Celebrate Dad and a 20% off Sale for 1 week!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Even if I didn’t have a calendar, I could feel the early days of summer by the pulse of the Perfumer’s Garden. The roses begin to burst open and share their incredible scent with the world, the bees forage like mad, and the hummingbirds hover around the honeysuckle. Lavender grows full and tall and the rising temperatures coax the purple spikes into the world.

Roses have always been my special love, and we have quite a line up here! Cecile Brunner, with its delicate pink buds and climbing vines are my favorite, followed by Graham Thomas, Double Delight and Reine de Violette. A walk through the Purrfumery Garden in the afternoon is an incredible treat – a sight to behold! Let me know if you would like to schedule an appointment to visit the Perfumer’s Garden. It’s a summer tradition for many of my Purrfumery friends! I recently hosted a watercolorist group that focuses on flowers that bees pollinate as their subject matter. We sat in the garden, sipped freshly made lemonade, sniffed perfume and talked about bees, the plants they pollinate, and the best ways to capture them in art. It was a magical day! 

 

 

A Creative Burst… and a Sale!

I am in a design mode and have been working on a new perfume for dudes, as well as some delightful new scent cards to accompany my Kittylicious line! Perfumers produced whimsical scent cards in Victorian times to accompany perfumes and colognes, and I love to carry on the tradition! I have a delightful collection of them myself! I like to tuck them here and there to add a special touch to my décor. Start your own collection of Purrfumery scent cards!

With summer on the way, I know that many of my Purrfumery friends will be on the road, visiting family and friends. Don’t forget, Purrfumery products make gorgeous hostess gifts, and they arrive to you in their own exquisite packaging, ready to tuck into your suitcase! Starting today, I will be offering 20% off on all perfumes for one week, until Wednesday, June 11- this is a wonderful opportunity to try something new! Please type in catman in the discount box. (How about Fleur de Caramel? A sensual summer treat!) Or, share the Purrfumery with someone you love. 

 

 

Celebrate Dad – first 10 orders receive free Gardenia hydrosol

Father’s Day is June 15 – if you are looking for a special way to celebrate the dads in your life, look no further than the Purrfumery! Guys love Mojito from the Kittylicious line, with notes of spearmint, dark rum, Mexican lime and Tahitian vanilla. Mojito arrives in a convenient roll-top bottle, tucked into a velvet pouch garnished with a velvet mint leaf. Terrain also makes a handsome gift – I created this cologne for my husband Gary, a landscape architect who loves to get his hands in the dirt. Terrain is an invigorating mix of wild Bulgarian geranium, frankincense and Japanese yuzu, with a touch of Mexican lime. I package Terrain in a Brosse crystal cologne bottle and tuck it into a soft, moss green velvet pouch with its own whimsical scent card. And don’t forget Fir-ever Young, a rich, woodsy scent for your tree-hugging Dads! Fir-ever Young reflects upon my hiking days to the hot springs in Big Sur, and how magic a walk through the forest can be. 

The first 10 people to order Mojito, Terrain, or Fir-ever Young will receive a free, 10 ml spray bottle of my new Gardenia hydrosol, distilled from fresh gardenias on our own still!

Happy Father’s Day!

Frostings at the Purrfumery

Attention, Frosting Lovers! A few months ago, I procured hundreds of gardenia flowers and made a gorgeous enfleurage for frostings. During late spring and summer, I sell these incredible moisturizing treats direct from the Purrfumery, so come see me! I won’t be shipping them again until fall, but you can still get them when you visit me. I have been packing them in ice for my Purrfumery friends (my frostings are completely natural and don’t contain any preservatives, which is why I take such special care with them). If you haven’t tried my frostings, you must! They nourish dry and dehydrated summer skin with organic oils that are rich in antioxidants and high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Smooth them on and inhale deeply!

Enjoy this beautiful day, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats… 

 

XOXO~Laurie

Spring is here! Free Shipping until May 5th!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

I just stepped into the Perfumer’s Garden to admire the Bearded and Douglass irises and the wisteria – all are blooming and happy as they could be! The roses are starting – they’re still tight bundles of green with tiny edges peeking out… April is such a gorgeous month here… everywhere!

Celebrate Mom

Just a quick note to remind you that Mother’s Day is May 11, just around the corner, and the kitties and I are getting ready to celebrate! Through May 5, I’m offering free shipping on all Purrfumery perfumes. Please type in Pansy at checkout! If you’re looking for gift ideas, don’t hesitate to call me or email me, or make an appointment to stop by the Purrfumery. I have something for all the moms in your life! Scent charms make sweet gifts – they arrive wrapped in a soft drawstring bag. And liquid and solid perfumes, made in small, numbered vintages, are gorgeous – a luxurious treat! If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, consider a Purrfumery Adventure or one of my Custom Perfume offerings. Take some time away with Mom to explore the marvelous world of scent! Brunch and Flower Fun at The Brick House Here’s another idea… I have teamed up with my friend Pat Gibbons to launch Fl’Air Events – an exciting new venture that pairs flower arranging with natural perfumery. We will be at The Brick House on May 3 (and again on May 10) for a fun and educational afternoon that starts with a delicious brunch. After brunch, Pat, a professional floral designer and teacher with 30 years of experience, will demonstrate how to make arrangements and centerpieces. Then, you’ll create a bouquet of your own! Following Pat’s demo, I will lead you into the world of scent and the art of perfumery, and show you how to make your own natural, scented bath salts. All materials will be provided, and you'll leave with your own vase bouquet and bath salts. Space is limited, so don’t delay! Here are the details: What: Mother’s Day Brunch at The Brick House, featuring Fl’Air Events When: May 3rd or May 10th Time:   12 noon - 3:00 pm Where: Brickhouse Café, 426 Brannan Street, San Francisco; Phone: 415.369.0222; www.brickhousesf.com Pricing: $200. Includes all materials (Pricing does not include food or beverages) RSVP by April 25, 2014 to laurie@purrfumery.com Hope to see you soon, my dear Purrfumery friends! Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats… XOXO~Laurie

Artisan Perfumes and Chocolates! March 15th in San Francisco!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends! Spring is near – I can feel it! It’s been an odd winter season, and the drought is on our minds here in California, but you can’t help have a sense of hope when blossoms start to coax their way into the sunshine. The daphne flowers outside the Purrfumery smell intoxicating! I love these days of transition as the natural world rejuvenates – it’s something to watch and celebrate. Speaking of celebrations, I hope you all had a lovely Valentine’s Day! I spent the day with friends and family and my beloved kitties. You all saw Buttercup in my email Valentine? Oh, that kitty! She made many of you laugh – I received so many wonderful emails when I sent that little Valentine! People from all over the world wrote to say they loved the vintage postcard images and of course, the picture of Buttercup stretching and saying good morning. So, in response to popular demand, I will be including a “Postcard of the Month” in all my newsletters!  Here is a sweet March treat for you, my dear Purrfumery friends!

My collection of vintage ephemera and postcards is very special to me and I am delighted to share it with all of you. As a kid hanging out at antique stores with my older sister, a postcard was all I could afford. These sweet, funny and beautiful images of kitties, lovely ladies and flowers have delighted me my whole life. I have hundreds of postcards! They shaped my aesthetic and helped to launch my artistic career. As I grew older, I began collecting antique laces – they weren’t expensive, but they were beautiful and I found ways to add them to my work. That is what I cherish about the Purrfumery – it’s a mix of all the things I love in life. The natural world, gorgeous materials, whimsical Victorian ephemera and lace… and kitties!

3^rd Annual Artisan Fragrance Salon Arrives in San Francisco

Have you bought your ticket for the 3^rd Annual Artisan Fragrance Salon? Don’t miss it!  The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 1 Fort Mason, in San Francisco. I will be there with my new perfume for dudes – I am working on it a little each day. You know how naturals are – they are ready when they tell you they are ready! Even if it’s not quite finished, I will let you sample it. Stop by and see me!

One More Thing: A Honey Tip

Last month I shared my honey facial recipe and the response was great – seems many of you enjoy the luscious, delicious and soothing properties of honey. Here’s another tip for you that one of my bee guru friends shared with me… I have heard that sometimes people throw away honey when it crystallizes – they figure it’s gone bad or something. Not so! You can transform crystallized honey into liquid with two easy steps: 1. Wrap your container of crystallized honey in a plastic bag. Make sure it’s airtight. 2. Put the plastic bag with honey in a sunny window (or outside) for several hours. That’s it! The plastic bag creates a balmy greenhouse for the honey and changes it back to its liquid form. Remove the honey from the plastic bag. I think I’m ready for a cup of tea and a cookie! Until next time, my dear Purrfumery friends! Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats… XOXO~Laurie

Newsletter January and February 2014

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends! Happy New Year! I hope you all had a beautiful holiday season. It’s moving fast – we’re already getting ready for Valentine’s Day! I couldn’t be happier, actually, because I love Valentine’s Day. It’s a day for EVERYONE, not just for lovers, a day where you share your love like confetti – a little here and a little there… I have plenty of delightful treats to share with you, of course!

20% off Crème Perfumes and Scent Charms now until February 9^th!

Velvet & Sweet Pea’s crème collection opens a door to the ultimate scent experience – I hand-blend these indulgently smooth solid perfumes from some of the richest natural materials available and package them in bejeweled sterling silver boxes. This is a rare sale, my dear Purrfumery friends! I designed these custom-made treasure boxes when I started the Purrfumery and I don’t know how long I will have them – this is a wonderful opportunity to lavish yourself or someone you love with a truly unique and opulent gift from the heart. All of my crème perfumes arrive in a silky velvet pouch with a rhinestone buckle. Which one will you choose? Please type LOVE in the discount box.

Fleur de Caramel

I use some of the most exquisite materials in the world to create Fleur de Caramel, including jasmine, tuberose and rare Tamil Nadu sandalwood. Described by one reviewer as “…gorgeous, spellbinding and edible,” this luscious scent opens with tart red mandarin and spicy butterfly lily and unfolds to a scrumptious finish with a secret caramel accord that lingers on the skin. Fleur de Caramel has been showered with blogger accolades – it also won the Bronze Best of Salon Award for Best New Product at the TasteTV Artisan Fragrance Salon a few years ago.

Honey

I make my luscious Honey crème perfume using beeswax, honey and propolis from the Purrfumery’s own bees. This is one of our most popular creations – an opulent blend of French orange blossom and Moroccan and Bulgarian roses on a throne of deep vetiver and Madagascar vanilla, crowned with antique clove, pomegranate and pink grapefruit.

Jasmine Dawn and Dusk

If you love the enchanting scent of jasmine, you will adore this gorgeous blend of night-blooming, dawn-blooming and gardenia-like jasmines with sweet bursts of blood orange, mandarin and ruby grapefruit.

Jewelry of Heaven

I pay homage to turn of the century perfumes with this luscious rose-jasmine fond. Organic jasmine grandiflorum and Turkish and Himalayan roses intertwine in this deep, meditative perfume set in a base of vanilla infused organic jojoba oil and the Purrfumery’s own beeswax.

Songbird

A beautiful and spicy mix of citrus notes and sweet, narcotic flowers, with just a touch of antique cinnamon, tuberose, and rare boronia. Sexy and complex, Songbird gets warm and cozy in a sumptuous base of Tahitian vanilla-infused organic jojoba oil.

Scent Charms

Crafted in brass, our vintage-style Scent Charms hang on velvet cords and make delightful gifts. We fill these gorgeous lockets with your choice of Black Cat or Rose Jasmine solid eau de parfum – delicious scent is just a touch away!

Getaway to the Purrfumery!

If you’re looking for the ultimate escape, schedule a Perfumery Adventure or a Custom Perfume Experience! During your visit to the Purrfumery, we explore scent on a whole new level and experience rare essences from around the world. It’s a wonderful and relaxing time for moms and daughters, girlfriends and couples – I set out a tray of tea, honey and scented goodies and spin tales of perfume lore from ancient times to the present. Go ahead and inhale deeply! Spark your imagination through the power of scent!

Tip: Honey in the Bathtub

Bees in the Perfumer’s Garden are always very busy and the result is luscious honey that I use in Velvet & Sweet Pea’s perfumes… and in the bathtub! One of my favorite beauty regiments is a honey facial when it’s cold and dry out – it’s so easy and soothing – a special, all-natural treat for my skin. Here’s what you do: Draw a bath, sit back and relax. Take two tablespoons of honey and mix with about 1 tablespoon of hot water from your bath. Pat the honey-water mixture all over your face – it’s going to be drippy and goopy, that’s why I do this in the bathtub! Let it soak in and mix with the steam from your bath for 15 minutes. Rinse. Many of my friends do a honey facial before a night out on the town – it’s an inexpensive way to soften your skin and ease wrinkles. (And, it’s kind of fun to play with honey in the bathtub!)

Let’s Get Together!

You are always welcome to make an appointment, my dear Purrfumery friends! Come by the Purrfumery and try something new. If you visit soon, you’ll get to see the osmanthus bush, originally from the Valley of Osmanthus in China, that’s in bloom right outside the Purrfumery. In the evening, it’s intoxicating! It has tiny delicate flowers that are fruity and gorgeous! I recently made a custom crème perfume with osmanthus and vanilla. It lifts the heart and delights the senses – an inspiring combination! Until next time… Peace, love, perfume, and kitty cats, Laurie

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends! Free shipping thru Dec 15 – Come see us!

Just a quick note – we’re offering free shipping this week, through December 15. Visit us and shop for incredible perfume, eau de parfum, frostings and home spa treats for all the people on your holiday list! Or, if you’re looking for something more experiential, a Perfumery Adventure is an incredible gift that immerses your senses in aromatic treasures from around the world! Our new website makes it easier for you to peruse and shop – take a peek…

Escape to the Purrfumery!

Or, call me for an appointment if you want to escape the holiday frenzy altogether! You can sink into a plush sofa with a cup of tea and my exquisite jasmine and orange blossom chocolate truffles, yummy frankincense & rose Russian tea cookies, and sniff and sample to your heart’s content. I am available all month for appointments – just call or email and we’ll find a time that works for you. And I have a special treat for my Purrfumery visitor’s – a sample of my newest Jasmine Tuberose solid perfume – the perfect scent accessory to tuck into your purse or pocket. It’s rich and smooth and utterly opulent! I also have my refreshing Bulgarian rose and California lavender hydrosols, for $10. each – they offer a spritz of “ahhh” at the beginning or end of a busy day. Hope to see you soon…

Gift-wrapped and Gorgeous

From the packaging, to the bottle, to the perfume inside, everything about our products make them a sumptuous gift to treasure. My aesthetic harkens back to a bygone era, from ancient times to about the 1950s, when a bottle of perfume was a unique gift enveloped in romance and mystery. When you order a gift from the Purrfumery, you can delight in knowing that it will arrive exquisitely packaged and tucked into a fanciful pouch or gift box. Packaging my products is one of my favorite things to do, and I set aside extra time to make everything elaborate and gorgeous! And, I’m proud to say that I use recycled paper and packing peanuts for all my shipments. We are all about sustainability here at the Purrfumery! I hope you enjoy this magical season! If you have time to spare, the Purrfumery awaits! Until next time… Peace, love, perfume, and kitty cats, Laurie

November 2013 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I’ve been away for a few months on an incredible journey, winding my way through a dazzling, high-tech universe! And now, I am thrilled to unveil the refreshed and enhanced Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery website!  It’s been a labor of love to revamp the site – my goal was to make it easier to navigate and use. I know all my Purrfumery friends have been accustomed to seeing the classic layout for all these years, so please let me know if you have any questions or comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the new site!

New, Custom Focus for Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery

It’s funny… working in this high tech realm for all these months has led to plenty of soul searching over the direction of the Purrfumery. I’ve had to articulate the changes that have been going through my heart and mind, and now it’s time to share them with all of you! Custom work has always been a part of who I am – I used to design one-of-a-kind beaded silk lingerie for Bendel’s in New York. Years later, I had a wedding flower business, where I worked with brides to create arrangements that brought their dreams to life. Exploring the unique essence of an individual is challenging and exhilarating… an artistic adventure I have been doing most of my life. With this in mind, I have started a new chapter in my life, one where I focus on the meditative and immersive art of creating custom perfumes. I still make the liquid and crème perfumes, eau de parfums, bath salts and frostings my Purrfumery friends love – of course! I’d also like to invite you to explore the magic of custom perfumes and allow yourself to be swept away by the hundreds of natural essences and oils in my perfume organ, some dating back to the 1890s. My new focus includes events – at the Purrfumery and on the road – where you will have the rare opportunity to smell aromatic treasures from around the world and immerse yourself in the art of custom perfumery. It all begins with a Perfumery Adventure, an inspiring scent experience that unlocks the mysteries of your heart and soul. Come relax, enjoy a cup of tea and inhale deeply! I’ll make you a goody bag based on the scents you enjoy most. You may take your Adventure a step further if you wish, and explore a custom formulation blended from an array of incredible natural essences. It’s all about you and what you love! You’ll love the luxury of a custom perfume, whether you’re in transition or seeking a signature scent that reflects your style and what you treasure. They also make very special gifts for the people you love. Let’s talk soon about a custom perfume for you!

A Gift for my Purrfumery Friends – 20% off all Products! Until November 20^th!

The Perfumer’s Garden is gorgeous this time of year… the datura and honeysuckle are bewitching and the persimmons are shiny and gorgeous. And the figs are divine! I’m in the mood to celebrate! In honor of the new website I am offering my Purrfumery friends 20% off all products (excluding custom perfumes, Purrfumery Adventure, Gift Certificates, and samples) through November 20th. This sale is for one week only! Make sure to type in Mint in the discount box. I will also include a very special treasure – a small Jasmine Tuberose crème perfume – with all orders over $100. Need gift ideas for holidays on the road? Give me a call or drop me an email! Black Cat eau de parfum makes a yummy hostess gift and everyone loves a little Whipped Frosting to smooth away the winter chill. I just finished the new batches and they’re ready to go! This is my way of saying thank you to all my Purrfumery friends, so go ahead and indulge!

A Very Personal Purrfumery Review

I recently had the pleasure to meet blogger and healthy living expert Beth Schreibman Gehring of Perfume Smellin’ Things during her visit to the Bay Area. Beth and I have known each other for a few years but had never met in person, so it was wonderful to be able to spend some time with her at the Purrfumery. She wrote an awesome review of her visit and mini Perfumery Adventure – I am delighted she enjoyed her experience! And I just love her writing style and blog – it’s so descriptive and sensual! Beth is so much fun and it was such a treat to meet her after all this time. Thank you, Beth!

The Purrfumery Visits Julie Gallegos’ Studio on December 8^th, from 1 to 4:30!

Save the date! The Purrfumery will be at Julie Gallegos’ Gaslight Original Beadwork’s art studio from 1 to 4:30 on December 8. Julie is a fantastic bead and jewelry artist and she’s hosting an art sale that will include her incredible jewelry and beaded handbags and paintings by the incredibly gifted artist and set designer John Ramirez. RSVP here and I will send you the studio address and driving directions. It’s super exclusive, so plan to stop by and enjoy the art, aromas and ambiance! Hope to see you there! I’ll have aromatic treats for my Purrfumery friends, too! Until next time… Peace, love, perfume, and kitty cats, XOXO~ Laurie

Fir-ever Young

Fir-ever Young is a limited edition – I couldn’t possibly recreate it the same way again. I added bits and pieces of this and that for the last 10 years. There is nearly every kind of tree in it, so to speak, and these elements will never be the same again. Here’s why: Natural essences have their own terroir. A French word used in winemaking to describe the influences land has on the taste of grapes, in natural perfumery terroir implies that natural elements have a “somewhereness” that you can detect in their scent. For example, the land conditions that existed 10 years ago when I began crafting Fir-ever Young will likely never occur again. Those land conditions influenced the scent as it exists today. And, I have aged this scent, so its natural essences have really softened and mellowed with time.

Naming Fir~ever Young

When I discovered fir absolute 14 years ago, I fell in love with its rich, woodsy scent and decided to use it as a base for a perfume for men and women. For a decade, I added to it, creating a perfume that grew more and more complex and wonderful but was never quite done, because as hard as I tried, I just could not think of a name. I decided to invite my customers to help me name the new scent. I sent out hundreds of samples for inspiration and received more fun, beautiful, moving ideas for names than I could use in a century of perfume-making--suggestions like Forest of My Imaginings, Tree of Life, and Purr. But when I read the entry from Kyoto Jackson of Berkeley, I knew my perfume at last had found its name. Fir~ever Young captures all the elements perfectly for me. Youth, adventure, wildness, cavorting in the woods, celebrating the majesty and power of the ancient forest. The name also connects me to the Bob Dylan song "Forever Young," which spoke to me profoundly when I was a young hippie gazing in awe at the forests of Big Sur and still expresses for me the innocence and hope of that time. For all its sensuality and earthiness, this perfume really does call out a sense of openness and wonder and brings to people that sense of passion we know so deeply when we're young.

May 2013 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

The month of May has been a whirlwind – we have been here, there and everywhere and there are still a few stops to make! In early May we took the Purrfumery on the road to the Oakland Cat Video Fest – what an incredibly fun and outrageous day! It was great to see all of us local cat people in one place, celebrating the animals we love! I especially enjoyed seeing all the guys with a beer in their hand hanging out in their cat outfits and cat t-shirts. What could be better? Great to see my Purrfumery friends there, too! Thanks for stopping by.

Get Ready for Summer Sale

It’s heating up out there! Summer is the time for leisure and love – many of us will be taking trips, visiting friends, attending weddings… There are so many summer moments when we want to feel and smell gorgeous! (And natural perfumes and bath salts make an amazing bridal shower or wedding gift.) Through May 28th, I am offering my Purrfumery friends 20% off all perfumes, eau de parfums and bath salts! It’s my way of saying thank you and happy trails! Type Buttercup in the coupon box.

Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery to Exhibit at FRAGments

Speaking of happy trails, we’re getting ready for FRAGments, an underground artisan and indie perfumer event on June 22 at MorYork Gallery in Los Angeles. West coast perfumer Maggie Mahboubian of Parfums Lalun organized this series that treats perfumery as fine art – I’m thrilled to be a part of the first event! Maggie has brought together perfume artists from across North America in a gallery setting to present a curated selection of their work. Some of the perfumers exhibiting at the June 22 event include Roxana Illuminated Perfume, Ayala Moriel Parfums and Persephenie. “Perfumery as art” is an innovative way to think about and experience scent and an example of how West Coast perfumers are changing the game.

The Art of Natural Perfumery

I look at it this way… Just like a painting hanging in a museum, a natural perfume has a conceptual idea behind it. Natural perfumers are scent artists, working alone and immersing themselves in the moment. When I sit down to create, I select my media and layer my top, middle and base notes so they evolve over time, just like a painter layers paint on a canvas! It all flows around a concept, a dream, or an idea that I want to share with the world. Whenever I make a new perfume, I imagine the scent unfolding like a flower – a new flower that no one has ever seen or experienced before. I layer and mix, breaking down the molecules and putting them together again in a new and delightful way. For example, when I designed Narcissus Poeticus, I was thinking about the arrival of spring. I used orris root – one of the first flowers to arrive in spring – and irises as the base. I added osmanthus, black current bud and natural materials that are evocative of the season of transformation and the earth coming alive again... It was a beautiful and delicious process of concentration and solitude! Wearing a natural perfume is also like wrapping yourself in a one-of-a-kind piece of art. From the moment it touches your skin, you are interpreting the way it unfolds, note by note. What does the scent of rose remind you of? How does a blend of osmanthus and vanilla make you feel? What do you find yourself thinking about as the perfume changes over time? Just like art, you will experience something unique with every perfume you wear. I talk a bit more about our individual and emotional perfume signature in my recent profile on CaFleureBon – a big thank you to Michelyn for inviting me to contribute my thoughts on American perfumery!

Homage to the People Who Inspire Us!

Whenever I think about art – and the art of natural perfumery – I always think of my sister. She taught me how to look at art and how to search my mind, heart and soul for the way art made me feel. We loved to visit art museums when we were growing up – she went on to become a museum curator and educator, and changed peoples’ lives through art. In her museum shows, she used art and history to teach tolerance and made the world a better place. She remains such an incredible source of inspiration! What and who inspires you, my dear Purrfumery friends? Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

April 2013 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I strolled into the Perfumer’s garden this morning and spent a few moments in blissful awe. The first weeks of Spring are some of the most delicious for a gardener and perfumer – the garden is absolutely bursting with color, texture and scent! The irises are leggy and graceful and the lilacs are the most gorgeous shade of lavender. Wisteria has created a garland of floating color around the Purrfumery, and our climbing roses are in tight buds. I will try to enfleurage them… I have had great luck with my gardenia enfleurage and am working on a very special eye cream – coming soon! Spring is a time of reinvention and renewal! The bees are buzzing like mad on the borage flowers! Let’s all celebrate and inhale deeply!

Crème Perfumes Make a Splash at San Francisco Salon

In late March, I packed up my perfumes and spent a day at the Taste TV Fragrance Salon in San Francisco. It was so much fun to see my Purrfumery friends and meet some new people, too! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello! I noticed many new salon visitors gravitated to our line of crème perfumes they are so silky and luxurious and so very convenient, too… it’s easy to take your favorite scent to go, and you never have to worry about it spilling in your purse! Speaking of solids, I created a Black Cat crème perfume for a handful of gorgeous, silver- and gold-plated Scent Charms. These vintage-style lockets hang on a velvet ribbon and make delightful gifts for you or someone you love. Imagine a mouthwatering blend of cocoa, ylang ylang and blood orange with a hint of aniseed myrtle! Perhaps for Mother’s Day? I also have collector edition bottles of Black Cat eau de parfum – they are so cute and fun and I tuck them into a silky pouch with a kitty on it.

Save the Date for the OakCatVidFest!

When I saw this I couldn’t believe my eyes! It’s a kitty video fest from 3-10 p.m. on May 11 in Oakland that benefits the East Bay SPCA! It’s like a dream come true! West Grand between Telegraph and Broadway will be closed to traffic – during the day, kitty lovers can shop for cat crafts, art and pet products; and they can also adopt cats, listen to bands, enjoy local food truck fare and just PLAY! There will even be a kitty beer tent! (Gary can hardly wait.) When the sun sets, we’ll gather in front of the Great Wall to watch the Walker Art Center's collection of Internet cat videos. Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery will be at the crafts market (of course!) so stop by and say hello. I’ll have Black Cat perfumes and eau de parfum lockets for $26 – take home a souvenir from this amazing event celebrating kitty star power! Check out their website for more information and to purchase tickets.

Animal Musk Story Hits the Web

I am also very pleased to announce that after years of research and collaboration, I have completed “Animal Musks: The Dark Secret of Perfume” and posted it to the Purrfumery website. This article follows my journey to raise awareness about the use of animal musk, particularly civet cat musk, in natural and commercial perfumes, and offers ideas for how we can eliminate species-endangering practices that happen every day around the world. I invite you to share your ideas with me after you read this article, my dear Purrfumery friends! Do you know of organizations and publications that might be interested in this article? My goal with the Dark Secret of Perfume is to educate, not berate. I want to get the message out into the word and start a conversation that could lead to positive change. I know it will be a long road – people have captured animals and harvested their musk for generations! But every journey starts with a single step… For me, this article is one of many steps I will take to protect animals from harm.

Beauty Huile Finds “Newest Obsession” in Calliope Body & Bath Oil

Thank you to Nav at Beauty Huile for your review of our delightfully silky and luxurious Calliope Body & Bath Oil! It’s always such a pleasure to hear how others perceive and enjoy our products. Have you tried Calliope, my dear Purrfumery friends? I hand blend vanilla-infused jojoba, marula oil, evening primrose, rose hips, avocado oil… It’s a sumptuous treat for the shower or bath and the delicate scent changes and lingers throughout the day. I’ll let Nav tell you all about it!

The Purrfumery Wins Big at SF Salon

I have one more announcement! We were thrilled to learn that Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery captured the imagination of visitors who voted for us in a number of categories at the salon in March. Thank you one and all! We proudly accepted a Gold award for Top Artisan Perfumer. We also took Silver awards for Best Packaging, Best Ingredient Combination, Best Aroma and Most Unique, and Bronze awards for Top All-around Product Line and Best in Salon. We are honored! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Hope to see you soon – call or email me to make an appointment to visit the Purrfumery. We can lounge and enjoy a cup of tea in the garden! Or, I’ll see you in May at the Kitty Video Fest! What could be more fun? Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

March 2013 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

Spring is nearly here – it’s a time for love, renewal and whimsical delight! Here at the Purrfumery, we are celebrating all three with...

A Tale of Two Pigeons

The kitties and I are delighted to introduce our newest Purrfumery friends, Polka Dot and Pansy! Theirs is a true love story that began when Polka Dot limped through my cat door late last year. Of course, I was thrilled to meet him and knew I wanted him to stay. He was injured, so I took him to WildCare in San Rafael, where I used to volunteer before I had my Purrfumery. While staff at WildCare nursed him back to health, he met a little roller pigeon and the two became very attached. I decided to bring both birds home, and while they were convalescing, we built them a beautiful redwood aviary on the deck in the sunshine. It is absolutely adorable to watch them out there, kissing and preening each other. Knowing that we have given these two birds – who would either be dead from injury or euthanized – a chance at love and companionship makes me enjoy my home even more! And thank you to Elizabeth, the pigeon rescue expert at MickaCoo, for getting me started with all I need to care for them!

Weaving Animal Protection with Art

Some of my friends wonder why I didn’t just shuffle Polka Dot right out the door and forget about him. Here’s what I tell them: I live and breathe animal protection, whether it’s a wild animal who needs my help, a domestic animal who needs a home, or a lab animal who needs an advocate. I live in awe of the natural world and I combine my love of animals with my work in the Purrfumery every day. In late February, I visited UC Berkeley to talk about how I have merged by passions for animal protection, natural perfumery and art. I was so excited to speak to students about this work and answer questions that will help them develop their own humane missions. I was so proud of each one of them! I was also deeply troubled to learn during the talk that pigeons are used extensively in animal research. I plan to learn more about this. I left the talk thinking about how much animals need us, and how pleased I am to be part of raising awareness on their behalf.

Artisan Fragrance Salon at Fort Mason is March 24!

Have you bought your tickets for the 2nd Annual Artisan Fragrance Salon? Better hurry! It runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 24 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. This year, the event is part of the International Chocolate Salon – I can’t wait to check out all the perfumes and chocolates! It’s going to a divine and delicious sensual event – I will be holding a raffle and giving away collector’s edition bottles of my bewitching Black Cat eau de parfum, a mouthwatering blend of cocoa, ylang ylang and blood orange with a hint of aniseed myrtle. Stop by and see me, my dear Purrfumery friends!

One More Little Pigeon Story

I looked in the aviary the other day and noticed that Pansy had laid two tiny eggs. Of course, I love the idea of baby pigeons but I really don’t want more birds – one aspect of animal protection is controlling animal populations. I rarely tell folks what to do, but I can be quite pushy when I explain why spay/neuter is so important for cats and dogs! Elizabeth at MickaCoo told me that if you swap the real eggs for fake eggs in the first few days, you can control the population while respecting the parents’ instincts. But how do you swap the eggs? Polka Dot and Pansy were very protective, taking turns sitting on the eggs. It took me about half an hour to muster the courage to make the swap – I dreaded upsetting the birds and heard that pigeons will give you a wing slap when they feel threatened. Finally, I reached in and very gingerly replaced the real eggs with fake ones. Little Pansy sat there calmly – no wing slap, thank goodness! Instead of composting the eggs, I put them on the fence for the ravens to eat. I felt very satisfied – the pigeon population at the Purrfumery is under control! I’m sure I will have more pigeon stories, my dear Purrfumery friends! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

January 2013 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

Brr! It's cold out there! Even so, it's been a beautiful and productive winter. Gary has been cutting back the roses, viburnum, our fig, lemon and lime trees, and of course, the mint, Melissa, and rosemary, which would take over the Perfumer's Garden if we let it! We love the quiet stillness of the world in winter - it's a time to retreat and get cozy with a faux fur and a good book. It's also a time to make beautiful natural materials for my Purrfumery treats!

Subtle and Incredible Enfleurage

When I'm not tending to the Perfumer's Garden, you can find me in the Purrfumery, making enfleurage with our daphne flowers and organic virgin oil de coco crème! It's fruity and spicy and nutty from the coconut oil! These are the moments I savor - the time spent in the Purrfumery blending this and that, and coaxing new scents from the most unexpected materials. It's a meditative and delicious labor of love, and, speaking of love, have you started to feel the energy and excitement in the air? It's almost Valentine's Day!

It’s a Tradition! Tempting Valentine’s Day Gifts...

My Valentine's Day traditions go back as far as I can remember - it has always been my favorite holiday! Every year I bake something rich and delicious and share it with my dearest friends and family. This year, I will probably make Linzer tortes, but I might make cupcakes with the cute kitty wrappers my friend Lisa gave me. Can't wait! If you are looking for tempting Valentine's Day gifts for yourself or someone you love, look no further, my dear Purrfumery friends! I have a few ideas for you... My new, award-winning scent, Fleur de Caramel comes in a perfume, eau de parfum and a gorgeous creme perfume, and features tart red mandarin, spicy butterfly lily and a luscious caramel accord infused with rich cognac and night-blooming frangipani. Wrapped like whimsical pieces of candy, Fleur de Caramel parfum and eau de parfum make beautiful, memorable gifts! Or, celebrate the sweetness of life and love with Honey eau de parfum, wrapped like candy and finished with a cute honey bee! Scent Charms also make delightful gifts - Purrfumery friends love these vintage-style lockets that let them take their perfume to go!

Through February 7, you will receive 20% off on all perfumes, eau de parfums, Scent Charms, and all pampering products! Take a steamy, scented Passion Flower bath with your beloved - or luxuriate on your own before the soiree! Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! Please use the coupon code PURRFUME.

SF Fragrance Salon – Save the Date!

I am thrilled to announce that Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery will be exhibiting at the 2nd Annual Taste TV Artisan Fragrance Salon on March 24! Save the date and spend the day sampling and sniffing to your heart's content! There are early bird tickets available until January 31st. This year the Artisan Fragrance Salon will be part of the International Chocolate Salon - yum! See you there!

Oh, and Happy New Year!

Even though it's almost the end of January, it isn't too late to wish you all a very happy New Year! Here's to an amazing 2013 full of happiness and health! I get butterflies when I think of what's on the horizon for Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery. The kitties and I are making some exciting plans that will allow me to work with people in a more intimate way, creating custom perfumes that speak to their heart, body and soul. I will share more details soon, my dear Purrfumery friends! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie

November 2012 Newsletter

Greetings Dear Purrfumery Friends!

I hope you are enjoying the beauty of this incredible season! Fall is a time of contrasts, especially in the Perfumer's Garden. So many of our plants and flowers turn inward, lying dormant through the chilly days and nights. There is a stillness, and then... a riot of color! The crepe myrtles and the maple trees are gorgeous right now; their red, yellow and orange leaves flutter in the wind and then gracefully fall to the ground. And the persimmons! The tree is loaded with these lovely and delicious amber-colored treats. I'm also delighted to see that our osmanthus is blooming! Its tiny, pure white flowers have a very subtle apricot scent during the day and become more fragrant at night. I like to imagine taking a walk at twilight through the Valley of Osmanthus in China... I am going to sit in the garden with my snuggly faux fur blanket and a cup of hot tea filled with aromatic herbs and the last of the season's rose petals and watch the magical fall display! And then it's time for a warm, wonderful bath!

Free Bath Salts with $75 Purchase through Dec. 31

It's such a simple thing, but so completely luxurious... This season, treat yourself or someone you love to indulgent scents for the bath. Our bath salts come in a variety of yummy scents and make beautiful gifts. We have a bath salt for every mood... Snow Forest features the comforting and invigorating aromas of Douglas and grand firs and the fresh, crisp scent of silver fir. My respiratory system loves these scents this time of year! Kashmir Lavender, grown high in the Himalayas, is deliciously floral and deeply relaxing. And then there's Monkey Cat! Named after a very silly kitty, Monkey Cat is a blend of lavender and ylang ylang for calming and relaxation, holy basil for balancing and centering, and citrus for mouthwatering yum! If you want to slip into something sexy and energizing, try Passionflower, a blend of blood orange, lime, spearmint, and ylang ylang. Terrain is Gary's favorite, a rich blend of frankincense, citrus and geranium, perfect for soaking after a long day working in the garden. If you're looking for gift set ideas, my Terrain cologne pairs beautifully with Terrain bath salts! And Fir-ever Young perfume, with its pineapple sage, fir, lavender, rose, agarwood, and frankincense house-infused alcohols, is the perfect, free-spirited complement to Snow Forest bath salts. Honey and Fleur de Caramel, in their whimsical candy wrapping, also make beautiful gifts. Try pairing them with Passionflower or Monkey Cat bath salts for a bit of sexy, silly fun! I will include a free bath salt with all orders of $75 or more through December 31. When you place your order, let me know if you have a kitty and I will send along some of our super-potent catnip while supplies last. It's my gift to you, my dear Purrfumery friends (and your kitties!), to get you through the holiday hustle bustle and chill! Relax and enjoy!

ArtFirst! for the Holidays

I am thrilled to be part of ArtFirst!, a group of Bay Area artists and crafters who are presenting their original work at the Village Shops and Galleries, 10330 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. The ArtFirst! Holiday Show & Sale is open November 24-25 and November 28 through December 2 from noon to 6 p.m. You can find something for everyone on your holiday list; from jewelry to fine art to photography to perfume... the selection is incredible! Stop by and deeply inhale my freshly made bath salts! I will be there to visit with my Purrfumery friends on December 1 and 2, and will have perfumes and other products for you to sample and purchase on those days, too. I have special treats for you, so hope to see you there! I am looking forward to seeing Julie Long Gallegos' original beadwork, which is incredible, and Holly Wallace's beautiful, blown glass vases. Nature photographer Heidi Rand will also be there with images that inspire us to experience all the beauty and joy the world has to offer! Can't wait!

The Purrfumery in the Limelight!

We were delighted by two recent reviews, one by Elena Knezhevich in Fragrantica And another by Felicia Hazzard in Fragrance Belles-Lettres Thank you Elena and Felicia! I truly appreciate your thoughts and feedback on Fleur de Caramel and other Velvet & Sweet Pea Purrfumery products!

Come See Me at the Purrfumery!

When you visit the Purrfumery, you experience a jewel box of treasures and the wonder of seeing a working, natural perfumery. Come visit and sniff and sample to your heart's content! To schedule an appointment, give me a call at 510-528-8040 or email laurie@purrfumery.com. Hope to see you soon! Until next time... Peace, love, purrfume, and kitty cats, ~XOXO, Laurie