Things That Shouldn’t Exist
Now they know where to find you.
Ten candles. Ten things that shouldn’t exist.
Ten candles, waiting together. Pick one from the set to reveal its name, scent and story.
Pick a box to lift it out and see what’s inside.
The scentRich sandalwood, black pepper, smoky tobacco and dark woods. Basement Friend smells warm, mysterious and strangely familiar.
The storyThe first object was a teaspoon. It lay on the concrete beneath the cellar light, bowl upwards, as though someone had placed it there carefully. Mara recognised the bend in the handle. She had thrown it away the previous winter.
The scentPine, eucalyptus, cedarwood and deep forest woods. Window Deer captures the scent of a quiet woodland after dark.
The storyEllen first noticed it beyond the washing line. The garden backed onto trees, so a deer was not remarkable. What bothered her was the hour. She had woken at 2:47, and the animal was looking directly at the bedroom window.
The scentDamp cedarwood, fresh rosemary, moss-covered earth and rain-soaked leaves. Rainkeeper smells like a forest moments after a storm.
The storyThe bus had stopped running by the time Jo finished her shift. Rain was collecting above the kerbs, and she walked in the road to avoid the deepest water. At the next junction, a pale umbrella turned the corner behind her.
The scentFresh bergamot, eucalyptus, jasmine and cedarwood. Neighbourhood Watchers smells like a peaceful street on a bright afternoon.
The storyDaniel passed the three neighbours every morning on his way to the station. They stood just inside the gate of number 18: two at the sides, one in the middle. He nodded. They smiled. After a few weeks, he began to feel rude for never having introduced himself.
The scentA dark, luxurious blend of saffron, oud, rich tobacco, aged leather and earthy patchouli.
The storyThe notebook came to the archive in a cardboard box with no covering letter. Its first pages repeated the story on the character card: a tall, dark figure among the graves, dead foxes, and the belief that something in Highgate was hungry. The pages that followed were written by a different hand.
The scentLuscious plum, black cherry, rose and warm vanilla. Mourning Sisters is dark, sweet and hauntingly beautiful.
The storyThe funeral director first mentioned the sisters as a practical problem. They stood close enough to the open grave to obstruct the bearers, and neither would move when asked. Their crying was quiet and continuous. The family assumed they were distant relatives.
The scentFrankincense, delicate florals and soft musk. Witch Saint captures the scent of old churches and hidden shrines.
The storyThe parish record begins with ordinary accounts: candle wax, roof repairs, bread for families who could not pay. Between two columns of figures, someone has written that the church no longer answers. The next page lists a different address.
The scentBergamot, ginger and black pepper open into saffron, jasmine, worn leather and warm woods.
The storyThey noticed the balloons while sorting the house. Six of them had been tied to the upstairs banister, although nobody remembered bringing them. The family assumed a neighbour had made a mistake. They cut the strings and left the balloons in the garden.
The scentFresh linen, soft cotton and clean white musk. Happy Spell smells like perfectly clean laundry with a little bit of magic left inside.
The storyThe sheets had been left out because the weather stayed warm. By the time Liv remembered them, the garden was dark and the neighbouring windows had gone out. Halfway down the line, a small shape moved behind a pillowcase.
The scentCaramelised amber, white musk, peppercorn and soft vanilla. Tree Guest smells warm, familiar and strangely inviting.
The storyThe first figure could have been a pale bag caught in a branch. It stood beyond the fence where the woods began, perfectly still despite the movement of the leaves. Peter took a photograph through the kitchen window and forgot about it until the following evening.
All ten Things That Shouldn't Exist candles. One of every scent.
Save £60 compared with buying individually.
Buy all ten — £120Ten entities. Ten distinctive scents.
Original artwork, dark stories, and something
that follows you home.
The sightings · 01—10
Open a sighting. Find its scent.
Each candle brings a different character into your home.
Damp cedarwood, fresh rosemary and moss-covered earth. A forest just after the rain.
£18
Bring it home ↗
Bright bergamot, eucalyptus, jasmine and cedarwood. Something strange on a peaceful street.
£18
Bring it home ↗
Frankincense, delicate florals and soft musk. The scent of old churches and hidden shrines.
£18
Bring it home ↗
Fresh linen, soft cotton and clean white musk. A little magic left in the laundry.
£18
Bring it home ↗
You weren’t supposed to find these.
Discover Things That Shouldn’t Exist: hand-poured soy candles with original artwork and dark stories.
Shop the collectionARTISTRY IN EVERY CANDLE
Each Apollo Ipsum candle is a work of art, brought to life by our founders, Colin, Ray and local South Wales Artist. Their vision and creativity shape every design and scent, blending gothic inspiration with a personal touch. Every candle starts as an idea between them and becomes a unique piece, crafted with care and imagination.
READ MOREVEGAN & ECO-FRIENDLY
We use only vegan ingredients and eco-conscious materials, including 100% soy wax and recyclable packaging (biodegradable packing peanuts and 100% recyclable paper tape). Our fragrance oils are IFRA certified, made in France, and free from parabens, phthalates, and sulphates - ensuring a clean, high-quality burn and scent you can trust.
All our fragrances are lab tested and IFRA certified.
MADE BY A PASSIONATE TEAM
Every candle is handcrafted by our small UK team, led by founders Ray and Colin. We pour care, creativity, and expertise into every batch - so you get a candle that’s truly special, from people who love what they do. Raymond is a doctor and qualified pharmacist, and Colin is the artist behind our distinctive visual world. Together, they bring care, curiosity and attention to detail to every scent and design.
Trusted by Thousands
Read customer reviews from people who value our scents, artwork and care. We take pride in every candle we create - and in your experience with it. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re always here to help.
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