Shop Spotlight: The Burnt Shop

Photo: Connecticut Food and Farm

Meet Denise O'Reilly of The Burnt Shop out of Glastonbury, Connecticut.

"Hi, I'm Denise. I'm a self-taught artist creating usable art in the form of woodburned and hand etched kitchenware and other home décor items. I now work full time out of a studio in my home.

I love to spend time with family and friends. Cooking, sewing, hiking, camping, kayaking, biking, Motown oldies, home projects and woodworking are all things that make me happy. I love the simple life and find nothing more enjoyable than hanging out with a woodburning pen in my hand and a big pile of spoons in front of me. 

Photo: Jeanine Rose Fine Art Photography

This all started a year ago when I was working as a team leader for Whole Foods and needed 40 holiday gifts for family, friends, coworkers and my employees.

I decided to do woodburned spoon sets and it just took off from there. Within 6 months after picking up my first hot pen, I had incorporated my business and retired to pursue art full time. I enjoy the whole process, start to finish. 

Photo: Jeanine Rose Fine Art Photography

I research and purchase high quality finished materials. Wood pieces need to be sanded, burned, sanded again and finished with coconut oil. Glass is purchased, etched and polished. My designs are inspired by nature and whatever music I'm listening to at the time. I sell at local farmers markets, artisan events, and a few retail gift shops throughout Connecticut. 

In the summer of 2015, I was so proud to be accepted into the Nutmeg Collective. Fall of 2015, I was featured on WFSB's Better Connecticut and then in Connecticut magazine's Holiday Gift Guide. 

It’s been a whirlwind first year and I'm incredibly grateful for all the opportunities I've been blessed with. There's nothing better than doing what I love while being available to care for family."

Find more of Denise's work on her website

or connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

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