Saturday, June 29, 2013

Blossom Cologne and EdP update


There are many instances within the course of a day, a week or month when events can get really challenging. As one who wears multiple hats this can be even more intense when their is a looming finish line. The intention was to debut the new edition of Blossom and a few of the Eau de Parfums (EdPs) at FRAGments and in the E-shop last Monday.

In advance of the debut Greg and I started re-working the label design that we had used for Impromptu. All was going went well until my local printer started acting really flakey, claiming problems with their digital printer. I choose to stick it out since, after all, they are a local and a family owned small business.


On Friday afternoon, after the set up at the MorYork gallery I stopped in to pick up the labels, confident that everything was ready. NOT! The set of labels for the 3ml bottles was ready, however, the second, most important set for Blossom and the EdP's had not been printed AND their printer was once again down. I calmly communicated to them that this was unacceptable and asked what they could do to get these labels to me today, including referring me to another printer. I was told they would contact their service technician and get someone out ASAP. Ten minutes later they called me to say that the labels would be ready in the afternoon.

I swung by the print shop on my way back from the daily post office drop to pick up the labels as well as the little info cards I include with the fragrances. I quickly looked everything over and headed back to the studio. Later that night, after dinner, as I sat down to put the new labels on the bottles to my horror I found that the image had not been lined up with the stickers.


Panic came rushing in like a torrential ice cold river, it was now less than twelve hours until the show opened with no means of having the labels re-printed in time. Thus, we improvised, for Figure 1: Noir we used the label that was to go on the upcoming 3ml perfume extrait bottle and for blossom we cut out what we could of the labels. We decided not to show the other EdP's since by the time we had labeled F1: Noir and Blossom it was 4am.



If all goes well a few of the EdP's and Blossom should be in the shop next week with their groovy labels.

The other item that was printed a bit off was the little informational cards. The last time they had printed the cards for me the coloring came out really dark and somewhat green. To prevent this from occurring again I asked for a proof. The proof looked pretty good and so I gave the A-okay. To my regret when I took a look at the cards and compared them to my other cards I noticed that once again they were really dark with a green cast to the color. I couldn't understand how this had happened yet again. The printer informed me that it was because the paper they used to run the proof was different from the paper they used to print the cards. Hello?


On Monday I plan to take the labels and cards back to have them for reprinting, free of charge. For the future I'm looking at other print shops, even if it means driving to Burbank or using someone online. Ideally I'd like to have an in house designer that would handle all of this, that's the intention. Inch by inch it's a cinch, just gotta remember to breath and bend like a reed. Repeat after me...YOGA.

Opening image by Elena of Fragrantica

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

A Fragrance Revolution


At 10am on Friday morning I arrived at the "Cabinet of Curiosity" style gallery of Clare Graham to assist with the set up of the FRAGments show the following morning. I was greeted by the smiling, bright eyed face of the artist who let me in through the back alley entrance. The splendor of the space was a bit like walking into an imaginarium, the only thing missing was Dr. Parnassus.


In complete silence and solitude I wondered about the large space in awe, gleefully snapping photos like a bee to a flower. Every nook and cranny had something interesting to gaze upon which usually led one on a new journey of discovery, deeper into the rabbit hole.


I chose to place the product display on a glass cabinet which housed a collection of animal skulls. The cranial bones seemed like an auspicious spot for the debut of the Figure 1: Noir EdP.


Maggie Mahboubian, the curator of the show and nose of Parfums Lalun, constructed wooden units for a uniform display of each participants work. In order to soften my unit a bit and bring it in line with my branding I draped a piece of silk velvet over the top.

The event opened at 11am on Saturday to a nice crowd reminiscent of the SF Artisan Fragrance Salon one year ago. First on the agenda was a moderated discussion with perfumers led by Saskia Wilson-Brown of The Institute of Art and Olfaction. The perfumers in attendance lined up at the front of the space and began fielding questions from Saskia and audience members.


One of the questions was why is the West Coast a mecca for uber-niche perfumery. Several different points of views were shared siting distinguishing characteristic in the way the perfumery business is conducted between the West and East coast due to the proximity to Europe.

Another factor in the West coast equation, which occurred to me after the event, is the vibrant aromatherapy community occurring from Seattle to Los Angeles in the mid nineties. This vibrant group of aromatic pioneers, including John Steele, Jeanne Rose, Kurt Schnaubelt, Victoria Edwards, Michael Scholes and Jade Shutes, laid the fertile fabric of the current natural perfume community. Most important being Jeanne Rose who founded the National Association of Aromatherapy and orchestrated The World of Aromatherapy Conference of 1996. Concurrent with this conference was the release of the book by the same name featuring a wealth of aromatic information including a chapter titled Perfumery with Rare Essences by Christine Malcolm of New Mexico.


The lively moderated discussion ended at noon allowing the sniffing to begin. Aromatic products by sixteen perfumers were present from a diverse palette of materials with the thread of artisanal running through each.

At the show I introduced Figure 1: Noir as an Eau de Parfum (EdP) and the 2012 edition of Blossom. It was my plan to debut more EdP's but some challenges with labels prevented my intention from manifesting. In the end it worked out well since Figure 1: Noir and Blossom are so very different and offered a good contrast to one another.


One of the highlights of these shows is the human interaction with my fans as well as other perfumers. Over the past year, beginning with the SF Artisan Fragrance Salon last July, the bonds made between the perfumers has strengthened and created a rich tapestry of bonds. Although no other event has yet been set, we all look forward to gathering again soon.


On Sunday morning at The Institute of Art and Olfaction the perfumers came together once more for a presentation by John Steele and his aromatic wonders. He began by introducing himself and sitting the stage for the beautiful essences he had brought to share with us. John shared the concept of the Terrior and its relationship to essential oils. Read about the term Terrior here at the journal.



We were all enchanted by the beauty and vitality of the essences that circled the room. My personal favorite was the hydro-distilled Tuberose, which smelled just like a bouquet of fresh Tuberose flowers.


Friday, June 21, 2013

FRAGments



On Saturday, June 22nd, I have the honor of participating in a brand new Artisan Fragrance show here in Los Angeles titled FRAGments. The event begins at 11am with a moderated discussion followed by a reception and pop-up shop from  12pm-5pm. This unique and eclectic collective will feature a range of perfumers working in several mediums within the gorgeous gallery space of sculptor Clare Graham in Highland Park (Los Angeles).

At this show I will present five items, four are my new Eau de Parfums of Figure 1: Noir, Chaparral, Aumbre and Page 47. The new edition of Blossom Eau de Cologne returns with the start of Summer on the Solstice. Expect to see these appear in the E-shop next week. Older posts about Blossom are here and here with a link to a review by Tom at Perfume Smellin' Things.

Find more information and purchase tickets in advance at the FRAGments website.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Winner of the Fig. 1: Noir EdP!


Many thanks to everyone who participated in the Figure 1: Noir Pin To Win It competition, what fun we all had! The idea for this game, like most of my notions was rather spontaneous and based on something that I love...visually imagery.

When Greg and I sat down to brainstorm a bit the illumination for Figure 1: Noir I first had him experience the perfume and ingredients, then I explained the concept and third I took him to a collection of images on Pinterest as reference. Greg then shared the pictorial collection with model Jessica Lough before traveling up to Seattle to shoot photos of her. In this way the three of us were able to discuss wardrobe and prop ideas so that the photo shoot time would be as productive as possible. See  images from the photo shoot here which takes you to Greg's blog. So far Greg has produced two illuminations for the perfume with more in the works.



Fifteen individuals entered the competition with a total of eighteen gorgeous visual compilations. The Pin board contributors, like our illustrious judges, are an eclectic group of fans of the fragrance and acquaintences from the art, Etsy and Pinterest communities. Each of our judges was sent a sample of Figure 1: Noir in at least one format prior to the judging. Once the contest was over, the boards were compiled from all entry points, numbered and then sent to the judges to determine which best exemplified the fragrance. The task of perusing such a vast plethora of stunning, two dimensional narratives was daunting. In the end our arbiters sent me their choices, sometimes selecting more than one for different reasons or listing four of their favorites beginning with their number one pick.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7 No longer available
8
9
10  No longer available
11 No longer available
12a No longer relevant
12b No longer relevant
14a No longer available
14b No longer available
15 No longer available

When all votes had been counted it was very interesting to notice that there was hardly any overlap of choices. The maker of the collection that won by a hair is Sarah Wolfe, known as WolfeGirl on Pinterest and the creatress of board number 5. Sarah also happens to be a huge fan of the fragrance thus I know that she will be thrilled with a bottle of the almost ready for debut Figure 1: Noir Eau de Parfum.


Congratulations to Sarah and an abundance of thank you's to everyone who participated in some way or other. As I've mentioned multiple times and will continue to chant over and over — I am so very grateful to my fans and continue to be inspired by each of you.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

The Scent of Summer


The garden is very fragrant with the herbaceous scent of the native, white sage at the moment. On days when the air is clear and I am working in the garden I can perceive the aroma of the sage in the soil, which reminds me of the sand at the beach.

Fragrance is a very personal experience, most often tied to our memories. As I ponder "Scents of Summer" I think of childhood when I would go to beach regularly or trips to Catalina Island on my best friends sailboat.  For someone leaving land locked, in say Missouri, they most likely won't have any ocean related scents, and thus a completely different list from mine.

What would go on your list? Here's mine, botanical origin, pulled from my scent palette:

Seaweed absolute
Choya (seashells) which smells of smoke, like summer campfires
Galbanum, green, fresh cut leaves
Citrus: lemon (lemonaid), orange (Orange Julius in Newport beach)
Herbs: Thyme, oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary
Flowers: Plumeria, lavender, tuberose
Fruity: Berries
Not of botanical origin:
Sunscreen
Chlorine


Here's a selection from the Illuminated Collection:
SEA: GreenWitch
BEACH: Page 47
GREEN: Hedera helix
CITRUS: Blossom Cologne (returning June 22nd)
HERBS: Vera
SMOKE: Chaparral, Terrestre, Aumbre and Q
FLOWERS: Chiaroscuro, Rosa, Gracing the Dawn
FRUITY: Cimbalom





Friday, June 14, 2013

The Wood Land




I woke up Thursday morning to the sound of chainsaws echoing through the woodland. When I hear this sound I become a bit distressed because every so often it is a neighbor taking down an Oak, or some other native tree like the grand Sycamores.

After breakfast I became so agitated by the sound I decided to go off and investigate. I put on my hat and headed off toward the sound. Sure enough I found the source but couldn't get a good enough view to see if they were cutting down or trimming the large, ancient oak on the property. This particular neighbor has taken down oaks before, usually on the weekend when it is difficult to get someone out here to stop them, thus I was very worried.


 As I attempted to get a better look from the street a neighbor from another home came out and asked if I needed help. I explained to him that I was concerned that the person with the chain saws might be cutting down an oak tree. He immediately launched into a story explaining how last week he tried to stop some unlicensed tree trimmers who were digging up oak stumps from a lot just up the way. Then he invited me in to look at the pictures he had taken, which I have included in the post.

The lot that these oak stumps were being removed is one of many that greedy developers have decided to take oaks out before getting their plans approved. A despicable act that occurs quite often, despite that the developers don't end up getting what they want. Usually a ten year moritorium is put on the lot before they are allowed to build. This causes them to sell the lot which then brings in a new developer. It's a vicious, re-occurring circle.


In the case of this particular lot, one of my oak protector buddies came out to video tape what was taking place and told the tree trimmers that since the stumps had new growth they were not allowed to take the stumps out. Another neighbor called the police and the stumps were saved, for now.

Although the economy doesn't seem to be getting better, I'm thinking it must be if the developers are swooping into the woodland once more. This will require all of us in the Oak tribe to organize and work together to protect the few grandfather oaks that still exist in this little patch of woods.


I created the fragrance Q (for Quercus) as my way of making art to deal with these hideous folk who take out the native oaks. Besides making art and organizing the neighbors I'm not sure what else I could possibly do, thus here I am writing to get the frustration out of my system.


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Recruits


I've recruited some ladies with great taste for judging all the beautiful boards that are being submitted for the Pin it to Win it contest. These fine ladies will be evaluating each of the Fig. 1: Noir natural perfume boards and voting for the one that they feel represents the fragrance the best.

Jessica - The model of the Figure 1: Noir illuminations 
Trish - Scent Hive
Victoria Allen - Artist/Designer 
Victoria - EauMg
Yosh - Perfumer
and
N.H. at Beauty Huile

If you haven't entered this fun contest for a chance to win a bottle of the brand new Figure 1: Noir Eau de Parfum, check out the details here at this post.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Instagram



Yesterday, after brunch, I installed Instagram on the I-pad just before heading out to work in the garden. Instagram is a free photo app fun that lets you add a filter to transform the image, something I normally do in photoshop.



I had thought that it was only available to those who had smart phones, until I realized that the I-pad will accept the app, even though its not a phone. Hooray! The only thing that I am a bit skeptical about is that I've heard that Instagram keeps all rights to your images, that sucks and thus will require some mindfulness with using it.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Pin it to Win it: Figure 1: Noir


Now that the Figure 1: Noir natural perfume Lookbook is finished I'd like to invite you to the Pin it to Win it: Figure 1: Noir contest.

To participate create a board on Pinterest titled Figure 1: Noir, then pin imagery that you feel best evokes the fragrance. Sarah Wolfe just sent me an e-mail with hers, which is a stunner. Feel free to use any imagery that Greg and I have created. Please do not copy all the images in another Figure 1: Noir Pinterest board.

To enter, leave a comment here or send me a note with a link to your board by June 16th 12pm PST. The person that creates the most beautiful board will win a bottle of the upcoming Figure 1: Noir Eau de Parfum.

"You have outdone yourself with this fragrance!  
Each morning I put the scent on my wrists, tracing the veins there that look like roots, 
and I am reminded of my rootedness to the earth.  
Such a gift.  Thank you!" 
~ Sarah

Noir Woods Image @Greg Spalenka

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Figure 1: Noir LookBook


The Figure 1: Noir LookBook has arrived wearing a long, velvety gown made of roots and branches. I invite you to peruse the pages and enjoy her dark, musky beauty.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The Tribe Jasmineae


"You need regular doses of unreasonable beauty, sublime anomalies, 
beguiling ephemera, and inexplicable joys." 
~ Rob Brezsny

We have finally hit the time of the year where my Jasmine sambac plants begin their long flowering season here in the woodland. I gathered a handful of the little, waxy white flowers on Moon day morning to begin a new tincture. Before doing so I removed the tincture begun last summer from the fridge, filtered out the blossoms that were in it and now have a glorious, golden liquid which is thick with the vitality and scent of the flower.



The initial plan was to add this tincture to two jasmine perfumes in the works, although that isn't completely clear in my mind yet. Since I only have about 16 ounces of the Summer 2012 vintage, it may only go into one of the fragrances. In the meantime I plan to get even more plants.



Eve returned home from college in Vermont this weekend, thus the house is now filled with regular visitors coming to see her. Yesterday I decided to take advantage of the entourage of people and get impressions of the tincture without them knowing what it was. Here are some of the descriptive words that were shared when I placed the precious liquid on each persons inner wrist:

Gardenia
Hawaiian blossoms
Fresh
Floral
White
Clean
Jasmine

Eve said that it smells very clean and modern with almost a metallic note. To my nose, I also get honey. Too bad the bees don't pollinate these flowers, Jasmin sambac honey would be pretty amazing.

Photos: 1st and 2nd photo by me 3rd photo by Rebecca Fishman.