Join us for a special session that is both informative and very, very pragmatic. In this perfume-making class, IAO founder Saskia Wilson-Brown will lead attendees through the basics of perfume composition, with a very simple goal in mind: To make something that you like enough to give it to someone special (and—hey why not— also keep for yourself).

The class will begin with a quick primer on aromatic materials, as we smell a curated selection of materials to work with.The second portion of the class will consist of making. Each participant will be expected to work with the curated materials to create an original composition, which they will expand on site and decant into two 30ml perfume bottles.

Important notes to manage our expectations: This is a class, not custom-perfume creation session. The instructor will be on hand to help you create your own blend from the curated range of materials. We expect participants to work with that range of materials pre-selected by the instructor. If you have a special request, please email us beforehand. Note that it is always a possibility that you will not love what you have created. However, you will have the formula and the knowledge to tweak it, on your own, down the line. For custom perfume creation experiences, we refer you to our map of working perfumers, here.

Topics covered:
+ A quick primer on perfumery and aromatic materials: synthetics vs. naturals, top/middle/base notes, dilutions
+ Smelling and discussing a curated selection of perfume materials, chosen by the instructor.
+ Writing a formula
+ Compounding a perfume oil at 100%, putting it in solution, and decanting to final bottle.

Take-Aways:
+ Participants will leave with a knowledge of the basics of perfume blending
+ Participants will leave with two 30ml bottles of their final scent, at 10% solution.

A Perfume for the Holidays (in person)