When Michael Schrammel announced a giveaway for his latest fragrant creation, I really didn’t think I’d be one of the five lucky winners. One of the conditions to enter the draw was to mention a favorite tale, story, fable, or poem, something that would have a special meaning to each contestant. Nothing was revealed about the fragrance, except for its name, Folk Tale.
Before I tell you more, I should mention that Michael is the proud owner and perfumer of the fragrance line, For the Scent of It Perfumes, based in Eagle, WI.
The fairy tale I mentioned as a favorite in the draw was Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. I have always loved how the story unfolds in a classical manner, combining elements of darkness, humor, romance, and kindness.
This is my first experience with the line’s fragrances, so I was very keen to try Folk Tale! After wearing it over several days, I thought how nicely the cheerful and comforting aspects of a classic fairy tale are encapsulated in it.
The sensation it conjures is one of a dainty cabin in the woods. As you walk through the narrow forest paths, sun rays passing through the thick tree foliage, you hear the birds chirping and the stream running. You might spot red berries dappling a bush or two, and wispy fairies sprinkling some verdant magic as you walk on.
The cabin is surrounded by orange and lemon trees, their bright and tart aroma welcoming you as you get closer. The small door easily opens to reveal a small, tidy, and airy kitchen. It smells of stone, freshly cut wildflowers, a ghost of baked peach crostata, and a hint of dust. A citrus-filled breeze wafts in through the open windows. As you eye the candied apples deliciously arranged on a plate on the wooden table, you know there is nothing sinister or poisonous about them. Then, you suddenly see a tiny hand reaching for one. Could it be one of the Seven Dwarves?
At first sniff, I detect vibrant citruses (orange, lemon, both?) with hints of tart fruits (maybe blackcurrant). On my skin, the fragrance quickly sweetens to reveal accents of raspberry icicle and peach (or apricot) jam that entwine with juicy apples and delicate white flowers (maybe orange blossoms and jasmines). The fragrance evolves and softens to create a silky, cloud-like sensation (maybe creamy vanilla and fluffy musk), although there’s a green, woodsy, and slightly aquatic undercurrent that tempers the sweet and creamy quality that predominates on my skin.
Official notes for Folk Tales have not been revealed.
I love how Michael composed a fragrance that is at once graceful, playful, and assertive. It’s one that could be worn by Snow White, her Prince, or the Seven Dwarves alike.
I’d love for Michael to create one for Queen Grimhilde next!
Michael began collecting perfumes more than a decade ago and started to learn how to make them in 2015. He spent 5 years studying materials and training through trial and error. Once he felt he had scents that others might enjoy, he took the leap and launched For the Scent of It Perfumes.
The brand name comes from two sources. When a former coworker asked him why he wears perfume, his response was, “for the scent of it”, a play on “for the heck of it”. Also, he noticed that reviews would often focus on fragrance bottles and boxes rather than the actual fragrance. Michael believes a perfume should be regarded not for its packaging, but for the scent itself.
Michael draws his creative inspiration from multiple life moments and experiences. Sometimes it’s a scene from a childhood movie, which inspired Black Sails; sometimes he pays tribute to another perfume, like in the case of Tobacco Pod; other times he tries to challenge himself to use unusual materials and blend them in an interesting and pleasing way, like the mint and star anise in Èpice Fern. He always keeps his senses open for new ideas and welcomes input from his customers.
For the Scent of It Perfumes launched in 2021 with five fragrances, Tobacco Pod, Nearly Nu, Forbidden Fig, Forsaken Peony, and Crème de Bergamot.
Fragrant creations are available in 50 and 10 ml sizes on the line’s Etsy Shop.
I reviewed Folk Tale from a 10 ml bottle I won as part of a giveaway Michael hosted on his Instagram page.
Photos and opinions are my own.
I love your description of how the scent unfolds! It sounds very good. Can I say you seem to be a lucky person! Congratulations! and lucky for the perfumer, as you write such a beautiful review!
Ah, yes! I feel very lucky. 🙂 Thank you! I am so glad you liked it. It was a fun one to write.