Ask the Perfumer 4/28/2013 – and an Mermade Incense Warmer Giveaway!
Originally posted April 28, 2013
Katlyn Breene of Mermade Magikal Arts allowed me to experience incense again. No, she didn’t give permission, that’s something nobody can do, it’s an individual choice, but she gave me an incense warmer a few years ago. What’s an incense warmer? Why couldn’t I use incense before getting one? A few years ago, much to my dismay, I developed a smoke allergy. Cigarettes, incense, barbeque, fireplace smoke: you name it, it irritated my respiratory system. The one thing I missed the most was my beloved natural incense.
Katlyn is a talented perfumer in the Guild, but for many years before that, she was known for her incredibly beautiful, well-made 100% natural incense blends and singular raw materials, such as Hojary frankincense, myrrh, copal and other woods and resins she supplies to customers and other incense crafters.
I blogged about the first incense “warmer” she offered a few years ago. I was so joyous! Once again I was able to enjoy her blends, my blends, and, of course, woods, resins and other delights. The warmer gently warms, not burns, the fragrant material. Only the scented molecules waft into the air.
Katlyn wasn’t 100% satisfied with the design of the original warmers that she imported from India, the one I reviewed. So, with focus and intent, she commissioned the most beautiful “Golden Lotus” warmer, and now includes accessory tools, such as a spoon and tongs. What a delight! The aesthetics of this warmer are lovely, and sure to fit into all decor styles of home, office, or studio. I love that there’s now a lid, so the warmed incense (which can look a bit like black rocks when fully heated, are hidden, with the generous “slots” in the lid allowing the scented molecules to fragrance the air.
Katlyn also had the packaging commissioned, and the magnetic-lock box is a beautiful treasure box, to be enjoyed for its own design after the warmer has been removed for use. I use the satin-lined box to store my treasured incense and resins from Katlyn! Below are some images of the Golden Lotus Incense warmer, a link to purchase it, and information about the giveaway. Katlyn is giving away a warmer to a randomly-selected USA reader who leaves a comment by Monday evening, April 29, until 11:59 PM.
Of course, the Ask the Perfumer forum is open today, and I’ll be here until 10 PM tonight to answer your perfumery-related questions. In the meantime, feast your eyes on this lovely warmer and let Katlyn and me know what you think of this marvelous invention!
Mermade Magikal Arts beautiful Golden Lotus incense warmer. Base, warmer, tongs, spoon and lid shown
The packaging is beautiful, too, and makes a nice stash box for my personal collection of Katlyn’s incenses (I LOVE her Kyphi!) and resins
Click here for a direct link to purchase this warmer. This page is for Katlyn’s new products, so don’t forget to check out the rest of her site. She’s a very talented graphic artist, and all the artwork is created with the same beauty as her incense! Don’t forget to come back here and leave a comment so that you’ll be in the drawing to win this lovely innovative product that will give you a beautiful fragrance without smoke. I love it!
PS: You’ll see a notice on her site that Katlyn is on vacation until the 4th of May. The winner’s prize will be shipped shortly after that.
PPS: Update #1. I’m sad to say Crystal never claimed her warmer. She was announced the winner here and emailed privately, but after a week we haven’t heard from her. A new winner will be randomly selected today and announced in ‘comments’ section and emailed privately. The new winner will have until Tuesday, May 7 at 11:50PM to claim the warmer.
PPPS: I ordered tiny ‘muffin’ or candy forms and they arrived the day after the blog. They are perfect for Katlyn’s Incense Warmers!!! They fit perfectly, and what I like is that after the incense or resin is done, and cooled, you can pop the spent material out of the form and reuse it. I got these from China, and they’re a great deal, convenient, and recyclable. http://www.ebay.com/itm/200pcs-MINI-Disposable-flower-style-Aluminum-foil-cupcake-Muffin-cups-/180748230392 (update: you may have to search if the link is dead)
These lotus warmers are stunning…I would love to win one for my frankincense incense..The smoke sometimes bothers me and my guests so this would be fab. Thank you Anya and Katlyn!
This is simply gorgeous! 🙂 Thank you for sharing it!
Hi Anya,
I went to Katlyns’ Site. She is a most talented artist. The incense looks amazing. I hope to get some soon. Thanks Daphne
This is just gorgeous! Does it have any particular mystical effects?
I do believe so!
Hi Nancy:
Incense has been used since prehistoric times to enhance, or initiate meditative, mystical states. Agarwood, which I forgot to mention, is used in Buddhist meditation, and a few decades ago, a medical study confirmed that inhaling the smoke can lower the brain wave speed from alpha down to beta, maybe even theta.
Groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon,
Anya
I love incense, yet I have never experienced their aroma through a warmer. I would love to win such a beautiful piece with which to begin my journey! Thank you for the generous offer.
These are beautiful! The colors and lotus design are simply stunning.
Here’s a perfumer question as well…
Are there different types of incense used in perfumery that create variations in smell, or for the most part is incense a fairly standard note used?
Hi Ed:
Nice to see you here, welcome to my site. I just answered Kristie’s question about ‘incense’ perfumes, and the short answer is yes, there is an incense fragrance family. I forgot to mention to her that this type of perfume has been available for decades in “head”, “hippie” or “magick” shops. Usually frankincense is the common thread (since incense is part of its name, and it’s the most recognized “incense” ingredient in the world), and typically resins are added to the mix, as mentioned to Kristie, and depending on the proportions, and other non-incense materials added (if any), they can have a floral aspect, perhaps a balsamic aspect, or any other, even citrus. Does that answer your question?
Warmly,
Anya
I have several of Katlyn’s other electric burners. This one is stunning all the way from Presentation to Performance. Thank’s Katlyn for the draw and for making this available. I love it..
I have another of Katlyn’s electric burners and they’ve allowed me also to enjoy incense again. This new one is beautiful!
This looks awesome! I am heading to her site now. Sharing on my FB page.
Incence is one of the things I will learn next! After our email conversation last week about Khypi the sacred Egyptian scented incense, I browsed the website and facinated of the art of incence!
Dear Eileen:
I only use Katlyn’s Kyphi, it is my favorite. She makes it in small batches, and it sells out quickly, so if you see it, you might want to get it now.
xoxo,
Anya
Katlyn’s art is absolutely breathtaking – I will be ordering some of her altar art as soon as she returns. And I love these electric incense burners – what a fantastic product! Sandi
While not strictly traditional for incense…..
Advances in tech should be incorporated where they fit….
I’ve been burning incense since the mid 60’s….
The word “Perfume” when broken down to its Latin roots, literally means “Through Smoke”….Per = Through….. Fumo = Smoke…..
Some folks think Latin is a dead language…….! Only until you open your mind…….!
Next week, I’m going to do my Spring burn….
Anyway, I’m glad Kat makes things like this available to us mere mortals….
Care…
Hi Gary:
Katlyn has the most beautiful tradition – and non-traditional incense offerings on her site, doesn’t she? Are you near Burlington Wisc? Perfume guy there I know, I think you’d love to get the sniffs on and have somebody to chat with. Email me privately.
xoxo
Anya
Wow this is like a magical treasure. I got an idea! Hook it up to external power source and you can bring to a weekend getaway. Lemongrass incense for camping by the woods or frankincense incense for spiritual mountain cabin retreat. Just a thought
Hi FC:
You always come up with creative ideas!
Thanks for stopping by
Anya
I would so totally love this! No more waiting for charcoal to get hot, and not breathing in smoke(although it usually doesn’t bother me) is a plus!
breath taking… and then giving. 😉
stunning.
<3
I love natural incense but never knew about an incense warmer! This set is beautiful and I’d love to own it. Thank you Katelyn for the giveaway!
Not only is it beautiful, but exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m not a huge fan of burning the charcoal for loose incense, but this looks like a perfect alternative. <3
Dear Delaney:
So nice to see you here! I think of you and your aesthetic and perfumes when I think of this warmer, because it seems like such a good fit! I know you’ll love it.
xoxo,
Anya
PS You’ll have to send me some samples of your new perfumes for the Guild Scent Library. They look wonderful. I think I saw at least two, yes?
Hi Anya,
Since we’re on the incense topic, my question is when you read certain descriptions/ingredients of perfumes (not natural) say, in a Barney’s catalogue and they mention incense, what exactly is that. Is it an accord that smells like incense?
Hi Kristie:
Thanks for dropping by. There is a rather obscure (not to those who love it) fragrance family that would include incense as a descriptor. Typically, it means there is a lot of frankincense or other resinous aromatics, much like you’d find in religious incense blends, like myrrh, copal, opoponax, etc. It can also be a floral/incense (think rose), and some other fragrance family combination. It’s not listed in your textbook because it is so obscure, but is taught at the advanced level. Men are particularly fond of incense accord perfumes, but, of course it’s rather unisex.
HTH,
Anya
I love this burner, would be great to win it! I am sensitive to smoke so I like the idea of enjoying my resins and incense without smoke.
How beautiful! I love incense! I would enjoy this so much.
I sooo <3 this lotus warmer!
xoxo
I have the older burner. Katlyn’s incense is truly a pleasure.
I had one of the old warmers, and used it until it died…this one is so much prettier! Absolutely gorgeous…I’d love to try some of Katlyn’s newer blends, as well as Ross’ Ocean of Night!
That incense warmer is really amazing. I have some problems with incense because of the smoke, but no more with the warmer. I’m enjoying Kyphi every night since I got it.
I am familiar with Katlyn’s wonderful website and have purchased from her several times. Hers is some of the best incense to be had, period. I too can get sensitive to smoke at times, and would LOVE this new beautiful warmer!!
Oh, this looks marvelous!! Many times the smoke bothers me and I find I don’t use incense as much as I would like, but without the smoke–what a great idea. I will go to her site and check it out….but do enter me in the drawing…:)
Namaste’
http://www.drsinor.com
Lovely design with warm colours, making it a visually pleasing experience!
The Golden Lotus incense warmer is lovely! Mermade Magickal Arts is a lovely name… thank you for showing us this gorgeous kit. I just found them on Facebook, too. Thank you so much! Such beautiful and inspiring items!
I have used Katlyn’s old electric warmer and found it a wonderful way to enjoy incense, especially the delicate woods and herbs that can char quickly on charcoal without a lot of finessing. The temperature gague was a bit of a challenge at times though. The new warmer does a beautiful job in correcting that, and looks very lovely to boot! I highly encourage incense lovers to check out the warmer and Katlyn’s line of incenses and perfumes. Her Incense Balm’s are to die for. Definitely check out her offerings from Ross Uerre and Greg King as well, both make wonderfully crafted incense. Best of luck to you all in the draw. I know the winner will treasure it!
On the note of incense perfumes, dont forget Anya’s White Smoke, which is one of my favorites!
I love your website and forum! Thank you for inviting me. I love working with resins and have not seen or used such a beautiful warmer. A treasure!
This is simply gorgeous! Going to share on FB now! Thanks to both of you!
I enjoy her natural incenses already and now I will soon enjoy the warmer after my next purchase. The warmer is beautiful and will serve as conversation piece in my home.
Very intriguing. Would love to try this.
This is absolutely lovely! We love incense in our home, but I often put it out fairly quickly due to my own respiratory issues with smoke. And it’s very beautiful.
Wonderful & interesting. Would love to try.
I love your site. I want to get all the incense on your site! It makes it hard to choose, they are all so nice. I love the incense warmers. I will definitely be using incense now.
Love these heaters! Would really enjoy the fancy one!
Beautiful incense warmer – I’d love to use one more frequently that I use incense with charcoal . . .
Thanks for the promotion.
Beautiful & aromatic!! Have wanted to experience agarwood, and I see it listed on Katlyn’s website. Perhaps I’ll order if I get lucky and win the Golden Lotus warmer….
This looks so cool! Thanks.
Looks like just the thing for enjoying some of Katlyn’s blends. I have a few of her self burning incenses and they are amazing. I’d love to try her Kyphi blend in this heater!
I would like the new heater but my Indian heater refuses to die even though it is a bit finicky.
This is the most beautiful warmer I’ve ever seen! I’d be in heaven if I win! 🙂 Thank You for this giveaway 🙂
I’m so glad these exist. Messing with the rice ash and mica plate – not my thing! But my reactive airway hates the smoke and poor air quality caused by actually burning stuff.
Wow. that is a beautiful incense warmer.
I remember the first one you had blogged about years ago… this one is stunning.
Congradulations on your new release Katelyn.
My ask the perfumer question:
my Cestrum nocturnum tincture, that I’ve been keeping in the fridge since the flowering season passed, has at the bottom a thick, white something. it looks like waxes that have settled. is that what this is? or should I be afraid of mold? I’ve never had mold develop in a tincture before, so I don’t know how it looks.
Thanks
Hemla
Hi-
I am new as a commenter here. Have just started to look into become a perfumer myself. Although its been a lifelong long- nature and perfume. Thank you for offering this open blog forum, Anya. And Mermade Magikal Arts (I’m fey too) is beautiful as is the incense warmer- please enter me!
Anya, I have a question. We are just starting our violet season here in Illinois. How can I use these abundant favorites of mine to create an essence?
Thanks so much!
Doreen
With my three year old daughter running around the house, I’ve been hesitant about burning incense but this sounds like a wonderful solution, Katlyn. Bonus…it looks so beautiful it would make a nice centerpiece and/or conversation piece. Lovely.
So gorgeous!!!! I would dearly love one of these! Katlyn’s incense is so beautiful and sacred, very exciting that there is now a warmer that is such a good fit for it.~*~
I love incense, but I too am bothered by the smoke. It would be great to win a warmer!
Very beautiful warmer! I would love to win it.
Tom
The winner of the Golden Lotus Incense Warmer from Mermade Magikal Arts is Crystal! Congratulations, Crystal, I know you’ll love it.
Thank you, everyone, for sharing your enthusiasm for Katlyn’s great product. If you’d like, subscribe to this blog, especially if it’s your first visit here, because I host giveaways all the time and share great natural fragrance posts.
Best wishes,
Anya
I’m not allowed to have smoke or fire in the house, so I’d love to try one of these and review it on Be Air Friendly!