Ask The Perfumer - Sunday, July 25th, 2010
Busy, busy this week -- almost forgot to open the blog for questions. I'll keep it open a little longer tonight if folks post later than usual.
Anya McCoy founded the USA's first modern natural perfume line in 1991. Since then, she has nurtured and educated natural perfumers worldwide with a comprehensive distance learning course. Anya is the Head Instructor at the Natural Perfumery Institute, the first online NP course, founded in 2007. She is a recognized leader in the art and the 'go-to' person for anyone interested in natural perfume.
How would one go about tincturing sea shells?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Hi Marmee:
ReplyDeleteI've tinctured seashells, even sand! Use 190-proof alcohol, put the *uncleaned* shells into a glass jar, cover with the alcohol, place a tight-fitting lid on it. Change the shells every two or three days or so. When the alcohol has the scent concentration you want, filter it to remove any 'bits' that have remained. You can use the tincture for a 'sheer' marine note in the background of a perfume.
Thank you Anya! Can you give me a supplier for the 190-proof alcohol?
ReplyDeleteAvailability of the 190 proof varies from state to state. You should call some local liquor stores and ask. If you're in a state that doesn't sell it, try Shopper's Vineyard in NJ. They ship to most states.
ReplyDelete