|

Perfume Making

Ingredients

  • Essential oils
  • Pure grain alcohol (vodka)
  • Water
Directions

Perfume is simple to make, the trick is to put the essential oils together creating a smell you like. Perfume is made up of base notes (the smell stays the longest on your skin), middle notes (smell stays second longest), and top notes (smell of oil evaporates first). Because the oils all evaporate at different rates the perfume may smell different as time goes on. Below are listed easily found essential oils divided into base, middle and top notes.

  • Base notes—cedar wood, cinnamon, patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla
  • Middle notes—clove, geranium, lemongrass, nutmeg, neroli, ylangylang
  • Top notes—bergamot, lavender, lemon, lime, neroli
  • Bridge—vanilla, lavender (add a few drops to join base, middle and top notes together)
To make your perfume:
  1. Mix at least twenty-five drops total of essential oils divided evenly between base, middle, and top notes.Start with the base notes, then middle, then top, smelling as you go.
  2. Add a few drops of the bridge oil.
  3. Add two and a half ounces of alcohol (get a parent to help you with this), shake for a few minutes, then let it sit for forty-eight hours (or up to six weeks—the longer it sits, the stronger the smell).
  4. Add two tablespoons spring water, stir, then pour through a coffee filter and put in a bottle.
|

From 365 Smart After-School Activities by Sheila Ellison & Judith Gray. Copyright © 2005 by Sheila Ellison & Judith Gray. All rights reserved. Used by arrangement with Sourcebooks, Inc.

Buy the book at www.amazon.com.


stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Teachers
As the end of the school year approaches, it's nice to thank your favorite educators for all their hard work. Print any of these free printable teacher appreciation cards to show your gratitude in a cute and simple way.

Great Gift Ideas for Dad's First Father's Day
Every dad's first Father's Day is a special one. Honor Daddy's important new role with a fun and heartfelt gift from you and your baby.

Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

11 Succulent Vegetarian Recipes for the Grill
Barbecue season isn't just for meat-lovers! These vegetarian recipes for the grill are a healthy and delicious alternative to typical barbecue fare.