Anisha Riggs
Creating perfume from dried flowers is a fun and thoughtful project, whether it's a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself. The process is simpler than you might think, and you can use flowers from your own garden or buy them from a grocery store or farmer's market. The key to a great fragrance is choosing flowers with a strong scent that appeals to you, such as roses, lavender, or jasmine. You can also add essential oils and alcohol to enhance and preserve your perfume. Once you've gathered your ingredients, you'll need to extract the fragrance from the flowers and mix your perfume, being sure to store it properly so it lasts for weeks or even months.
How to Make Perfume from Dried Flowers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Flowers, water, oil, alcohol, essential oils |
| Equipment | Bowl, cheesecloth, strainer, small bottle, spray bottle, measuring spoons/cups |
| Process | Place flowers in a bowl, cover with water, soak for 24 hours, strain, simmer water, bottle |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dark place, use within a month, inspect for spoilage |
| Notes | Use fresh flowers for strongest fragrance, choose flowers with a good scent, dry flowers before use |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing flowers and oils
Choosing the right flowers and oils is an important step in making perfume from dried flowers. Here are some tips to help you select the best ingredients:
Choosing Flowers
When selecting flowers, opt for those with a strong and pleasant fragrance that appeals to your sense of smell. You can use fresh flowers from your garden or purchase them from a grocery store, health food store, or farmer's market. Look for organic blooms to ensure that your perfume is free from chemicals and pesticides, especially if you plan to spray it directly onto your skin.
Some popular flower choices include:
- Rose
- Lavender
- Honeysuckle
- Jasmine
- Violet
- Gardenia
- Citrus blossoms
- Mint
- Rosemary
You can also forage for wild-grown flowers in nature, but be mindful not to trespass or take flowers from someone else's property. Additionally, consider using local flowers as they can be more accessible and allow you to repurpose materials available in your community.
Choosing Oils
When it comes to choosing oils for your perfume, there are several options available:
- Essential oils: Essential oils offer a soft, natural scent. You can choose a blend that complements your selected flowers and adjust the number of drops to create a stronger or milder fragrance according to your preference.
- Carrier oils: These are used as a base to dilute and carry the fragrance of the flowers. Common carrier oils include olive oil, corn oil, sesame oil, and other less pungent oils.
It is important to note that essential oils can be potentially irritating if used incorrectly. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the ratios provided in your chosen recipe and stick to the recommended concentrations, especially if you have sensitive skin.
By carefully selecting your flowers and oils, you can create a unique and personalised perfume that suits your preferences and skin type.
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Drying flowers
Air-drying
Air-drying is the traditional method for drying flowers. It involves hanging the flowers upside down in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. First, cut the stems of the flowers to your desired length, ideally no less than six inches. Remove any leaves and foliage from the stems. Group several stems together and secure them with rubber bands, or dry them individually. Tie the groups or single flowers upside down to a rod or hooks using unflavoured dental floss or twine. Place them in a dark, dry location with good air circulation and let them hang undisturbed for two to four weeks until they are fully dry. Once dry, you can preserve the flowers by spraying them with unscented hairspray or acrylic spray.
Microwave drying
Microwave drying is a faster alternative to air-drying. This method requires silica gel, which can be easily found in craft stores and can be reused repeatedly. Trim away the stems from the flowers, leaving about one inch of the stem intact. Place the flowers in a microwave-safe container and cover them with silica gel, pouring carefully to avoid flattening the petals. Place the uncovered container into the microwave and heat on a low setting for two to five minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the flowers are dry. Remove the container from the microwave, cover it, and let it sit for 24 hours. Finally, brush away the silica gel from the petals with a fine-tipped brush. You can preserve the flowers by spraying them with an acrylic spray.
Oven drying
Oven drying is another quick method for drying flowers, but it may cause some loss of petals and colour. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, ideally around 170 degrees Fahrenheit or the lowest setting. Cut the flower heads from the stems and remove the petals, being careful not to tear them. Spread the flowers or petals evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then gently toss the flowers to ensure even drying. Continue baking in 30-minute intervals until they are completely dry, gently tossing between intervals. Once dry, remove the flowers from the oven and let them cool completely.
Pressing
Pressing involves using heavy objects, such as books, to squeeze the moisture out of the flowers. This method is effective for drying flowers for crafts, artwork, or stationery. Place the flowers between two sheets of paper inside a heavy book, leaving at least 1/8 inch of space between each pressing. Weigh the book down and wait a few weeks for the flowers to dry. For a quicker method, you can place the book in the microwave and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until the flowers are almost pressed. Remove the book from the microwave, add another heavy book on top for extra weight, and wait a few hours for the flowers to finish drying.
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Mixing and steeping
The process of mixing and steeping varies depending on the ingredients used to make the perfume. Here is a general overview of the process:
Mixing
To mix your perfume, start by choosing the plants or flowers you want to use for your custom fragrance. This could be anything from citrus blossoms, rose petals, mint, rosemary, or any other fragrant flower. Collect your plant materials when their scent is the strongest, and make sure they are dry. You can air-dry your flowers until they are limp, or use a method like the clover drying method.
Once your flowers are dry, you can begin the mixing process. If using essential oils, choose a blend that complements your choice of flowers. Place your flowers in a bowl and cover them with oil. Shake the bowl to fully mix the flowers and oil. For a stronger fragrance, you can add more petals or essential oils.
Steeping
After mixing, you will need to steep your flowers and oil mixture. Cover the bowl with a lid and let it rest for 24 hours or overnight. The steeping process allows the scents from the flowers to fully infuse into the oil.
The next day, remove the lid and gently strain the mixture to separate the flower petals from the oil. You can use a cheesecloth, muslin, or a strainer to strain the mixture. Gently squeeze the cloth or cloth-lined strainer to release the flower-scented oil.
Once you have collected the oil, your perfume is almost ready. Let the oil cool, then bottle it into a rollerball container or a miniature spray bottle. Your perfume is now ready to use and will generally last up to one month when stored in a cool and dark place.
It's important to note that the mixing and steeping process may vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Always research the effects of your ingredients, as essential oils can be potentially irritating if used incorrectly.
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Storing the perfume
Storing your perfume correctly is essential to maintaining its fragrance and extending its shelf life. Here are some detailed instructions to help you store your homemade floral perfume properly:
Firstly, choose the right storage container for your perfume. You can use a small glass bottle, a rollerball container, or a miniature spray bottle. Make sure the bottle is clean and dry before pouring your perfume into it. If you are using a spray bottle, ensure that it has a functional spraying nozzle.
Label each bottle clearly with the perfume's name, a list of its ingredients, and the date it was made. This helps you keep track of your creations and their ingredients, and also enables you to monitor the perfume's ageing process.
Store your bottled perfume in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet or drawer. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature; avoid temperature extremes and direct sunlight, as these can cause the perfume to spoil or break down more quickly. If possible, store your perfume in the refrigerator, as this will help to prolong its freshness and potency.
Inspect your perfume periodically for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in colour or scent. Homemade water-based perfumes typically last for about a month, while oil-based perfumes can last up to a year if stored properly. Use your perfume within this time frame to enjoy its optimal fragrance and prevent waste.
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Using the perfume
Using your homemade perfume from dried flowers is an exciting step in your perfume-making journey. Here are some tips and tricks for applying and using your new scent:
Application Tips:
- Apply perfume to pulse points: These areas include your wrists, neck, inner elbows, collarbone, and behind the knees. The warmth from your skin at these points will help to diffuse the fragrance and make it last longer.
- Avoid rubbing: After applying, avoid rubbing your wrists together or rubbing the perfume into your skin. This can break down the fragrance molecules and reduce the potency of the scent. Instead, dab or spritz the perfume and let it dry naturally.
- Apply to hair and clothing: Hair can hold perfume longer than skin, and applying perfume to your hair or clothing can create a longer-lasting scent. However, be cautious as alcohol-based perfumes can dehydrate and damage hair. Water-based perfumes or perfume oils are ideal for hair application.
- Layer with lotion: Layering your perfume with a matching scented lotion or oil can enhance its longevity. Apply the lotion first, followed by the perfume.
- Apply after showering: Applying perfume after a shower is ideal as your pores open up, making your skin more receptive to the fragrance. The warm and damp environment helps the perfume spread more evenly.
- Store properly: Store your perfume in a cool, dry, and dark place to preserve its scent and longevity. The original packaging is usually ideal. Avoid storing it near radiators, windowsills, or in the bathroom, as heat and humidity can cause the fragrance to evaporate more quickly.
Using Your Perfume:
- Change it up: To keep your sense of smell engaged, change your perfume regularly. Over time, your brain will become accustomed to a scent, and it will seem less noticeable. Alternating between different perfumes will ensure you continue to notice the fragrance.
- Consider the occasion: Choose a perfume that complements the mood or occasion. For example, opt for lighter, uplifting scents during the day, and heavier, more opulent fragrances for a night out.
- Choose a scent that suits your personality: Fragrance is a powerful tool for expressing personal style and leaving a lasting impression. Consider your tastes, personality, and the image you want to project when selecting a perfume. Do you prefer citrus, fruity, woody, or spicy notes?
- Be mindful of concentration: Less is often more when it comes to perfume application. A few spritzes or dabs should be enough to leave a lasting impression. Highly concentrated perfumes may also stain clothing, so always test on a small area first.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need dried flowers, essential oils, water, and alcohol.
You can use any flowers you like, but highly-scented flowers such as roses are a good option. You can also use citrus blossoms, leaves, rose petals, mint, or rosemary.
You can pick flowers from your garden, or buy them from a grocery store, health food store, or farmer's market.
First, place the flowers in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for 24 hours. Then, remove the flowers from the water and squeeze out any remaining water. Simmer the water until only a small amount is left, and then pour it into a bottle. This will be your perfume.
Perfume made from dried flowers will generally last up to one month when stored in a cool, dark place.
