The Fragrance Creation Process: From Inspiration To Release
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The Fragrance Creation Process: From Inspiration To Release

How does a perfumer turn a fragrance concept into a finished perfume? Why are many months required to bring a new fragrance to life? This description of the fragrance creation process is written from the artisan point of view since that is what I know best, but the steps are similar whether done on a large…

A Possible New Way To Develop Safety Standards For Natural Perfumery Ingredients

Concern has been growing over the last few years that natural perfumery oils could be regulated out of existence because natural oils are complex mixtures of aroma chemicals and often contain chemicals that are limited by safety rules. A recent Perfumer & Flavorist article about a possible new way to safety test natural ingredients caught my eye, partly…

What Goes Into Running An Artisan Perfume Business?
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What Goes Into Running An Artisan Perfume Business?

Have you dreamed of creating your own perfume brand? Or wondered what keeps artisan perfumers busy behind the scenes? Maybe you have taken classes and developed some formulas, and now your friends say that they want to buy your fragrances. Should perfumery remain a hobby or should you take it to the next level? I often receive emails from people who request advice about…

Ten Tips for Exploring the World of Perfume
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Ten Tips for Exploring the World of Perfume

If you have just recently discovered the world of niche and artisan fragrance offerings online, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. The internet has encouraged an explosion of options, from large niche lines that are sold worldwide via specialty boutiques to small artisan lines like mine that are sold through brand websites. Here are some…

Some links: free essential oil chemistry database and videos

For those interested in perfumery and essential oils, Dr. Robert Pappas has made his video series “The Chemistry of Essential Oils” available for free on youtube. He also maintains a free database at EOU (Essential Oil University) with information about the chemical constituents in many essential oils.

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Update and some links…

I’m making progress on all fronts here (dishwasher installation is in progress at this moment, I’m researching medical insurance, we’re hosting some family visits etc). I’m working on Amber Incense in my spare moments. I’m very appreciative to see that Robin included Incense Pure on her fall 2014 incense list yesterday along with some other…

Interview with Dabney Rose: artisan perfumer, expert distiller and plantswoman
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Interview with Dabney Rose: artisan perfumer, expert distiller and plantswoman

Today I’m talking with Dabney Rose, a fellow perfumer, a gardener/distiller extraordinaire, and a wonderful example of an indie artisan staying true to her vision and ideals. She is a life-long plant lover and currently has a custom greenhouse at her home that holds an amazing array of beautiful flowering plants from which she extracts…

Talking fragrance design and more with Miriam Vareldzis of 40 Notes Perfumes
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Talking fragrance design and more with Miriam Vareldzis of 40 Notes Perfumes

Today I’m talking with someone who has worked in many segments of the fragrance industry: Miriam Vareldzis of 40 Notes Perfume. She has worked as a fragrance evaluator for major companies, has started her own indie perfume line, and currently also works for an outstanding natural ingredient supplier. Miriam has been interviewed by Cafleurebon and…

Brave New World: ingredients synthesized by micro-organisms

Several articles have been published recently about a relatively new technology for creating perfumery ingredients (as well as flavorings and some drugs); yeast, fungi, and bacteria can be genetically altered so that they synthesize perfumery ingredients such as vanillin. Although the yeast is a GMO substance, the ingredient it synthesizes is not GMO and is…

Update/Checking In

I’m still on break but wanted to check in. My left arm is not back into action yet. That will teach me not to try to get large items down from over my head in the supply closet… I do feel progress, but it’s slow. I needed a lightweight laptop and a back-up to my…

Panel Discussion on Day One of Elements Showcase

There were several panel discussions at Elements Showcase today, and there will be several more tomorrow. One panel today was based on a new Robertet rose petal distillation that several perfumers used to build new perfumes. After Robertet explained their rose distillation, the perfumers discussed their creation process. Avery Gilbert, scent scientist, was there and…