Halloween in a Bottle
February 27th, 2010 by John Wolfe
After posting my entry last August about the unique, dark fragrances available from The Goth Rosary, I finally got around to ordering some samples a couple of weeks ago. I selected Nocturnal: “Black clothing and dark streets — the smell of cloves mixed with patchouli and nag champa” and Samhain: “Spicy and sweet — the smell of Halloween candy, changing leaves and autumn spices.”
Though I’d been wanting to try The Goth Rosary scents for quite some time, what finally prompted me to place an order was a little booklet I read by Scott Blackson of The Soap Fairy. In the booklet, Scott was discussing unique ideas for marketing. One of his suggestions was to soak a cotton ball in your favorite essential oil, then seal it in a plastic container with your business cards. After a few days, your cards will smell like the oil and will ultimately stand out among regular ole smellin’ business cards. 
So, that’s exactly what I did with my cards (pictured up above). While I really liked both scents, I’ve decided to go with Samhain for my cards. Nocturnal was great, but a little overpowering for my purpose. Samhain was perfect in terms of not being too strong or too subtle. It has a sweet, cinammony/pumpkin spice thing going on. Now, I’m waiting for the scents to be restocked in the full size bottles before placing my next order.
Overall, I cannot recommend The Goth Rosary enough. Shipping was super quick (and affordable); the items were neatly packed and decoratively wrapped, and they even threw in a free “Graveyard” incense stick and scented, skull-shaped soap. They absolutely take care of their customers.
My cards actually look better than the photograph in this post… I gotta get a scanner. Oh yeah, and they smell awesome, too!
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February 28th, 2010 at 1:47 am
You gotta love someone who’s got that much zest for trapping olfactory elements of the dark world. I love it! I will definitely be checking it out. Finding the scents that say “me” have been tough for an autumnforest. I never thought I’d say this, but I wanna smell your cards!
February 28th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
John,
I think this is an interesting idea, and could be a way of leaving a memorable mark on any potential customers. I might suggest, however, after letting them “soak” in the aromas, mail yourself a card (or to someone who’s opinion you trust) and see just how it smells coming to you after a few days with a clean nasal palette.
I know I hate getting magazines with their cologne or perfume ads as they stink up the mailbox and wherever the magazines are laying. While your Halloween-infused cards may not be so overpowering as that and may make a unique impression, maybe you want to make sure it’s the right impression they’re creating. Just a thought.
Rich
February 28th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
autumnforest,
Absolutely! Based on my order and the feedback I’ve heard from others, Anti-Sally of Goth Rosary is passionate about her products and customer service — plus, they’re all vegan made — I love that! I think she used to create custom scents based on the customer’s requests, but I’m not sure if she still does. Maybe she could help you in creating some “Autumnforest.” That’s what’s cool about her samples, granted, they’re small (1ml vials), but they only run 2.99, allowing you to try them out and see what you may want to mix and match.
I’d be more than happy to send you some cards, so you can smell them and give them out for me (if you like).
GhoulishCop,
That’s a great suggestion. I definitely appreciate your input. I, too, was a little concerned when it came to sending them via mail where there was no air circulating inside a package. While they may smell great in open air (I believe that they do); they may be too overpowering for some people after opening up an envelope. I’ll try your suggestion, and I may also just use the scents on cards for passing out to people; whereas, for mailing cards, I’ll keep those unscented.
February 28th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Hey John;
I figured out what I’m ordering–the Seatlle rain, Samhain, and Tea and Sympathy–for years I’ve been wishing someone would make a tea-scented fragrance! I’m sure I’ll be a regular there. Some time, you can send me a card–I’d love to see how it holds up to the mail system. It’s a great idea–might do something like that when I start my Etsy business. When you open a package and it smells like autumn–wow! Yeah, I guess an autumnforest scent is called for.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I remember an episode of Ghost Hunters in which Dustin Pari said, “This place even smells like a haunted house.” Maybe this is how he knows what a haunted house smells like (evil grin)
February 28th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Someone told me about Goth Rosary but I never looked into their stuff. Thanks for the reminder. I like your business cards. If you are going to send some to autumnforest, maybe you could pass a few my way.
March 1st, 2010 at 10:29 am
If you dont mind I think I will do this myslef. Thanks for the great idea. (one of many.)
March 1st, 2010 at 11:36 am
autumnforest,
Seattle Rain sounds like a good one. I may have to get a sample of it whenever they have the full size fragrance bottles ready again and I can place my order for Samhain. This combo of scents and business cards would go great for your Etsy Shop — speaking of which, I’m looking forward to seeing it!
Barry,
Great to hear from you! You never cease to crack me up when you leave a comment. I don’t remember that episode, but I could see Dustin saying that. Perhaps the whole GH or GHI team shops at Goth Rosary.
frightnight,
Thanks. Absolutely, you’re more than welcome to have some cards. Send me an e-mail, with your address, and I’ll get some out to you.
Ethan,
Go for it, man! I borrowed the idea from Scott. Anytime I find good suggestions, I like to pass them onto you guys.
March 1st, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Looks like your cards will look grrrrrrrreat in person John. Be sure to send some my way and especially with the scents. As you know, you’ve just mentioned some of my all time favorite scents so I’ll be curious to “sniff your cards.”
Hey I’ve said stranger things… have I not? TeeHee, talk to ya soon 
March 1st, 2010 at 7:57 pm
You got it, Goldie. They’ll be all yours to sniff away at. I know how much you enjoy pumpkin spice, so I’m sure you’ll love the Samhain scent. While it’s not strictly a pumpkin spice smell, you do get hints of it (through what smells like cinnamon) mixed with a candy-like scent.
I don’t remember you ever saying anything strange.