Behind the Design of the Cielo Light Line: Tradition Meets Flexibility

I’m so excited to finally share the story behind the Cielo Light Line, a collection I’ve been working on that feels like the perfect blend of tradition and modern design. These candleholders hold a special place in my heart—not only are they inspired by the rich history of New Mexican tinwork, but they also offer something I’ve been wanting to bring to life for a while: flexibility in how you use them.

Where It All Began

The inspiration for this line comes from my love for Spanish Colonial tinwork, a craft that has deep roots here in New Mexico. After taking classes with a traditional tinwork artist, I knew I wanted to put my own spin on this beautiful art form. Each piece is carefully hand-punched in my studio, and the designs—like the Star of David and the rosette—are a nod to those traditions, but with a fresh and updated look.

The Aha Moment

Just a couple of weeks ago, while preparing last year’s candleholder designs for this year’s market, I had an “aha” moment. As I was looking at the designs, I started thinking about the different types of candles people might want to use: tapers, tealights, glass votive holders, and even battery-operated options. That’s when it hit me—why limit the candleholders to just one type of candle? What if you could switch them out depending on your mood or the occasion?

And so, the idea for interchangeable inserts was born. I reworked the design so that each candleholder could accommodate different types of candles. By adding a removable bottom with a ring that fits inside, you can now easily swap between taper, votive, tealight, or even battery-operated candles.

Customization and Sustainability

One of the things I love most about this collection is the flexibility it offers. You can choose an insert that fits your favorite type of candle, and if you want to switch things up later, additional inserts are available for purchase. I designed the glass votive insert specifically for Bluecorn’s recycled glass votive candleholders—another way I’m staying true to my commitment to sustainability. And for those who prefer battery-operated candles, I offer custom-sized ring inserts to fit those as well.

What’s Next?

The Cielo Light Line is just the beginning. I’m always thinking about new ways to blend tradition with modern living, and I’m excited to continue expanding on this collection. If you want to see these pieces in person, I’ll be showcasing them at the Newcomers Artisan Market in November. I’d love for you to stop by and see the candleholders (and a few exclusive designs!) up close.

Thank you for following along on this journey—I can’t wait to hear what you think of the new line!