Do you want to know the differences between sachets and potpourri – and the how and why of how to make them? Do you know the real differences among essential oils, perfumes, toilet waters, colognes and aftershaves – from the maker’s point of view? This book can tell you, and soon you’ll have your own personal fragrances, tailored to your taste – and budget. Whether one is looking to make gifts for friends and family, a productive hobby, or a small business venture, this book has the A-Z of what one needs to get started. It is an ideal book for the beginner in the making of various kinds of natural scent-related products, such as scented candles, soaps, perfumes, sachets, potpourri and dried bouquets, as well as several other personal hygiene products. It answers many questions the neophyte finds unanswered in the intolerably mysterious lore often found elsewhere, where it is assumed that you already know the things you came to these other sources to find out.
The author first explains where to get the ingredients for your natural products. (There is also a supplier list at the back of the book.) He then explains potpourri (a mélange of dried ingredients which may or may not be used to sweeten the atmosphere, as well as providing beauty to the home, if suitably displayed), sachets, scented candles and soaps, deodorants (personal and atmospheric), perfumes, aftershaves, colognes, bubble baths, and a number of other products we buy and use everyday, yet can make ourselves from natural, wholesome ingredients for our own use, as gifts to others, or even sell to people who cannot, or choose not to, make their own such products. There are recipes carefully listing all the ingredients, and the procedures, which are then clearly explained in detail. There are also discussions of various ingredients, their potential uses, and the possible pitfalls thereof.
In the last chapter, the author discusses such matters as potential markets and marketing for your work and the proper attitudes to make your business, if you choose that route, successful and, ultimately, fun. This book sets free your creative impulses, taking you far beyond the beginning stages this book presents so beautifully, to the freeform artistry it encourages and supports.