HOLIDAY

BARNES & NOBLE | PAPER SOURCE Illustration, Typography, Pattern Design, Product Design & Development, Print & Product Production

Skip ahead and navigate the page by selecting a category from the menu below:

WRAPPING PAPER

GIFT BAG

GIFT BOXES

CARDS

GIFT

CANDLE LIBRARY SET

Where cozy holiday warmth meets literary charm

Project Summary

This holiday candle set combines the warmth of the season with the timeless charm of vintage books. Each tin features a book-inspired cover design adorned with intricate details and scent-specific motifs. The covers double as lids, opening to reveal the fragrant candles inside, each equipped with three cotton wicks for a steady burn. The set includes three scents—pine, pomegranate, and chestnut—packaged in a decorative box for an elegant holiday gift. This set is designed to bring joy to readers and candle lovers alike.

Key Features

3 scents: Pine, Pomegranate, Chestnut.
Gold foil and embossing for a luxurious finish.
Vintage book inspired design.
Decorative box for gifting.
Sold exclusively at Barnes & Noble.

The Challenge

Creating Holiday Nostalgia

The Buyer, Design Director, and Art Director provided the following brief to guide the design:

Design Brief & Goals

Set of 3 book-themed candle tins, each reflecting a scent (Pine, Pomegranate, Chestnut)
Incorporate art elements that directly tie to each scent.
Create a vintage-inspired book cover design.
Design a decorative box to hold all three tins.
Book titles should reflect the candle scents.
To be only sold at Barnes & Noble only.

Drawing from the Past

In my research, I studied the intricate details of vintage book designs to capture its timeless appeal. Key elements that influenced my design included:

Illustration

Hand-drawn, intricate, detailed, linework, and iconography.
Nature motifs: flowers, foliage, or natural patterns.

Typography

Serif, decorative, or script fonts - creates a sense of elegance and formality.
Titles or details are often embossed with metallic foil to add a sense of luxury.

Color Palette

Muted and earthy toes, or monochromatic.

Composition

Balanced, center-aligned, symmetrical
Framed by ornate details to draw the focus towards the book title.

Themes

Romanticized Nostalgia.

Bringing the Design to Life
From Concept to Creation

Watch my design process as I bring the vintage-inspired candle tins to life.

Inspired by my research findings, I developed a design that evoke a sense of romanticized nostalgia. I began the design process by creating the book titles first, as this allowed me to determine how much space was left for the surrounding artwork and decorative elements.

For the book titles, I was particularly inspired by how many vintage books feature titles and designs with a hint of romance, tying back to the sentimental and nostalgic themes I uncovered in my research. Drawing from this, I wrote titles that reflected both the candle scents and a timeless, romantic essence:

Secrets in the Pine Grove
Midnight at Chestnut Manor
Whispers Among the Pomegranate Vines

Once the titles were finalized, I framed them with nature-inspired illustrations, including vines and leaves, to further enhance the vintage aesthetic. By balancing detailed ornamentation with symmetrical layouts, I ensured the designs would feel elegant and cohesive while celebrating the charm of classic book covers.

An important aspect of the design process was addressing the unique challenge of the spine. Measuring 2 inches wide and curved, the spine required careful consideration to ensure the title was readable without overlapping onto the visible curved edge. My initial design was more detailed, but it proved too complex for this format. Simplifying the spine artwork and adjusting the title placement allowed for a balanced and visually appealing result, perfectly suited for the product’s structural limitations.

#1 Best-Selling

product that produced $737,000+ in sales with a 99% sell-through for Holiday at Barnes & Noble!

A Holiday Bestseller

This design not only became the #1 best-selling holiday gift at Barnes & Noble but also went viral on social media. Customers on Instagram and TikTok have been raving about the intricate details and charm of the candle set, calling it 'beautiful,' 'adorable,' and a 'must-have holiday gift.' Many comments highlighted the delightful unboxing experience, with the three candles elegantly presented in the decorative box, adding an extra layer of joy to the purchase. The overwhelming response showcases how thoughtful design can create a product that resonates with its audience and becomes a memorable part of their holiday season.

Keep scrolling to see more of my designs from the Holiday!

WRAPPING PAPER

Delicate Greenery Wrap, 2024 | Top performing with a 90% sell-through.

Retro Holiday Icons Wrap, 2024 | Top performing with a 82% sell-through.

Holiday Cruising Critters Wrap, 2024 | Top performing with a 75% sell-through.

Hanukkah Cruising Critters Wrap, 2024

Gold Glitter Snowflakes Wrap, 2023

GIFT BAGS

Delicate Greenery Gift Bag, 2024 | Popular selling gift bag with a 95% sell-through.

Holiday Cruising Critters Bag, 2024 | Popular selling gift bag with a 75% sell-through.

Hanukkah Cruising Critters Bag, 2024

GIFT BOXES

Santa Mail Gift Boxes, 2024 | Stamp illustrations by Kendra Huspaska, Kana Wakai & Taylar Piers; Design and production by Grace Kim (me!)
Popular selling gift box with a 86% sell-through.