Introduction to Perfume Blending: Structured (in person)

Join us for Introduction to Perfume Blending: Guided. This class is designed for newcomers and beginners of the craft as an onboarding to working with scent at the Institute for Art and Olfaction. We’ll introduce you to the foundational terminology and techniques of perfumery as we guide you through the steps of working with aromatic materials in our labspace.

The class will begin with a guided smelling session that introduces you to the world of aromatic materials. You’ll smell a selection of materials from our organ that shine light on the difference between naturals, synthetics, and bases; top, middle, and base notes; and different dilutions and odor intensities. As a group, you’ll take part in several group blending exercises to demonstrate proper technique in writing perfume formula iterations and blending scent trials.

The second portion of the class is dedicated to individual blending time, with a selection of 5 materials chosen and decanted into blending vials by you. Minetta Rogers is here to assist with material selection, formula tweaking, and basic perfume arithmetic as you experiment, explore, and learn. At the end of class, you’ll take home 5 aromatic materials, a final spray vial of your own formulated blend, and perfume-making knowledge!

Topics covered:

+ Institute for Art and Olfaction onboarding of terminology: naturals, synthetics, bases; top/middle/base notes; dilutions; odor intensities+ Introduction to the IAO’s organ and where to locate specific materials in our 300+ selection+ Guided group smelling session of important categories and types of materials

+ Guided group blending exercises demonstrating IAO technique in hands-on blending and writing a formula

+ Blending scent and expanding a formula

Take-Aways:

+ 5 chosen materials in (⅝ dram vials)

+ Spray vial of chosen formula blend

+ Knowledge of working with scent

Important Notes

Materials

Materials are included in the sign-up cost, and provided by the IAO during class.

Attendance and Refund Policy

This is an in person class that will take place at the Institute for Art and Olfaction. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or credit for this class. Note also that event tickets are non-transferable.

On Safety

Some aromatic materials can have side-effects when applied to skin. The information and teaching materials presented in our classes are for educational purposes only. These are not intended for commercial use and do not necessarily reflect commercial best practices or industry safety standards. For more information about commercial best practices and safety, consult the relevant authorities in your country of residence.

About the Instructor

Trained in architecture and design, Minetta Rogers is the director of programs at the IAO and has been teaching newcomers to perfumery for almost a decade. Drawing inspiration from the design approaches that she learned through her studies in architecture and in the field, she brings an approach to education that is rooted in facts, curiosity supported by rigorous research, and design strategies.

Registration Required:

Please note that you must reserve your space in advance. If you just show up without reserving a spot, there is no guarantee we will be able to accommodate you. Space at this event is limited.

All levels are welcome, but this session is 18 and up (or 14+, with adult supervision).

Location:

We are located in Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown neighborhood, on a pedestrian street.

Street Address: 932 Chung King Road Los Angeles CA. 90012

To find us: Chung King Road is a pedestrian-only road that runs parallel to Hill Street, between Hill St and Yale St. See more information here: http://artandolfaction.com/visit