Cosmetic, Makeup & Beauty Engraving - Houston Engraver

Engraving fragrance bottles onsite definitely provides a different feel than engraving wine and spirit bottles. With that said, I genuinely enjoy both. I find that the mood at a wine or spirit bottle job is pretty laid back and fun. Oftentimes, it can be relatively hardcore due to volume which can provide a little adrenaline rush. Fragrance bottles jobs are generally more luxurious so to speak. Who doesn’t love that? I feel so fortunate to have turned what began as a hobby into my career. I remember when I thought that no-one would. pay me to write. I learned that EVERYTHING has a niche. Thank you, Houston.

Congratulations - Houston Onsite Fragrance Bottle Etching

As life returns to normal, friends and family are returning to events such as graduations, weddings, birthdays etc. We are finding more reasons to say “congratulations”. This was one of the bottles engraved at an event at the Cartier boutique. As I understand it, this bottle will be retained by the client in preparation for future events as there are always reasons here and there for a “congratulations gift”. How smart! I love planning ahead. Cheers!

Cartier Pasha Fragrance Bottle Engraving - Houston Engraver

There are companies for which I engrave that are just always a pleasure. Cartier always proves to be an exquisite pleasure. All of your senses are piqued upon entering the boutique. The scents, soft music, the detail to positioning every item….

The bottle: Pasha

Pasha: the first fragrance from Cartier that stunned the olfactory world with its elegant fougère accord, fusing the incomparable freshness of an oriental fragrance with the green note of galbanum.

Engraving the fragrance bottles for Cartier is simply a pleasing experience. The glass alone engraves smoothly with minimal resistance. I have often said that “glass is glass” when it comes to engraving however it is true that some glass is smoother than others. The glass used for these perfume bottles is genuinely a delight to etch. Cheers!

Cartier Fragrance Bottle Engraving - Houston Engraver

During the Father’s Day holiday and the weeks leading up to it, I engraved wine and fragrance bottles for a number of various brands. One of them was Cartier, a company for whom I have engraved for years. This particular bottle was engraved for a client that was unsure of specifically what to have engraved and decided on the simple “Happy Father’s Day & Love you”. I hope that his Dad enjoyed it.

Cheers!

Jo Malone London Fragrance Bottle Engraving - Houston Engraver

Interestingly enough, when I began engraving onsite about 10 years ago for corporate clients, I had a desire to only engrave for wine and spirit brands. I had become comfortable with wine and spirit bottles as they were nearly always made of glass and there was not much variability from bottle to bottle. Then I received a frantic call from a fragrance representative that needed to have an engraver onsite for a Father’s Day event in less than a week from our conversation. As I was still relatively new to engraving, my hesitation was profound and warranted. If you know me well, you know that I am an introvert. With that said, engraving onsite was still a minor source of anxiety and to then top that with canvases that were smaller than to what I was accustomed with greater variability with materials….I was not exactly secure about taking the job. However, something wonderful happened. The representative told me that she only had 5 fragrances in her portfolio that were encased in bottles that were all the same shape and she would provide a tester bottle beforehand. (Thank you universe!)

While engraving at that event, I learned a few things. 1) For the most part, glass is glass. 2) As a hand glass engraver, you can work with pretty much any shape canvas (bottle etc). 3) Every situation is neutral. The anxiety relative to a situation is created entirely in your head. No situation is good or bad…it just is. The label placed on it is entirely up to you.

After that experience, fragrance and beauty events became one of my favorites to execute. You always get this touch of luxury when engraving for fragrances and cosmetics. Who doesn’t love that? Cheers!

Cartier Fragrance Bottle Engraver - Houston Perfume Engraving

Over the last few weekends, I have had the wonderful pleasure of working with the Cartier boutique here in Houston again. As always, it was an experience for all of the senses. With these visits, the sense most piqued was the sense of smell. The above video is only one of the gorgeous fragrances that I engraved.

L'Envol de Cartier Eau de Parfum is an airy, woody fragrance that empowers you to go beyond your limits. The nectar is imbued with Gaiac Wood and notes of honey, brought out by a wispy haze of musk. The 100 ml size is refillable thanks to the capsule, which can be removed from the glass dome.

Departure from Social Media - Houston Engraving

You may have noticed that I have made a departure from social media. The decision is something that I had contemplated for years. I rationalized that I kept the various accounts to promote my business regardless of all of the other aspects of social media that accompany it. The reality is that my customer base has been predominantly companies such as Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Anheuser Busch etc for many years and that has been my preference. With that said, social media never genuinely fit into that business model as businesses desiring hand engraving have never contacted or been introduced to me through social media. After that realization, then it became a matter of maintaining social media accounts because “it’s what you should do for your business”. From a return on time investment perspective over the last 10 years, this has not rung true.

Please know that Slinging Ink® is still engraving in Houston and loving it. You just won’t see it on social media.. Cheers!

YSL Mon Paris Fragrance Bottle Houston Engraver

I must admit that when I was presented with this YSL Mon Paris Couture fragrance bottle for engraving / etching at a recent event in Houston, many thoughts silently went through my mind. This is a gorgeous, sweet, sensual fragrance that I wore for years and absolutely loved. The name Harley evoked thoughts of Davidson and comic super villains. I think that all of the above are the epitome of cool.

This fragrance bottle was simple to engrave. Although the face of the bottle is multifaceted, glass is glass. It was easy and the glass was beautiful to engrave.

Mon Paris Couture, a new sparkling, citrus interpretation of the iconic Mon Paris floral signature. The citrus fruity opening combines raspberry and strawberry from the signature Mon Paris Eau de Parfum with notes of grapefruit and mandarin for a sweetness that is engaging and inviting. Giving way to a sparkling heart, the signature notes of white flowers are now infused with rosebud that is fresh, yet romantic. The warmth of patchouli highlights the delicate white musks.

Tom Ford Fragrance Bottle Engraving / Etching - Houston

I find Tom Ford to be a very interesting, debonair individual that could have easily been born in another era. In many ways, I can relate to that. My style of dress is typically somewhere between the 1950-1970’s era depending on the day. I’m one of those people that still believes in grace and decorum. In interviews and articles, you get the feeling that Ford has a European point of view with regard to aesthetics. That viewpoint of everything that is to be done should be done beautifully, but also that there is elegance in simplicity. I agree with that wholeheartedly.

When I was presented with this fragrance bottle at a recent onsite engraving event at Nordstrom, I was delighted, but hesitant. Those that have engraved dark glass fragrance bottles may know exactly where I am going. They usually engrave relatively smoothly. The tricky part is after you engrave it. They can scratch SO easily. With that in mind, I was very careful with removing the glass dust and with the process of color application. After it all, I realized that that level of care may not have even been necessary with this fragrance bottle. I suspect that there is no coating on this glass to achieve that gorgeous, dark hue. I believe that it is inherently that color. All the same, I just love this bottle. Here is a little information regarding this scent:

OPULENT. WARM. ICONIC.

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: WARM & SPICY

SCENT TYPE: WOODY SPICES

KEY NOTES: TOBACCO LEAF, VANILLA, GINGER

FRAGRANCE DESCRIPTION:
TOM FORD REINVENTS CLASSIC TOBACCO WITH CREAMY TONKA BEAN, VANILLA, COCOA, DRY FRUIT ACCORDS AND SWEET WOOD SAP – FOR A MODERN, OPULENT AND HEADY IMPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE AND POWER. 

ABOUT THE FRAGRANCE:
“TOBACCO VANILLE IS OPULENT, WARM AND ICONIC. REMINISCENT OF AN ENGLISH GENTLEMAN’S CLUB AND BLENDED WITH RICH SPICES, VANILLA AND TOBACCO FLOWER, IT LEAVES A POWERFUL IMPRESSION.” –TOM FORD 

ABOUT THE BOTTLE:
THE 50ML AND 100ML FLACON HAVE THE SLEEK LOOK OF A CHESS PIECE. CARVED WITH CONSUMMATE CRAFTMANSHIP, ADDING MONUMENTAL BEAUTY TO A DRESSING TABLE OR GROOMING AREA. A CHOCOLATE-BROWN SET-UP BOX COMPLETES THE DESIGN.

There has clearly been thought in every aspect of the design of the fragrance and also the bottle/presentation. I love that.
 

Tiffany & Co Fragrance Bottle Engraver - Houston

Like most women, I have been intrigued by Tiffany & Co since childhood. When you see that unmistakable blue color, you know that something wonderful is inside. I have engraved quite a few fragrance bottles of Tiffany over the years in Houston and this one is absolutely beautiful. Not just the scent but also the glass. It engraves very nicely and smoothly. This modern, artisanal scent, with the noble iris at its heart, is as exhilarating and inspired as love itself. Top note is vert de mandarine with a middle note of noble iris and the base notes are patchouli and musk.

Creed Fragrance Bottle Glass Engraver in Houston

I have engraved quite a few fragrance bottles of Creed over the years here in Houston. It is quite a special company. We are similar in that we share a belief that natural, artisan pieces are the only option. Creed believes in the “human touch, not machinery”. I couldn’t agree more. Here is their extraordinary story:

This unique story began in 1760. A pair of scented leather gloves was delivered to King George III by a new London tailoring company. Founded by James Henry Creed in the same year as the young King’s accession, the House of Creed has created fragrances for the discerning and the discriminating for over 260 years.

Queen Victoria – George III’s granddaughter – appointed Creed as an official supplier to the Royal Household.

Then, in 1854, under the patronage of Napoleon III and his Empress, Eugénie, the stylish leader of European fashion, the House of Creed moved its headquarters to Paris. Victoria had praised Creed only too well to her fellow Sovereigns.

In newly rebuilt and glittering Second Empire Paris, Creed embellished its reputation for impeccable tailoring and for the exclusivity of its rare and limited House fragrances. The tact and discretion with which a royal, aristocratic and socially prominent clientele were handled rapidly became part of the Creed legend.

Creed has created a legacy of unrivalled scents treasured by perfume connoisseurs and all admirers of quality, style and panache. Over the centuries, the Creed family has produced over 200 perfumes all testifying to a unique creative spirit that has been passed, together with a keen inherited nose, from father to son through seven generations.

Today Olivier Creed, “Créateur Parfumeur” and direct descendant of James Henry Creed, continues this great tradition. Accompanied by his son Erwin, Olivier travels extensively to source, research, inspect and commission the finest materials. Rose from Bulgaria, Turkey & Morocco; Italian jasmine; Florentine iris; tuberose from India; Haitian vetiver; Bourbon vanilla; Calabrian bergamot and Parma violets. These are just a few of innumerable treasures in the Creed laboratory. They are all ingredients which have been used in haute parfumerie for many centuries, even millenia.

Still based in Paris, with a factory at Fontainebleau, Creed manufactures many of its own essences using a traditional infusion technique which enables Creed to maintain the superior quality and authenticity of its fragrances. The process is intricate and incredibly meticulous but Creed is driven by artistry and perfection.

Dior Fragrance Bottle Engraver - Houston

In preparation for Mother’s Day, I had the opportunity to engrave for Nordstrom amongst other companies. This bottle of Miss Dior was one of the bottles engraved Saturday. This client wanted a simple “I love you” engraved into their fragrance bottle. Dior has beautiful fragrances within their line and this one is no different. Miss Dior Eau de Toilette is a fresh and heady olfactory composition. Sparkling zests of Blood Orange and Mandarin illuminate the top notes. At the heart, a Lily of the Valley accord brings freshness and lightness to the spicy burst of Grasse Rose note. The clear Patchouli accord at the base unites these cheery notes in an endless round.

Slinging Ink Calligraphy & Engraving

Love Lips Cosmetic / Makeup Lip Gloss Engraver - Houston

It was such a pleasure engraving at Neiman Marcus last weekend and meeting the creator of Love Lips, Algebra Blessett. Engraving her lip glosses was so easy. The container was made of a hard acrylic so it was no problem. The clients that I encountered that day were absolutely wonderful. I would engrave those everyday if I could. Cheers!

Teeling Irish Whiskey - Houston Engraver

Engraving Irish Whiskey isn’t something that I do often, however I recently had an entire weekend of Houston engraving events for Teeling Irish Whiskey. It was a wonderful time! I had the opportunity to learn about a whiskey of which I was previously unaware. I learned a little bit about Irish whiskey from a quick Wikipedia search prior to the events:

Irish whiskey (Irish: Fuisce or uisce beatha) is whiskey made on the island of Ireland. The word 'whiskey' (or whisky) comes from the Irish (or 'Gaelic') uisce beatha, meaning water of life.[1][2][3] Irish whiskey was once the most popular spirit in the world, though a long period of decline from the late 19th century onwards greatly damaged the industry,[4] so much so that although Ireland boasted at least 28 distilleries in the 1890s, by 1966 this number had fallen to just two, and by 1972 the remaining distilleries, Bushmills Distillery and Old Midleton Distillery (replaced by New Midleton Distillery), were owned by just one company, Irish Distillers.

The monopoly situation was ended by an academically-conceived launch of the first new distillery in decades, Cooley Distillery, in 1987.[5] Since the 1990s, Irish whiskey has seen a resurgence in popularity and has been the fastest-growing spirit in the world every year since 1990. With exports growing by over 15% per annum, existing distilleries have been expanded and a number of new distilleries constructed. As of December 2019, Ireland has 32 distilleries in operation, with more either planned or under development.[6] However, many of these have not been operating long enough to have whiskey produced on-site sufficiently aged for sale, and only two, Bushmills in Northern Ireland and Kilbeggan, were operating prior to 1975, the latter with a long hiatus.

Bumbu Rum Bottle Engraver - Houston

It is always nice when you are introduced to something new. Prior to this year, I was completely unaware of Bumbu Rum. I was immediately attracted to the bottle based on aesthetics alone. It is a very cool bottle upon sight. This bottle was presented at an engraving event awhile ago by a gentleman that desired to have a bottle engraved to commemorate his wedding anniversary. Engraving this bottle was very simple as the glass was cooperative and relatively smooth. Interestingly, this may have been the first bottle of rum that I have had the pleasure of engraving….possibly…

A little bit about Bumbu Rum:

Unlike most Caribbean islands (formed by volcanos), Barbados was created by coral reefs. Here, our ground water is purified as it’s forced through our natural limestone, making Barbadian water some of the finest in the world. Distillers elsewhere must filter their water before using it in their process – not so here.

This exceptionally pure water, coupled with carefully selected sugarcane from across the Caribbean and South America, lends the lightness and smoothness that’s central to Bumbu’s remarkable drinkability.

The ultra-heavyweight glass bottle is a work of art on its own, adorned with a tarnished metal "X" in front and map of the Caribbean across the back. Our favorite part is the old-fashioned, oversized cork – you’ll hear a celebratory POP each time you crack open the bottle. 

We like to sip our Bumbu straight, but try it over ice or in your favorite cocktail.

Cheers

Dussé Cognac Bottle Engraver - Houston

I must admit that I never ventured into the world of cognac. For the most part, I’m a creature of habit. I have however engraved an obscene amount of cognac bottles here in Houston. Dussé is one that crossed my engraving table a fair amount. The shape of the 750ml bottle is unique which makes it a perfect candidate for hand engraving. These bottles which are smaller than 750ml were incredibly easy to engrave as the surface was virtually flat. there really wasn’t much to it. Feel free to take a peek at the video.

As far as the cognac itself:

Naturally aged for at least four and a half years, the bold and full-bodied blend of D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac is made from a selection of the finest eaux-de-vie, including some that were carefully matured in the cellars of the Château de Cognac. On the nose, it reveals a powerful bouquet, rich in woody notes layered with touches of cinnamon and floral notes. Distinctively and unexpectedly smooth, each taste reveals hints of spices and almonds with undertones of honey and dried fruits as the grand finale.

Cheers!

Buffalo Trace Whiskey Bottle Engraver - Houston

It’s interesting how certain items, scents & places will transport you to a particular time in your life. Certain fragrances remind me of 7th grade, certain songs remind me of someone from my past. Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey reminds me of someone special to me. I haven’t had a drink in a few years, but when I did indulge, I loved champagne, burgundy wine, scotch and bourbon…neat…always neat. This person introduced me to scotch and bourbon. Upon my initial taste, I thought that scotch and bourbon was strong. But once I overcame that impression, I began to appreciate the nuances between various scotches and bourbons. Buffalo Trace has notes of honey & vanilla which appealed to me. They also say that there was a note of caramel as well, however I never quite caught that likely because I didn't eat much caramel.

The dear friend that introduced me to Buffalo Trace is a lover of spirits and has a passion for the nuances that they present. I am grateful for that period of discovery of which I was introduced.

Engraving these whiskey bottles was very easy. The glass for this bottle was great and relatively smooth to work with. There was little resistance while engraving it, which is always welcomed. I have had the pleasure to engrave here in Houston for many onsite corporate events, however this particular project was brought to me by an individual for a private event. As much as I love engraving onsite, engraving in my studio is great as it is my sanctuary, my controlled environment and everything moves at a relaxed pace.

Cheers

Teeling Irish Whiskey Bottle Engraving - Houston

With Saint Patrick’s Day only days away, I had the opportunity to engrave whiskey bottles here in Houston for Teeling Irish Whiskey over the past weekend. It was a pleasure to learn about a brand that I had previously been unaware. This Irish whiskey brand has been created & enriched by a family of distillers in Dublin.

Their story:

Whiskey making and entrepreneurship have been in the Teeling genes as far back as 1782, when Walter Teeling set up a small craft distillery on Marrowbone Lane in the industrial heart of Dublin City.

Since 2012, Jack and Stephen Teeling, the latest generation of Teeling Whiskey makers, have been putting their own mark on Irish Whiskey and came full circle in 2015 when they proudly opened the new Teeling Whiskey Distillery just down the road from where the original family distillery once stood. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery today is the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years.

Cheers

It was a Happy Valentine’s Day - Stella Rosa Wine Bottle Engraving in Houston

I felt grateful to engrave for yet another Valentine’s Day. After 2020, I am elated to be working onsite events at this level again. This holiday was filled with various wines. One of note was Stella Rosa. I have not had the opportunity to enjoy it, but it is a very popular wine from my engraving experience.

Stella Rosa is on the sweeter side and is very approachable from what I understand. With regard to engraving, it is like many wine bottles of which I say “glass is glass”. I did have to use multiple burs during a 6 hour engraving day to maintain clean lines & cuts at a high productivity level, but it was not a big deal. I believe this was the day that I engraved 10 cases of wine between the 2 stores where I engraved. It was hectic, but we got it done. Cheers!

Large Scale Mirror Hand Engraved

Many artists had the opportunity to spread their creative wings during the pandemic due to more time in solitude. I was not an exception to that. One of the pieces that I created was this large mirror, 9x5 feet tall. I hand engraved it with a love letter from Victor Hugo to his wife, Adele. Work of this nature is where my passion lies right now and this mirror was a pleasure to create.

I enjoy engraving and writing notes of love on mirrors as I believe that the love that we share and project is a reflection of the love that we have within and for ourselves. We can not give what we do not have. And love is absolutely a journey….

More work of this nature: www.genevievemarcel.com