Day, News On 6

BARTLESVILLE, Oklahoma -- Counting Wednesday, there are only 10 days left to get your shopping done. An Oklahoma-made product may be just the right idea for people on your shopping list.

Keepsake Candles is one of Oklahoma's Own.

On a hill just off Highway 60, there's an Oklahoma business that's been making people happy for 41 years. But sometimes great businesses like Keepsake Candles begin by accident.

"We made a couple of dozen in our kitchen for the church bazaar, and it sold out," said Karen Distefano of Keepsake Candles.

Since those early days, there's no telling how many candles they've made. Karen Distefano, whose parents started the business, uses the word "gobs." And gobs of people have bought Keepsake Candles over the years.

"We have shipped out to all 50 states, both wholesale and retail," Distefano said.

First, they form a mold and pour wax in that to make a hard outer shell. Then more wax - mixed with one of 50 scents and a wick - are added to the middle. You get not just a candle, but a piece of Oklahoma artwork.

"They're very unique in their shape. They are not like your average jar-shaped candle," Distefano said.

Many of the candles are also hand painted.

Keepsake Candles can make a candle mold out of just about everything and there's proof. Someone brought in a rock with several fossils on it and wanted the same design on a candle. So they took a mold of it, curved it and ended up with a similar design.

There are all kinds of designs. all shapes, all sizes. All kinds of colors and scents.

But the reaction from customers over four decades is pretty much the same: an appreciation for the creativity and enjoyment from the comfort.

"It just creates a warm atmosphere in your home," said Karen Distefano of Keepsake Candles.

Like most retail businesses, Christmastime is their busiest time, but the shelves are fully stocked. So if you're looking for a great gift idea, you can't go wrong with Keepsake Candles.

Keepsake Candles is just West of Bartlesville.