behind the scents
Behind the Folklore Collection
By
John Marquez
on
Oct 15th, 2024
The Stories that Inspired Our Scents
At Sawdust & Embers, we believe that every scent tells a story. When we began creating the Folklore Collection, our goal was to weave together tales of myth, nature, and ancient traditions, capturing them in each candle's flame. Drawing inspiration from the mystical landscapes of the desert, the stars, and vibrant city streets, this collection brings together four unique stories, each rooted in the spirit of its surroundings.
Coyote Spirit: Guardian of the Desert Night
The desert holds countless secrets, and none more mysterious than the Coyote Spirit. In the folklore of many cultures, the coyote is a trickster—a cunning guide who walks between the worlds of the living and the dead, protector and mischief-maker.
Inspired by this dual nature, Coyote Spirit captures the scent of wild, untamed nights in the desert. Its earthy and woody profile brings to life the conifer needles and rosewood of the coyote’s domain, while notes of tobacco leaves and amber resin evoke the warmth of a desert fire under the stars.
Just like the Coyote Spirit, this fragrance is both grounding and elusive—a reminder that even in the harshest landscapes, life thrives in unexpected ways.
Desert Mirage: Mystical Spirit of the Sands
The desert is a place of contradictions—harsh, yet full of hidden beauty. At the heart of this mystery lies the Desert Mirage, an elusive vision that appears and disappears with the shifting sands.
Inspired by this legend, the fragrance of Desert Mirage draws from the delicate balance of the desert’s elements. The warmth of amber blends with the sweet freshness of cactus pear, while ghost flower and patchouli give depth to the fragrance, capturing the fleeting, mystical nature of a mirage on the horizon.
Just as the Desert Mirage appears only to those who seek it with pure hearts, this candle reminds us of the beauty found in the most unexpected places.
Skulls in the City: Spirit of Día de los Muertos
As the city streets come alive with the celebration of Día de los Muertos, the Spirits of Memory emerge, guiding the souls of the departed back to the world of the living. Skulls in the City is a tribute to this vibrant tradition, where marigolds, candles, and brightly painted skulls fill the streets, turning the city itself into an altar.
With notes of star anise, grapefruit, and patchouli, Skulls in the City embodies the contrast of life and death, sweetness and spice. Hints of labdanum and coumarin add depth to the fragrance, grounding it in the warmth of remembrance and celebration.
This candle invites you to honor the past and celebrate those who came before, just as the Spirits of Día de los Muertos guide us through the eternal dance of life and death.
Stoner Astronaut: Celestial Wanderer
Far from the desert sands, the Stoner Astronaut floats among the stars, a cosmic traveler who drifts through space and consciousness alike. This candle was inspired by the idea of exploring both the universe and the spirit within, a nod to the eternal quest for meaning.
With warm notes of sandalwood and cedarwood, balanced by the intriguing presence of cannabis and bergamot, Stoner Astronaut invites you to light a flame and journey into the unknown. Whether you're looking to reflect inward or simply relax, this scent captures the stillness of space and the calm of a meditative moment.
It’s a reminder that the stars above are not so far away—and that the answers we seek are often already within us.
Crafting Stories with Scent
Each candle in the Folklore Collection was designed not just as a fragrance, but as a doorway into a world of myth and nature. From the trickster spirits of the desert to the celestial wanderers of the stars, and the vibrant celebration of life and death in the city streets, each scent captures a moment, a feeling, a story.
As you light these candles, we invite you to step into these worlds and let the fragrances transport you. Whether you're drawn to the quiet calm of the Stoner Astronaut or the earthy warmth of the Coyote Spirit, these scents are crafted to bring a sense of place, mystery, and magic into your space.
