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Plant To Perfume Workahop

  • Writer: karynsneddon12
    karynsneddon12
  • Jul 9
  • 2 min read

From Plant to Perfumery: The Natural Perfume Journey

From Plant to Perfumery: The Natural Perfume Journey




1.

Plant Selection & Harvesting



Choose aromatic plants like lavender, rose, geranium, citrus peel, rosemary, or native botanicals such as mānuka, kawakawa, or rāurekau.

✅ Pick in the morning for maximum essential oil yield.

✅ Use fresh, organic, or wildcrafted botanicals when possible.



2.

Drying or Preparing Fresh



Some plants (like roots or bark) need to be dried before use; others (like flowers or citrus zest) can be used fresh.

✅ Dry in a dark, well-ventilated space to preserve aroma.

✅ Chop or bruise fresh leaves slightly to release oils.



3.

Distillation / Infusion / Enfleurage



Choose your method depending on the plant type:


  • Steam Distillation: Best for essential oils (lavender, rosemary, etc.)

  • Oil Infusion: Place botanicals in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, olive, almond), and warm gently over days or weeks.

  • Enfleurage: A traditional method using fat to absorb delicate floral scents (e.g., jasmine or gardenia).




4.

Strain & Bottle the Extract



Once your oil or extract has taken on the plant’s scent:

✅ Strain out all solids using muslin or cheesecloth.

✅ Store in dark glass bottles to preserve freshness.



5.

Blend Your Perfume



Natural perfumes are made using:


  • Top notes (citrus, mint)

  • Heart notes (flowers, herbs)

  • Base notes (woods, resins, spices)



Mix essential oils or infused oils into a carrier (like jojoba or alcohol) in desired ratios.

✅ Let your blend rest for at least 2–4 weeks to “mature”.



6.

Bottle & Label



Decant your finished perfume into a roll-on or spray bottle. Add a name, date, and ingredients.




1.

Plant Selection & Harvesting



Choose aromatic plants like lavender, rose, geranium, citrus peel, rosemary, or native botanicals such as mānuka, kawakawa, or rāurekau.

✅ Pick in the morning for maximum essential oil yield.

✅ Use fresh, organic, or wildcrafted botanicals when possible.



2.

Drying or Preparing Fresh



Some plants (like roots or bark) need to be dried before use; others (like flowers or citrus zest) can be used fresh.

✅ Dry in a dark, well-ventilated space to preserve aroma.

✅ Chop or bruise fresh leaves slightly to release oils.



3.

Distillation / Infusion / Enfleurage



Choose your method depending on the plant type:


  • Steam Distillation: Best for essential oils (lavender, rosemary, etc.)

  • Oil Infusion: Place botanicals in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, olive, almond), and warm gently over days or weeks.

  • Enfleurage: A traditional method using fat to absorb delicate floral scents (e.g., jasmine or gardenia).




4.

Strain & Bottle the Extract



Once your oil or extract has taken on the plant’s scent:

✅ Strain out all solids using muslin or cheesecloth.

✅ Store in dark glass bottles to preserve freshness.



5.

Blend Your Perfume



Natural perfumes are made using:


  • Top notes (citrus, mint)

  • Heart notes (flowers, herbs)

  • Base notes (woods, resins, spices)



Mix essential oils or infused oils into a carrier (like jojoba or alcohol) in desired ratios.

✅ Let your blend rest for at least 2–4 weeks to “mature”.



6.

Bottle & Label



Decant your finished perfume into a roll-on or spray bottle. Add a name, date, and ingredients.

 
 
 

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