Hand Distilled Blood Orange Hydrosol

 

This is the first hydrosol I have created in a year, and the first of 2013. Made in my lovely copper al embic on very low heat, it took hours of distillation to create the lovely crystalline oil filled hydrosol that smells sweet and juicy and fresh. Since this orange oil and hydro was distilled and not cold pressed, it is safe to use in the sun! There are no issues of phototoxicity with distilled citrus. So spray away! In your hair, your face, neck, decolletage, bum, knees and toes. It makes for a refreshing light spring fragrance and rejuvenating aromatic toner.


Whole fruit, including the juice and peel, were distilled to create this lovely hydrosol.
4 oz amber glass sprayer

First Hydrosol of 2013

The al embic was finally fired up and after hour after hour of excruciating drip, drip, drip, into sterile bottles, the lovely new hydrosol emerged ~ blood orange hydrosol, sweet and juicy and extremely fruity smelling. Since this orange oil and hydro was distilled and not cold pressed, it is safe to use in the sun! There are no issues of phototoxicity with distilled citrus. So spray away! In your hair, your face, neck, decolletage, bum, knees and toes. It makes for a refreshing light spring fragrance and rejuvenating aromatic spray.

Awards

Awards

The Scented Djinn was awarded best bath and body care of 2012 by Perfume Pharmer's Monica Miller. Believe me, I really wasn't expecting it.

Attraction Love Bomb Herbal Bath Kit at Etsy

Got love? Wanna get love? Try The Scented Djinn's Attraction Love Bomb Herbal Bath Kit at Etsy.

Frankincense and Rose Elixir

At Etsy.

 

I just have to say that the frankincense oil I used in this is so fine! (Imagine that statement in a sing-song voice). So fine ~ gorgeous Omani frankincense blended with a few drops (in each bottle) of the lovely rose de Mai and folded into a half-and-half mixture of anti-inflammatory organic borage oil and anti-oxidant (vitamin E rich) organic pumpkin seed oil. I also must confess that while mixing this little bit of heaven, I began in a bit of a funk having woken up late and then discovering the day was dreary, cold, overcast, with the monsoon rains pouring down, but by the end of the formulating session, I felt a sense of euphoria and that juxtaposed a sense of calm and the feeling that all is well and whatever gloom and doom I'd allowed into my spirit from the late morning was (and is) gone -- utterly. And also (more confessions) I've been using the half-and-half borage/pumpkin blend sans scent for the past week on my new tattoo and it is the only application of any combination of oils that has soothed my healing skin, keeping it soft and supple without any greasy residue. I adore the borage/pumpkin blend and I think you will too -- it just makes it doubly wonderful with that gorgeous, beautiful, divine Omani frankincense that is sooooo fine!

15 mls

Lylli Bleu Eau de Parfum

At Etsy.

Tranquility Perfumed Anointing Oil

Tranquility Perfumed Anointing Oil

I've been sitting on this for a couple of weeks now, waiting to spring it on you. Now that I have it seems a bit anti-climatic. But here goes:

This scent is deep and earthy and grounding and divine. I find it is the perfect anointing oil for healing meditation, pranic work, and just before bed to experience vivid and profound dreams. This oil is heavily scented and can be worn as a scent-of-the-day, or for spiritual and healing work, plus it is quite nice to the skin and sinks in with little effort.

A soap of the same oil is also being offered, Tranquil Grotto, and offers a bit more in the way of chamomile, rosemary, and clary sage essential oils added in --

The oil base for Tranquility Perfumed Anointing Oil is rich sunflower; the scenting oils are davana, patchouli, frankincense, vetyver mitti, and holy basil.

15 ml/ one half ounce in amber glass

At The Scented Djinn's Etsy shop. 

Tranquil Grotto, the sort of matching soap to this, is also up on Etsy.

Poppymint and Chamomile Handmade Coconut Cream Soap

Poppymint and Chamomile Handmade Coconut Cream Soap

At Etsy.

Books!

 A Perfumer's Cookbook Volume I

Botanical Soapmaking Using Perfumery Techniques

October Super Fragrant Soap Sold Out, But ...

October Super Fragrant Soap Sold Out, But ...

I always try to keep a few bars on reserve, so I've relisted the soap from the reserve stores if anyone is interested in purchasing a bar or two.

Happy Fall!

Kyphi Class in the Tower District

Kyphi Class in the Tower District

The kyphi making class is scheduled for October 13, 2012 from 1pm to 4pm -- I'd like to 'invite' whoever wishes to join me for this special class. The class cost is $20 and you receive full instruction in the creation of Ancient Egyptian incense making, plus 9 grams of very strongly scented handmade kyphi (Golden Kyphi) from The Scented Djinn.

If you should choose to pay for the class in advance, please use the button here on the blog (to the right) to do so.

The class address is:

835 North Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA  93728

Golden Kyphi Pre-Orders

Golden Kyphi Pre-Orders

The Golden Kyphi will be ready September 8th, so I will be taking pre-orders for those who want to get the jump on it. 

Golden Kyphi
Par fume of the ancients, The Scented Djinn's
Golden Kyphi is a lush fragrant smoking incense infused with intentions to
~ Banish Negativity ~
Golden raisins and organic apricots are soaked in rose wine and combined with
warm honey infused with frankincense resin; over the course of weeks, more
aromatics are added ~ benzoin, hand crushed myrrh resin, Egyptian chamomile,
aloeswood, galangal, white santal, green cardamom, calamus & saffron.
Oils of olibanum from Oman, India and Somalia are added,  as well as oils of
myrrh, styrax, labdanum, vintage Mysore santal, Himalayan
cedarwood, balsam fir, coriander, spikenard & galbanum
As the kyphi dries the oils of rose, ambriene and Siam benzoin are added
~ the kyphi rests for 60 days ~
9 grams ~ $ 4.40 (charcoal NOT included) 

 

The Scented Djinn's Events Page

The Scented Djinn's Events page is now active. I am working hard to keep it updated so you can pop in from time to time and see what's going on at the TSD Apothecary.

The Scented Djinn's Events

Natural Perfume Academy Announces September Course in Natural Perfumery

Natural Perfume Academy Announces September Course in Natural Perfumery

Who should take the Natural Perfume Academy Course?

• Independent Natural Botanical Perfumers
• In-house Company Perfumers
• Essential Oil producers, Bulk sellers, distillers, distributors and agents
• Those in the beauty therapy and salon industry.
• Retail oulets in the beauty and perfume industry.
• Those who are serious about the subject and want to step up to the professional level.

What will the Natural Perfume Academy Course do for an existing perfumery business or company?
 The Natural Perfume Academy distance-learning course provides a cost-effective, flexible element in the training of professionals in the perfumery industry. It provides a world view of the Natural Perfume industry so that individuals can improve their capabilities.

For essential oil producers and distributors, the course not only presents distinct consideration of this level of the industry, but also provides better insight into how and why materials are used by natural perfumers. Better understanding of customers improves sales performance.

For natural perfumers themselves, crucial issues such as management of the brief are considered, thereby improving personal performance. The inclusion of the make-up and production of natural materials provides the essential grounding that is needed by all creative natural botanical perfumers.

What will the Natural Perfume Academy Course do for me?

The Natural Perfume Academy course is a combination of art, science, practical applications and management. For students without a scientific background, the necessary grounding is provided.

For the student, the course provides the answer to the question "What is special about the Natural Perfume industry". The inclusion from production to end consumer product provides the much needed conspectus of the natural perfume industry that the growing natural perfumer needs. Management of new product development is also included.

The Natural Perfume Academy Studies course provides the necessary requirements to succeed in this globally recognised niche industry.

For existing professionals in the Natural Perfume industry who want to make the next step-up, the Natural Perfume Academy Course provides that essential wider perspective and complex skill base. Each level of the natural perfumery industry is considered and both practical and management issues are covered.

How will the class be meeting online during the course of a given week? The course is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and students are free to enter and read the current open unit(s), and post on the forums at any time. The instructor and mentors will be in and out of the academy during the week as well, but there will be a set day during the week in which the instructor will be in the academy and available for instruction and questions.

What is the meaning of the words “spirit and filth” in regard to perfume history?

Spirit refers to perfumes spiritual aspects, its connection with honoring gods. Filth is in reference to short periods of time during history when perfume, bathing and bathing rituals were avoided or were unavailable.

What physical items do I receive for my tuition?


Also included in tuition is a comprehensive work book/primer which closely follows the course curriculum, with slight variations. The work book includes history, safety, IFRA regulations, glossary, scent vocabulary, formulation methods, links to suppliers, recommended reading lists and much, much more. The work book serves a dual purpose as an instructional, similar to a text book, with work sheets to conduct study trials, essence evaluations and creation of perfume for independent home study.


How are the classes given? 

The classes are given on the Moodle academy format with 24 hour access. Each unit will be opened as we complete the previous unit. There will be assignments which can be completed on the Moodle format (copy and pasted from your computer). Forums for each unit are available for student/teacher, student/student and student/mentor interaction. Previous students have signed on as mentors to help motivate and inspire new students.
The learning platform we use provides the facilities to upload assignments, advanced uploading of files, off line activities and assignments, live chat sessions, pod casts, online video, quizzes and questions in a variety of formats, a glossary, a student journal, forums, online lessons in a secure environment, surveys and workshops.
We also provide training in how to use the site well in advance of the class beginning in order to build confidence and have site administrators and professional technical assistance on hand at all time should the need arise.

What is the benefit of taking this online course as opposed to researching and studying on my own?

This online course, and any other online course, serves to shorten the length of time, and ultimately the money spent, on learning this art form on your own. Instead of scouring the internet or jumping down rabbit holes in search of the holy grail of Natural Botanical Perfume information, you will be conducting evaluations and trial studies, the true “holy grail” of Natural Botanical Perfume information -- you will be doing the work that it takes to become a Natural Botanical Perfumer.

What are the entry qualifications
 
Non-graduates are permitted to apply for the course.  The academy seats are given on a first come first served basis. Preference is given to those in employment in the Natural Perfumery Industry (letter of employer’s support required).


What special tools or supplies not included in the tuition do I need to be able to complete the course.

We’ve structured the course to give each student time in which to gather the required tools and supplies necessary to finish the course. To complete evaluations of your own materials, and to formulate perfumes, you will need to have on hand

• several dozen 5 to 10 ml dropper bottles
• 10- ½ oz cobalt or amber bottles with caps
• 5- 1 oz cobalt or amber bottles with caps
• 5- 2 oz cobalt or amber bottles with caps
• 2- 4 oz cobalt or amber bottles with caps
• droppers
• funnels
• filter paper
• paper towels
• isopropyl alcohol
• skewers
• self-adhesive labels or strips of paper
• transparent tape
• scent strips or squares of acid-free water color paper
• small metal or glass cups
• pipe cleaners
• small bottle brush
• pens
• notebooks and a file folder

All these items are readily available and can be purchased inexpensively.

During the advanced portion of the course, you will need to have on hand:

• a digital scale capable of weighing at least as low as 1/100th of a gram (1/1000th of a gram is optimal),
• graduated cylinders in 5ml, 10ml, 25ml and 50ml increments
• an ultrasonic cleaner (optional)
• a Neti pot is also recommended but not necessary

Course Workbooks are normally shipped within 21 working days of payment being cleared.


What is the average amount of time necessary to review assignments and materials and conduct lab work per month?

When we reach the sections of the course which require lab work, it is estimated that 10-20 hours per month of study and evaluation is sufficient to complete the assignments.


Could you give me information on the application process and when does the next course begin?


Course cost: $725 USD. A non-refundable deposit of $242 USD is required to secure your place and we are taking bookings now. Course begin date September 8th. You will be allowed plenty of time to become familiar with the educational platform we use. You will receive tuition and training on the use of the site before the class date.
To get started with the application process please go to http://www.naturalperfumeacdemy.com and click on the "Pay Now" button on the top left under the heading "Deposit".

Peaseblossom Eau de Toilette on Etsy

Peaseblossom Eau de Toilette on Etsy

I finally decided to put Peaseblossom EdT up for sale on Etsy, after sitting on her for a year. Go check her out, she's really cute.

Back To the Business of Art

The Scented Djinn would like to announce a series of classes beginning in August 2012. The schedule is not entirely ironed out as yet, but will be by the middle of July, or possibly sooner. Exact dates will be announced when the calendar has been set.

1 ~ Natural Botanical Soapmaking class August 2012

2 ~ Spiritual Awakening Anointing Oil class September 2012

3 ~  Golden Kyphi Incense class, and Three Kings Natural Botanical Soapmaking class October 2012

Also, the Portuguese version of the Natural Botanical Perfumery book is now only $48.00 USD, a reduction in price of almost 50% of the original. Why? Because I want to make this beautiful art more affordable to a broader audience, beginning with the bones of instruction. The book can be purchased through Amazon.com, just search 'Justine Crane'.

Primordial Scent 2012 Kick Off

Primordial Scent Opens ~ This Blog Really Stinks presents . . .

Sunday Sol Eclipse Soap aka Blackberry Patchouli Hemp

Sunday Sol Eclipse Soap aka Blackberry Patchouli Hemp

I got the soap done and even though it contains a little bit of natural isolate, which I'm still trying to be accepting of, it smells fabu! It's not too fruity, which is what I was hoping for -- smells dark and slightly berryish with a freshness to it's tonality. And the base is luxurious -- extra virgin olive, organic virgin coconut, organic sunflower, and organic hemp seed oils -- aaaahhhh! I had planned to sell it all at a local shop, but realized I need much more stock and a few more choices before I'm ready to cross that bridge. At any rate, I'm planning to chop some into sample sizes and hand them out at the first soap class of the year that I'm teaching ~ June 2, 2012 at 6:00 pm at Season's in Sanger, California.

Oh, I'm selling this on TSD's Etsy shop. Sunday Sol Eclipse scented with 12-year-old dark patchouli oil, raspeberry essence (nat. iso.), raspberry CO2, vanilla, pink grapefruit, and bitter orange.

Mother's Day Soap

The Scented Djinn is set to reopen the Etsy shop within a few weeks with a new soap on the menu -- a mimosa filled Mother's Day Soap, limited supply/edition, get 'em while they're hot!

More soon!

New Online Perfume Course Begins March 22, 2012

The pilot program for the first six-month intensive perfume course has been a great success. The students are more engaged and are learning at a rate they feel sufficient to obtain the expertise necessary to begin the life of a perfumer. Our first Portuguese language course is also moving along, bringing a program to non-English speakers that is unique in the world of Natural Botanical Perfumery. As we progress and grow, we have future plans to add more non-English language courses to the NNAPA itinerary.

We are opening up another six month intensive at NNAPA beginning March 22, 2012.

:

About the NNAPA course:

• Antiquarian Perfumery/Natural Botanical Perfumery is a non-accredited course, and no prerequisites are required except a passion and desire to learn Natural Botanical Perfumery from the ground up. This course is recommended for those who desire to begin a career in NBP, or those who wish to broaden their educational horizons.

• Course tutor: Justine Crane. Justine Crane has been actively studying and formulating specifically for perfume since 2003, and actively making and selling scented natural handmade soaps, balms, butters, etc, since 1996. Justine took nine months to study, evaluating essences daily, formulating for soaps, butters, balms, bombs, melts, and oil-based perfumes. In October 2007, Justine started a study group called Black Nails, just herself, and two delightful women who were as interested in honing their perfumery skills as she was herself, and they spent a year studying Jean Carles, Edward Sagarin, Poucher, Verrill, Arctander, and obscure catalogs such as the Buyer's Guide & Cyclopedia for Soaps, Perfumery and Cosmetics, circa 1938. They conducted trials, shared formulas, evaluated essences and shared insights -- it was a marvelous education they created together. When it was done, Justine opened her shop and began peddling her wares.

• The NNAPA aka Natural Perfume Academy is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Instruction will be given via forums, formal and informal chat sessions, and by units. Students will be given specific time frames in which to read, research and participate in each unit before the next unit is open for study and discussion.

• An evaluation work book and course textbook are provided to each participating student and its cost is included with the tuition. A recommended reading list is provided in the work book. No other books or texts are necessary to complete the course.

• Topics covered in the course include, but are not limited to, a brief perfume history, popular historic perfumery ingredients, the evolution of the perfume culture, safety issues, endangered species and cruelty in perfumery, storage and shelf-life of raw materials, chemical constituents of perfume ingredients, glossary of terminology, the perfumers studio, the perfumers palette, notes, accords and chords, evaluation of raw materials, supplemental scent vocabulary, continued olfactory training activities, advanced perfumes tools and techniques, tinctures, evulsions, dilutions, scales, required lab ware, oil and solid perfume making instruction, basic instruction in the production of soaps, butters, balms, massage and bath oils, creation of perfume, vertical and horizontal perfume trials, intuitive perfumery formulation, base compound formulation, advanced composition techniques, discussion of sacrificial perfume materials, finishing, “fining”, clarifying perfume compositions, creating custom perfumes, creating a reverse brief, reading and interpreting a brief, suggested raw materials to compliment the perfumers palette, and more.

Contact course administrator for more information.