Creating The Breath of The Gods - A Kyphi Scent Event Workshop

Laurie@Purrfumery.com          www.Purrfumery.com                510-334-8824
Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Spring is in the air and everywhere I look in the Perfumer’s Garden, I see hope and beauty in the new life that is sprouting from the earth and from the trees. It’s a perfect time to open your arms to change, growth and reverence of Mother Earth. With this in mind, I have invited Justine Crane from the Scented Djinn  to teach a workshop on Kyphi, a very special and ancient incense.

Creating the Breath of the Gods – a Kyphi Scent Event Workshop
Who: Hosted by The Scented Djinn and the Purrfumery 
When: April 18 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery, 727 Sea View Drive, El Cerrito
Food: Vegetarian lunch, tea and aromatic treats will be served in the Perfumer’s Garden, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge

About the class
On April 18, Justine Crane will be teaching a course on Kyphi, a compound incense that harkens back to ancient Egypt. We will have a full day learning the story that precipitated the creation of Kyphi, the materials and their purposes, hands-on creation of Kyphi, and an after Kyphi incense session free-style. In this later session, we will create loose powder, rolled cones, sticks or incense on splits -- it all depends on the vibe. There will be a discussion on rare and unusual incense raw materials and ethics in sourcing. Each participant will receive an equal share of the completed Kyphi incense, a vegetarian lunch, an equal share of the late session incense free-style results, and after the magic, tea and scones baked fresh at the Purrfumery. 

It will be a day of incense magic, art, resurrection, love, grief and joy.

Join us! Space is limited to 10 participants.

About Justine Crane

Justine is a developer and instructor at the Natural Perfume Academy, International Perfume Foundation Certified Natural Perfumer, and expert incenseur. 

I first met Justine more than 15 years ago through her natural perfumery website and blog – it was called “Le Parfumer Rebelle,” or The Rebel Perfumers. Justine created it when natural perfumery as we know it now was in its infancy. During this time in the perfume community, there were some very large personalities vying for power and trying to own natural perfumery. Justine was a quiet presence and a godsend in the chaos of that time. The Rebel Perfumers were a ragtag bunch of perfumers, soap makers and wild, creative perfuming individuals. We were doing our own thing and supporting each other in this amazing moment of aromatic discovery. It was a magical time for all of us, and we were linked by our art and our devotion to creating businesses that made natural aromatic products. 

Justine held our community together with grace and love, and she made a beautiful website that was a rich source of information to anyone working in natural perfumery. She championed all of us and was magnanimous in sharing information and promoting us all. During this time, she was also running The Scented Djinn, her natural perfume and soap company. Justine makes gorgeous perfumes, yummy soaps and exquisite incense. I am thrilled to have her teaching this course, and look forward to a lovely, magical, scent-filled day with you all! 

Click here to register for this class: You can purchase on Facebook  or email me- laurie@purrfumery.com or call me. 510-334-8824

Q&A with Justine Crane

I sat down with Justine recently and learned about her roots in incense-making. She’s also running a 25% off sale until February 29, 2020. An unofficial leap sale!

It all started with a camp fire… 

When did you become interested in incense?
When I was young, my family and I lived in a logging camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains where I learned some basic survival and homesteader skills, one of those being how to mix together tree resins with pine needles and crunchy leaves to toss into the fire to fuel a better burn that inadvertently provided a side benefit in that it also scented the air. Though I didn’t know it at the time, I was making a very crude incense. It would be years before I intentionally made incense, starting with a pine wood base and adding herbs and resins and essential oils to create ‘celestial’ incenses. I really wasn’t satisfied with these wood-based incenses and gave up incense for a few years until I discovered Kyphi sometime in late 2011, early 2012. Kyphi lit a fire of creativity, spiritual awareness, and a more refined understanding of the raw materials used in incense and perfumery that I had never experienced before. 

How does incense making relate to perfumery?
Incense is perfume. It isn’t a related art; it is the same. 

Can you tell me a bit about the history of incense?
Incense predates liquid perfumery, perhaps by millennia. It may have begun as simply as gathering resins to fuel a fire that slowly turned into burning botanicals for their smoke and aroma. Incense and self-awareness may have developed hand-in-hand. 

How are you bringing that ancient art into the modern world? Are you using any new resins or extractions, and what is the sustainability of these materials?
Mindfulness. When creating incense, an incenseur must be mindful of the source and energy of the plants being used, the proportions, the desired result. I’ve collected several types of resins that I use in incense making that perhaps were never historically used. It’s interesting and exciting to me to explore new raw materials, but I keep in mind that these things are limited and transient and shouldn’t be used for the sake of making a sale but should always be used to bring something to life that has never been before. One vitally important lesson that Kyphi has taught me is that every incense should be created in reverence, as an act of resurrection, of bringing something from the darkness into the light. If we revere these materials in the way they deserve, their sustainability is no longer a question. It does worry me that people are buying up vast quantities of frankincense resins for medicinal purposes, stressing the trees where the resins are collected. According to some sources, the finite commodity of frankincense trees could be extinct within the next century. I don’t have an answer for that except to say use less. Be mindful of the remaining resources. What we create with these beautiful raw materials isn’t disposable or without value, it is the most valuable, the most important, incense is the body of a god that demands respect.

What will you be teaching in this class?
How to evaluate the materials, a little about the history of the materials and the art of incense making, the materials’ sustainability and future, ways in which substitutions can work, and what Kyphi represents; its spiritual importance. I hope to offer an experience rather than a lesson.

Purrfumery Sale!

If you’ve been looking for a spring scent, now is the time! 

From now until Friday, February 28th, I’m offering free shipping all Purrfumery products. Just type SPRING in the discount box. It’s my way of saying thank you for your support all these years, my dear Purrfumery friends! If you would like to make an appointment for a cup of tea and a spree at the Purrfumery, call 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.

Until next time,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats

XOXO
Laurie

Valentine's Sale At The Purrfumery

Laurie@Purrfumery.com          www.Purrfumery.com                510-334-8824

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Happy New Year to you all! In just a few short weeks we will be celebrating the wonders of love and friendship, and our cute little friend Cupid! Valentine’s Day is my favorite day of the year. It’s a day when we open our hearts to love – and not just romantic love, but the fondness and care we feel for everyone in our lives. It’s a perfect day for a sweet treat, and a lavishly wrapped gift from Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery!

20% off all Purrfumery products

From today until this Sunday, January 19th, I am offering 20% off all Purrfumery products. There is something for everyone you love at the Purrfumery, and here are my top recommendations for you! Type in CUPID in the discount box.

For the Guys

Beards are still hot and Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm keeps them soft and neat. Does your guy have a favorite beard balm? Or do you want to spoil him with a sampler of all three? Your choice! 

Juniper & Cypress Forest — My exclusive blend of French cypress, juniper, rose hip and avocado oils. Juniper & Cypress Forest is naturally anti-viral and anti-fungal. 

Piñon Desert — An aromatic blend of Southwestern piñon pine and aged Indian sandalwood. Rich and warm, these fine woods are grounded in ceremony and healing.

Vetiver Breeze — A soothing blend of three distinct vetivers. I finished the scent with a co-distillation of vetiver and a tropical flower, giving it a hit of sweet-spiciness. The balm gets its jeweled-green glint from Ruh Khus, a vetiver distilled in copper vats.

If cologne is more his thing, try the Purrfumery’s Terrain or Firever Young, two incredible scents I created from deep, rich, earthy materials. I created Terrain for my husband Gary, who is not a “perfume guy,” and spends his days digging in the earth, planting, and building. Terrain is a blend of Mexican lime with wild Bulgarian geranium, Japanese yuzu, frankincense and rare sandalwoods, including Tamil Nadu from India. Firever Young, mentioned in Oprah magazine a few years ago, blends the woodsy scent of Douglas fir, silver fir, grand fir, blue spruce, and juniper with green and fruity florals and juicy citrus. The great outdoors is always inspiring!

For the Travelers and Ramblers 

Solids have become more popular for people on the go – you just tuck them into a purse or pocket and hit the road. My three new solid perfumes – Moonlight Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade – arrive with a lovely little corsage you can wear, made from antique ribbons, flowers, and magical whatnots! Be my lovely Valentine? 

Moonlight is intensely floral with Indian jasmine, Madagascar ylang ylang and Egyptian carnation and inspired by the magical, luminous Orientals of the 1920s. Mystère Dévoilé – or “a mystery unveiled” – is also lush and floral, with notes of Indian jasmine, Italian blood orange, Lisbon lemon and a heart full of Chinese osmanthus and orris butter. And Flame Brocade… it opens with the spicy warmth of antique cinnamon and black pepper and evolves into a narcotic blend of sultry frangipani and tuberose. Inhale deeply!

For Anyone with Dry Skin!

The combination of cold winter air outside and heated air inside can cause dry skin that stubbornly resists many lotions. Have you tried the Purrfumery Frostings yet? Purrfumery friends have reported that they are the only moisturizers that work for extreme dryness. My newest is Lilac Enfleurage Frosting, made with fresh lilac pomade and absolute. Subtle and sublime and light as a cloud! The scent is very soft—perfect for those of us who prefer a light scent when we moisturize. I have very few left – don’t wait to order.

My other deeply moisturizing Frostings are Black CatGardeniaKashmir Rose and Orange Blossom.

For Honey Connoisseurs

Opulent and rich, Honey parfum is one of the Purrfumery’s most popular scents. What makes it so special and beloved? For some it’s the French orange blossom opening, for others it’s the whiff of Moroccan and Bulgarian roses. Everyone seems to agree that you can’t go wrong with Madagascar vanilla and a base of rare Tamil Nadu sandalwood. If you love Honey, you want to share it. It’s an incredible gift, and it’s 20% off until January 19th, this Sunday. Available as a liquid parfum or solid.

 

Sniff and sample to your heart’s delight

Let me know if you’d like to come over for a cup of tea and a shopping spree. I’m around and would love to see you. Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.

Thank you all, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Until next time,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats

 

XOXO
Laurie

Copyright © 2015 Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery, All rights reserved.

Big Summer Sale & Salutations from The Purrfumery!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Cool summer breezes await you at the Purrfumery, so let’s get together! I have all kinds of summer treats for every occasion you might be planning, from the fanciest formal wedding to the most easy-going day in your backyard hammock.

Big Summer Sale!

Is there something at the Purrfumery that you’ve had your eye on? Would a big summer sale help? From today until August 26th all Purrfumery products are 20% off—it’s my way of saying Happy Summer, my dear Purrfumery friends! Just type JASMINE in the discount box.

Wedding Bell Bliss

I was a wedding florist for 15 years, so I have a soft spot for decorative, fanciful designs that celebrate our most memorable moments. With their colorful bows and blooms, corsages make us feel festive and beautiful. And who doesn’t like to feel festive and beautiful? My newest perfumes—Moonlight, Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade—come with lovely little corsages you can wear, made from antique ribbons, flowers and magical whatnots. Visit me at the Purrfumery and select your favorite scent and corsage design! These limited edition scents and corsages also make gorgeous gifts for brides, bridesmaids and for the Mother of the Bride, too! You can also purchase them for less in a little pouch. If you are ordering online, you can specify corsage color ranges, from green/blue, to pink/purple, to burgundy/red.

Vintage Packaging That You Can Wear

Do you ever see packaging that is so sweet and retro that you want to take it off the box and pin it to your blouse, or wrap it like a ring around your finger? Me too! I have adorned the packaging for all my new perfumes—Moonlight, Flame Brocade and Mystère Dévoilé—with art that you can wear. I make each corsage and ring with my collection of antique ribbons, flowers, and magical whatnots! These handmade decorations harken back to the days when perfume was a gift from the inside out—everything from the bottle to the packaging was cherished long after the perfume was gone. 

My new Corsage Perfumes are available in delightful Starlight boxes with whimsical corsage rings or pins, and opulent sterling silver jewel boxes with pin-on or wrist hand-tied corsages. These are perfect gifts for collectors looking for one-of-a-kind gifts that will never be available again. Adorn yourself in more ways than one! Please note when purchasing if you want a ring or pin-on corsage.

A Treat for Your Host or Hostess

Are you looking for something special for a friend or hostess on one of your summer stops? Rich, botanical solid perfumes make sumptuous gifts, and I have many scents for you to choose from. I spin my solid perfumes into a variety of containers, from cute compacts to glimmering, jewel-top boxes. They arrive at your doorstep ready to hit the road in velvet pouches with a rhinestone buckle. You will love giving these beautiful and unforgettable gifts! 

Moonlight, Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade solids are packaged in ornate gold boxes with a vintage corsage. They are also available in a velvet pouch.

Looking for a Summer Scent?

If you’re like me, you like to change your perfume with the seasons. I createdEze with summer in my mind and heart. Eze is a tiny perfume village high in the mountains overlooking the Mediterranean. I went there over 40 years ago—at that time I was traveling around the south of France, searching for lace for my antique camisole business. I stopped in Grasse and Eze, two perfume capitals of the world, because I loved perfume... I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would become a perfumer many years later! My namesake eau de parfum captures the enchantment of Eze and the delicious luxury of a summer breeze off the Mediterranean. It opens with a fresh pop of lemon and unveils a gentle bouquet of lavender, rose geranium, myrtle and jasmine, finishing with the healing warmth of Labdanum rock rose. 

Ida Meister from Fragrantica reviewed Eze when I launched it in 2016 and she commented on its easy-going vibe. “If someone would offer me a hammock slung between two olive trees, that would be the ticket.” 

Enjoy your summer, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Visit the Purrfumery

Do you need help selecting the perfect scent for yourself or someone you love? Please let me know if you’d like to come over for a cup of tea and a shopping spree. I would love to see you. Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.

Until next time,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats

XOXO

Laurie





A Message of Love and Free Shipping!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

There’s a chill in the air, rain in the sky and love in my heart as we get closer to Valentine’s Day! February 14 has always been my favorite day of the year. It’s a day when we open our hearts to love – and not just romantic love, but the fondness and care we feel for everyone in our lives. It’s a perfect day for a paper Valentine, a bouquet, a sweet treat, or a scented treasure from Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery!

Free shipping on your early Valentines!

Celebrate someone you love this year with my hand-crafted scented delights – maybe it’s just a little something, like a hydrosolbeard balm, or something Kittylicious. Or maybe it’s a luxurious anddecadent bottle of Honey parfum or a gift certificate. I will wrap whatever you choose in gorgeous, elaborate packaging… and ship it free until January 31. Just type CORSAGE in the discount box.

Let’s all toast to love! I love you my dear Purrfumery friends!

New solid wins praise with Cafleurebon 

Late last year, I unveiled three new solid perfumes – Moonlight, Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade – at Perfumariē in Soho, New York. Moonlight is intensely floral with Indian jasmine, Madagascar ylang ylang and Egyptian carnation and inspired by the magical, luminous Orientals of the 1920s. Mystère Dévoilé – or “a mystery unveiled” – is also lush and floral, with notes of Indian jasmine, Italian blood orange, Lisbon lemon and a heart full of Chinese osmanthus and orris butter. And Flame Brocade… it opens with the spicy warmth of antique cinnamon and black pepper and evolves into a narcotic blend of sultry frangipani and tuberose. What a thrill it was to read the review of Flame Brocade by Ida Meister, Senior Editor and Natural Perfumery Editor at Cafleurebon. Thank you, Ida for your beautiful writing! 

I have all three of my new solids available as samples for you to try. Already know which one you love? Well I have news for you! Keep reading…

A bouquet just for you!

For years I have been collecting rhinestones, baubles and all kinds of ornaments for my fancy-work projects. The other day I was packaging one of my new solids, and I pulled out my fancy-work boxes and started daydreaming about all the corsages I made when I had my flower business. Before I knew it, I had a sweet little corsage in my hand, and I decided to make more! 

It’s a little gift just for you, my dear Purrfumery friends… Each order of Moonlight, Mystère Dévoilé and Flame Brocade arrives with a lovely unique little corsage you can wear, made from antique ribbons, flowers, and magical whatnots! Enjoy!

Sniff and sample to your heart’s delight

Let me know if you’d like to come over for a cup of tea and a shopping spree. I’m around and would love to see you. Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.

Thank you all, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Until next time,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats

Xoxo,
Laurie

Happy Holidays & Thank You From The Purrfumery!

Dearest Purrfumery friends,

Thank you so much for your love and support of Velvet & Sweet Pea’s this year. It’s been a turbulent year for me and for many others, and it heals me to create and share my work. I hope that my perfumery treats have brought you peace, relaxation and pleasure – that is my greatest desire! I am deeply grateful to you for being a part of the Purrfumery.

Hugs and best wishes for a lovely holiday and a fabulous New Year!

 XOXO ~ Laurie, Buttercup, Truffle, and Kitty Magic

Happy December From The Purrfumery! Take 15% Off All Products!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

I’ve returned from my trip to New York City and whew! It was an excellent trip and I want to give a big shout out to all my New York Purrfumery friends who visited me at Perfumariē in Soho! It was wonderful to meet some of you for the first time. Thank you for coming to see me!

Before the trip, the kitties and I enjoyed a creative breakthrough. We launched three new perfumes, and we made a new version of Fir-ever Young – a solid that’s just divine. And, with the help of our wonderful graphic designer Emerald, we created Grateful Dead-style Purrfumery posters that I took with me to New York. It was a blast! I will tell you more in a minute, but first…

We’re having a SALE! 

From now until December 12th, I am offering 15% off on all Purrfumery products in honor of the holiday season. Just type SPRUCE in the discount box. This is an excellent opportunity to share the Purrfumery with friends and family… and don’t forget about yourself! You like holiday gifts too, don’t you? All purchases over $100 will receive a Purrfumery poster too!

Our glorious new Limited Edition solid perfumes

So much to explore! Let me know if you’d like to come over for a cup of tea to sniff and sample these or other Purrfumery treats! Call me at 510-334-8824 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.

I use my beautiful antique millinery collection to package my new Limited Edition perfumes – delicate violets and leaves adorn all the pouches. And all of these perfumes are available in my new Starlight box, as well as the sterling silver jewel box. Here we go!

Flame Brocade : I worked on this for years! It is a true labor of love…and a truly limited edition – very small batch. Flame Brocade opens with the spicy warmth of antique cinnamon and black pepper and evolves into a narcotic blend of sultry frangipani and tuberose. A vanilla sandalwood base mingles with heady floral and spice notes and completes this luscious and unforgettable scent. I am offering Flame Brocade in liquid and solid – all are parfum strength.    

Mystère Dévoilé : This perfume honors Gary, my landscape architect husband. Years ago he planted a 40-foot wall of jasmine along our driveway. In the spring and summer, our driveway is an incredible place to be – the scent from our lemon tree mingles with the gorgeous aura of jasmine. My cousins told me I should make a perfume that captures the magical, completely over-the-top scent of my driveway when everything is in bloom. Mystère Dévoilé is that perfume. “A mystery unveiled.” This perfume was my coming home after a difficult period. It’s lush and floral, and unfurls generous notes of Indian jasmine, Italian blood orange and Lisbon lemon before finding its heart in hints of fruity Chinese osmanthus and orris butter. I love this perfume and I hope you will too!

Moonlight : This scent was inspired by the Orientals of the 1920s. It is rich, magical and luminous, and reminds me of that incredible era of artistry and luxury. Moonlight is intensely floral, with a citrus opening and a heart set in an accord of Indian jasmine, Madagascar ylang ylang and Egyptian carnation. A base of aged patchouli and deep, gorgeous sandalwood mingles with spicy carnation notes to carry this perfume to its lavish finish. It’s warm and rich and very beautiful!

Fir-ever Young solid perfume, first ever!

I have made a Limited Edition of Fir-ever Young in a solid perfume for the first time ever! This is one of my best sellers and gorgeous for this season. It’s based on fir balsam, black currant buds, and jasmine. Divine. It was in Oprah Magazine a few years ago!

New batch of Jewelry of Heaven solid perfume!

There is also a new batch of Jewelry of Heaven solid perfume, and this one is an even richer version than the original!

All of these new solid perfumes are about 25% less expensive than the other solid perfumes on my website because they are not on the collectors website yet. They will be available at this price only for a limited time.

Whipped Frostings back in stock, get them while they last!

I just hand-blended a new batch of Whipped Frostings to help you banish dry skin this season. These luxuriously scented Whipped Frostings moisturize your skin with a combination of organic oils that are rich in antioxidants and high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for regenerative, anti-aging power. I love to spritz on a hydrosol first and then lock in the moisture with a frosting. We have Black Cat, Gardenia, Orange Blossom and Kashmir Rose Whipped Frostings—try them all!

My life today and tomorrow

Life changes mean we must ebb and flow. Over the last few years, I discovered my true passion – to develop limited edition perfumes andcustom, signature scents for my Purrfumery friends. These are incredible opportunities for me – they are luscious creative journeys. And when I start these journeys, whether it’s mixing a limited edition or creating a custom scent, I need to step away for a few days, sometimes longer. That means some of my other Purrfumery tasks, like packaging and shipping, move a few days down the line. It’s all me, my dear Purrfumery friends! My staff consists of the kitties (they’re the muse, but not great at tying ribbons, only running off with them!) and Emerald my graphic designer. In 2019 there may be some weeks where I am not shipping because I am on a brief creative journey. I will always let you know on my website if there is going to be a delay. And if you have a perfume emergency (these happen – I have clients who can’t be without their Jasmine Tuberose solid, or their Rose hydrosol!) you know you can always email me and I will help you!

Helping the Camp Fire victims

I left for the East Coast while the fires were still burning. I was horrified to see the smoke in the air – we were scrambling to see if there was some way to protect our birds in our outdoor aviary. And I was overwhelmed by the casualties I heard about. I’m so sorry this happened, and I want to help. For the month of December, I am donating a portion of all Purrfumery purchases to help the animal victims of the Camp Fire. Hundreds of animals were injured and need homes, and shelters are working hard to help them. This relief effort will be going on for some time – I’m sure this will be the first of many donations from the Purrfumery.

Thank you all, my dear Purrfumery friends!

Happy Holidays! Wishing you great love and joy!

Until next time,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats

Xoxo,
Laurie
Copyright © 2015 Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery, All rights reserved.
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Blooming New Projects At The Purrfumery!

Blooming New Projects At The Purrfumery!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

It’s been an amazing few months and I have so much news to share! 

Signature Scent and Limited Edition price changes coming soon

My newsletter subscribers are the first to know! I will be raising the prices of my Signature Scent and Limited Edition liquid and crème perfumes. It’s the first price change in 10 years, and I need to do it to meet the cost of my materials, which have gone up. Imagine that it takes 60 roses to make 1 drop of rose oil! The cost of labor has gone up, too, and many of the materials I use are processed by hand around the world. 

Also, I am running very low on jewel boxes, and may not have these again, as the cost of silver has gone through the roof. So, if you have been eyeing a crème perfume, now is the time, my dear Purrfumery friends! 

The price change will not affect Kittylicious or eau de parfums.


Introducing The Velvet Collection at Avé Parfum

I’m delighted to introduce you to Avé Parfum, a beautiful new web-based perfume boutique that carries fragrances from perfumers who promise never to use cruel animal musks in their products. I met the proprietress, Elizabeth Rose, when she took my Spirit Perfumery class at Homestead Apothecary in Oakland. Elizabeth and I had a meeting of the minds—we are both dedicated to animal protection and had a dream of bringing niche and artisan perfumes from around the world to perfume lovers who wear only cruelty-free and animal musk-free scents. She asked me to create new dilutions of her favorite Purrfumery scents. I’m thrilled to support Avé Parfum’s mission of education, awareness, charity and compassion for animals. 

Visit Avé Parfum and find these sumptuous Purrfumery favorites:

The Velvet Collection: Highway, Honey and Black Cat
 
Labeled and wrapped in luxurious new designs, these luscious Purrfumery favorites are all in eau de parfum and are available in two new sizes – 15 and 30 ml. This is the debut of Black Cat in a base of organic, vanilla-infused alcohol! Previously, Black Cat was only available in a jojoba oil dilution. Experience them in their new packaging for yourself, or share with someone you love.


The Velvet Collection will launch on Black Friday! I suggest visiting Avé Parfum’s website and subscribing to their newsletter (make sure it doesn’t go to spam), as they will announce a special offer for the launch. Samples will be available for purchase as well as full bottles of both sizes.

Honey Harvest is complete

Gary and I, along with my cousins, just finished the honey harvest. I was dragging my feet a bit because it was so hot and smoky out, but the honey can’t wait! Now it’s done, and I have plenty of honey, beeswax and propolis for my perfumes (not to mention sweet goodness for our tea when you visit me)!

Lending a hand in tough times

The day of the honey harvest was one of the worst fire days. We could see and smell the smoke from the tragic fires burning just north of our home. So many people and animals were displaced, and we continue to look for ways to help. We heard that the Milo Foundation, which is based in Point Richmond, had to evacuate their sanctuary in Willits. They were seeking people in safe locations to take in dogs and cats. For the month of November, the Purrfumery will donate a portion of all sales to support the Milo Foundation’s Fire Evacuation Fund. We’re pitching in to help wherever we can!

New role with International Perfume Foundation

I am thrilled to announce that I have been named the new Director of Animal Conservation for the International Perfume Foundation (IPF), a non-profit organization based in Brussels. The IPF’s Mission is Education, Protection and Revitalisation of Culture and Perfume Heritage to Reconnect Human Society with the Beauty of Natural Fragrances and the Healing Power of Nature.

As IPF Director of Animal Conservation, my role is to ensure the development of animal cruelty-free and animal testing-free natural perfumes, provide guidance for IPF gorilla and bee research projects, and participate in IPF events. 

The civet cat, musk deer and beaver suffer when musks are harvested for use in perfume. This has to stop. We have botanical replacements for musk, and cruelty to animals is unnecessary. My role with IPF is to educate perfumers about how they can use plants, seeds and other botanicals to create musk scents, and spare animals their current anguish. I believe that education is the best way to raise perfumer and consumer awareness.

Three IPF projects I will be involved in are the World Heritage Program, the replanting of flower fields for the bees, and gorilla olfactory research. Bees are disappearing in part because farmers are growing genetically modified flowers for market. These flowers are visually flawless, but they lack scent. This has become a huge problem for bees, an insect with an olfactory system that depends on scent. It has also become a problem for natural perfumers. Gorillas, other primates, and humans share similar olfactory senses. The difference is gorillas use their sense of smell to cure themselves instinctively with plants and flowers. I’m excited about the possibility that IPF research could lead to a better understanding of how plants and flowers could be used in cures for cancer and genetic diseases in humans.

When you’re looking for ways to implement change a world away, you need all the inspiration you can find! In October, I attended the World Conservation Expo and listened to the heroic stories of people who work with governments and communities to keep animals like lions, giraffes, cheetahs and elephants safe from harm. I met my hero, Jane Goodall, who has opened the world’s eyes to conservation and protecting chimpanzees. 

In the few moments I had with Jane, I shared my own message of conservation and my new role with the IPF. It was an incredible experience to meet her – I have listened to her and learned from her for as long as I can remember! Her vision and drive give me hope.

Pictured above: Meeting my hero Jane Goodall, IPF Director Creezy Courtoy studying gorillas in the field

Visit me at the Purrfumery!

I look forward to carrying on the tradition of conservationists in my work with the IPF… and of course, with the kitties in the Purrfumery! My kitties and pigeons also encourage and inspire me! I attended and helped at the Pigeon Palomacy and Dove Adoption Fundraiser a few weeks ago and had a wonderful time! And, I am also thrilled to say that when I met Jane Goodall, I gave her a Pigeon Palomacy locket as a gift. 

Please let me know if you would like to hear more about the work I’m doing with the IPF. Or, if you’d like to stop by the Purrfumery for a cup of tea and chat! The holidays are coming up, and I’m happy to meet with you and help you find something beautiful for your friends, loved ones, and for yourself. 

Until next time!

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…

XOXO~ Laurie

Fall Purrfumery Classes!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

Fall is around the corner! Soon, the flowers and plants in the Perfumer’s Garden will turn inward and begin to slowly rebuild for the next season. It’s a marvelous creative process and one that we mimic as humans, whether we realize it or not. We are constantly growing, changing and tapping into newfound creativity. This fall, I am teaching two classes that are stepping stones on the path to Natural Perfumery, a very unique and personal pastime that engages our intuition and sense of delight. I invite you to join me and indulge in the exquisite experience of turning inward.

Here are the classes I will be teaching:

                       

Spirit Perfumery Series at Homestead Apothecary, Oakland

Three classes –10/15/17; 10/22/17; 10/29/17 – Enroll in the series, or take just the class you need

In this series, you will experience a palette of natural materials, and learn the basics of making three kinds of perfumes: solid, liquid oil-based, and alcohol-based. Enroll in the series and get an overview of a range of perfume carriers; or take just the class you need. No experience is necessary, though the alcohol-based perfume class is more advanced. Curricula include lessons about top, middle and base notes; how accords (a series of notes that make a new scent) are made; how a natural perfume without isolates or petrochemicals is constructed; and how a botanical perfume evolves over time. You’ll also learn about some safety issues to consider when working with essential oils for perfumery. And, I will cover the ethics of animal testing and methods for avoiding materials that harm animals. 

Small classes ensure plenty of personal attention.

Register for the class here: 
https://homesteadapothecary.com/perfumery-spirit-series-laurie-stern/

     

Fall & Winter Floral Scents and Arrangement Classes at Filoli

This fall and winter, master floral designer Pat Gibbons and I will be teaching dual classes that start with creating seasonal, decorative floral arrangements. During my part of the classes, you will have the opportunity to relax and inhale rare natural perfume essences and then blend your own room spray using natural wood and spice essences. Learn more and purchase your tickets at 
https://filoli.org/event/new-series-floral-scents-and-arrangements/  

A tip: These classes give you a unique and relaxing way to spend time with family and friends! Classes fill up fast, so book early. 

             

I look forward to seeing you in class, my dear Purrfumery friends!

If you’d like to make an appointment to visit the Purrfumery, contact me at 510-528-8040 or laurie@purrfumery.com

Until then,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…

XOXO, 
Laurie

Happy Holidays & A Gift From The Purrfumery!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends!

The last few months have been so chaotic, haven’t they? Between the election and the dialog that’s followed, I’m channeling my sister more all the time. Gail was an art historian and curator at the Balch Institute for Ethnics Studies in Philadelphia and spent her career educating people through art. She used to say she didn’t like the word “tolerance” because it wasn’t strong enough. It didn’t go far enough. In Gail’s memory, I encourage you to embrace every culture and learn all you can about people who appear to be different than you. I believe you’ll find that we are all the same beneath the surface. Peace on Earth, my dear Purrfumery friends!

The kitties have been busy…

Thank goodness for my top-notch staff! While I was wringing my hands over the news, the kitties were hard at work getting ready for the holiday season. We have some beautiful gifts for you and yours…  

New scents!

Evoke new beginnings with Highway, a warm and winding road of citrus, berries, cedarwood, vanilla, and blue spruce. Get romantic with Rose Encens, a deep, rich scent of rose that mingles with tart Italian blood orange and sacred Frankincense. Or, take a little trip to a faraway place with Eze, the scent of the Mediterranean… it beckons with lavender, rose geranium, myrtle and jasmine.

Scent lockets – so many choices!

Purrfumery scent lockets make beautiful stocking stuffers and gifts, and they come in a range of styles and scents. We have ornate, vintage style lockets, Honey Cat and Pigeon lockets and gorgeous floral lockets. Take a look!

For the man who has everything… and a beard

Don’t forget the beardsmen! Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balms help guys keep their beards neat and smooth and their skin soft. Available in organic Juniper & Cypress Forest, Pinon Desert, and Vetiver Breeze. Banish the bristle and get cozy!

Kittylicious line gets even cuter!

Whew! I told you we’ve been busy! We’ve created a whole new look for our super popular Kittylicious line—check out the darling gold book boxes that shimmer in the light. Perfect size for stocking stuffers, or as a gorgeous gift on its own!

Free Organic Bulgarian Rose hydrosols with your purchase over $50

Who doesn’t love a pick-me-up spritz? Hydrosols are light and lovely and add just a hint of scent. I’ll be including a free  2 ounce rose hydrosol ($25.00 value!) with every purchase of $50 through December 18th. Beautiful, romantic smelling rose-water is traditionally used to ease stress and tension, encourage sensuality and openness, and as a toner for mature skin. It’s my way of saying Happy Holidays, my dear Purrfumery friends!

I’m available for private appointments, so give me a call at 510-528-8040 or drop me an email at laurie@purrfumery.com and let’s get together at the Purrfumery! You can sniff and sample to your heart’s content and find something to soothe your soul… or awaken it. Your choice!

Honoring our precious Luma

On a very sad note… We lost our beloved kitty, Luma this week. She was a really quirky girl and has lived on our kitchen counter for the last year. That’s what she wanted and we respected that. Her adorable face is on our crest and all of our perfume labels. I called her the Velvet & Sweet Pea’s spokesmodel. Here’s a picture of her a few months ago at a lunch I had for some friends. Lisa—Luma’s kitty fairy godmother—folded her napkin on her plate and Luma crawled up and fell asleep. Lisa just ate her Cheese Board pizza on the side and Luma was luminescent and the centerpiece of the soiree. We will deeply miss her.

Until next time…

Peace, love purrfume and kitty cats,

Xoxo, Laurie

Major Summer Sale at The Purrfumery!

Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!

I have returned from a glorious retreat in France that was a feast for the senses in every way. Gary and I traveled through picturesque hamlets and villages where we would wake in the morning to find fresh baguettes and croissants in the mailbox. And jam! The French are serious about their fruit jams. The highlight of the trip was our trip to the Osmotheque in Versailles, a perfume archive and museum, where I was lucky enough to get a 30-minute reservation. My heart was pounding in my chest on the cab ride through town… I had no idea what to expect of this legendary library that preserves hundreds of scents dating back to Pliny the Elder (Roman, A.D. 23–79). More on the Osmotheque later!

Summer Fun! 50% off all Signature, Limited Edition, and Créme perfumes!  

Treat yourself or someone you love to a sumptuous summer dream! From June 6th to June 13th I am offering 50% off all Signature,  Limited Edition and Crème Perfumes. This is a rare opportunity to own the richest, most lavish natural scents the Purrfumery has to offer, while they last. Type in SummerSale in the discount box. I recommend our award-winning Fleur de Caramel, a sensual bath of warm caramel infused with rich cognac and sultry night-blooming frangipani. I shared Fleur de Caramel with the perfumers at the Osmotheque in Versailles and watched with delight as they inhaled deeply! It has always been my dream to have one of my scents in their archive, and I am thrilled to say that Fleur de Caramel is there among some of the most exquisite scents ever mixed! 

 Also popular are my Honey, Jewelry of Heaven and Songbirdformulations – each distinct and beautiful in their own way. Velvet & Sweet Pea’s luscious perfumes are yours to enjoy while they last!

New scents transport you to the Mediterranean...

The Purrfumery made a splashy debut at the Filoli Flower Show in May, and I unveiled two new scents there. Rose Encens and Eze are the newest additions to the eau de parfum line! 

Rose Encens: Rose, citrus and resin essences dance in perfect harmony. Sensuous and warm, Rose Ensens opens with a deep, rich scent of rose that mingles with sweet, tart Italian blood orange and Mexican lime top notes. The mystery of sacred Frankincense resin emerges as time passes. 

Eze: I created Eze to be the quintessential scent of the Mediterranean, as soft and relaxing as a summer breeze. Named after a magical perfume village perched along the French Riviera, Eze opens with a refreshing pop of lemon and unveils a gentle bouquet of lavender, rose geranium, myrtle and jasmine. This perfume finishes in the amber, healing warmth of Labdanum rock rose. 

Packaged in elegant gold book boxes with a decorative label and bow, Rose Encens and Eze make beautiful gifts for all occasions: birthdays, graduations, or as a special thank you… just because.  

Signature Perfume Series 

Create your own custom perfume at the bench with me, and discover how scent can unlock the mysteries of your heart and soul. This is a rare and special offering that consists of three sessions. 

First…
We start with a
Perfumery Adventure where you smell aromatic materials from around the world. During your 1.5 hour visit, we will draw out the essences that surprise and delight you. I guarantee you will experience scents from the natural world that are new to your nose. 

Second…
During the second session we will gather several of your favorite scents and you will decide if you want to make a solid or liquid perfume. We work together at the
Purrfumery bench, immersing ourselves in the alchemy of scent as we blend. Witnessing the way natural materials mingle and complement each other has captivated perfumers since ancient times! Set aside 2.5 hours for this visit. 

Third…
On your third and final visit, we make final adjustments to your custom perfume. This is a 1.5 hour visit. When we finish, you will have your choice of one of these beautiful options:

8 ml perfume strength crystal flacon

15 ml eau de parfum spray

solid perfume 

If you have trouble deciding which option to choose, I can help based on how you like to enjoy your perfumes.

If you’re visiting from out of town, or have limited time in the Bay Area, we can lengthen your first appointment and make adjustments via mail. 

Awaken your senses and step into a completely different world!

Questions? Appointments?

Do you want to know more about my new Signature Perfume Series, or any of our products? Or would you like to make an appointment to sip a cup of tea in the Purrfumery and sniff and sample to your heart’s content? Call me at 510-528-8040, or email me at laurie@purrfumery.com

Hope to see you at the Purrfumery sometime soon!

Until next time…

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats,

XOXO~ Laurie

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One Week Free Shipping In Honor of Spring

Greetings, my dear Purrfumery friends!

I hope you are enjoying these first days of spring. It’s such a lovely and joyous time of year at the Purrfumery! Watching the change that happens each season has inspired me to take some time to look inward and consider the art and craft of perfumery in new ways. More about that in a moment. But first…

Free Shipping, March 24 - April 1

From March 24 to April 1, I will be offering free shipping on all my products! This is a wonderful opportunity to try a new scent to celebrate the season, or stock up on old favorites. 
Just type
 artistkitty in discount box when checking out.

Free shipping also makes it easier to send a gift to someone you love!

Why not treat a beardsman friend to a jar of Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm in
Juniper & Cypress Forest, Piñon Desert or Vetiver Breeze? Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery is taming beards across the land! 

Or, build a grab-bag with a whimsical Scent Locket and eau de parfum sample set for a friend in need of a pick-me-up!

There is truly something for everyone at the Purrfumery, and if you would like suggestions, just let me know. Spread the love this spring! 

Artist Retreat – Last Day of Shipping April 8  (shipping resumes May 2)

Ok, back to looking inward. I have planned an artist sabbatical this spring and that will mean taking a break from shipping for a few weeks. The last day of shipping will be April 8. I will resume shipping on May 2. Type in artistkitty in discount box. Place your orders early, my dear Purrfumery friends! 

Mother’s Day is May 8 

Mother’s Day is almost here and I am looking forward to helping you celebrate the moms in your life! Plan early and take advantage of free shipping March 24 – April 1. Or, consider scheduling a Custom Perfume Adventure  so Mom can design her very own signature scent. My calendar is open after May 2

I’d love to see you here at the Purrfumery for a cup of tea and scent-sniffing session! Call me at 510-528-8040 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.

Or, plan a visit to the Flower Show at Filoli, an incredible historic estate in Woodside. Held May 6, 7 and 8, this show features innovative floral designs that are guaranteed to inspire! Designers, nurseries and horticulturalists come from across California to show their best work. The Purrfumery will have a booth at the show, so save the date and come see me!

Until then,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…

XOXO Laurie

Celebrate Mother's Day With A Free Hydrosol From The Purrfumery!

Greetings, dear Purrfumery friends,

I hope you’re enjoying spring as much as I am! The kitties love the season, too—they spend the day lounging in the Perfumer’s Garden when it’s in full bloom. Come see it for yourself! Call or email me to make an appointment and try out something new for your heart, soul and spirit this spring.

Mother’s Day is May 10

Where would we be without our mothers? I love to celebrate my mom, and all the women who are like a mom to me, with a little gift of thanks. Our moms are there for us and we love them for it! From May 1 to May 6, I will include a free rose or lavender hydrosol with any perfume or eau de parfum order. It’s my way of sending my love to moms everywhere! Make sure to indicate which hydrosol you’d like when you place your order.

Taming beards across the land

The kitties and I have been so pleased with the response to our new Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm. Beardsmen friends everywhere say they love the earthy, forest scent and the way it softens their beard and puts it in order. If you know a beardsman who needs some help with his beard, send some Mr. Whiskers his way! A soft, smooth, orderly beard can help make the world a more snuggly place.

Enjoy the Purrfumery in Spring!

If you’re looking for a new scent to celebrate the season, or if you just want to stock up on old favorites, give me a call or send me an email and schedule an appointment. I’d love to see you here at the Purrfumery for a cup of tea and scent-sniffing session! Call me at 510-528-8040 or email laurie@purrfumery.com.

Until then,

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats…

Xoxo, Laurie