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Have you ever dreamt of making your own essential oils and hydrosols? Have you ever wanted to understand how to use the natural gifts of your garden and your environment to create unique high quality cosmetic products? If so, this is the class for you! In this extraordinary workshop, discover the wonderful world of hydro-distillation. During this special 2-day Aromatherapy Experience, you'll learn the ABCs of the distillation process, such as how and when to pick the plants, how to sterilize equipment and containers, and how to set up the still and the cooling system. You will assist in making a large batch (up to 3 gallons) of Hydrosol (aka Distillate Waters or Floral Waters) in an original Spanish traditional copper still. Alice’s 7-gallon copper still produces up to 3 gallons of hydrosol and a variable quantity of essential oil (depending on the plant chosen). You'll also experience a second distillation, in a unique miniature Italian copper still, that will produce a smaller amount of more concentrated hydrosol. In addition to the distillations, students will experience making several other fun & healing aromatherapy products. Day 1 - Saturday, 5/21/11 (10am-4pm): Students will meet at The Nova Studio first, for an orientation and a preview of the schedule of the class. Then you'll head off for an amazing and very informational herbal walk, introducing you to numerous local plants that have specific uses in cosmetic formulations. You'll learn how to harvest therapeutic herbs suitable for distillation AND botanical extracts. All students should be prepared for a 2-hour slow, but steady walk in the beautiful hills of Point Richmond. OUTDOOR PICNIC LUNCH: We will have a picnic break in one of the most beautiful scenery spots viewing the entire San Francisco bay. Please remember to prepare or buy lunch before class, as we will have an outdoor picnic during the herbal walk. Also remember to bring water and (if necessary) a hat and sunscreen. After lunch, the class will return to Alice’s home to discover the distillation equipment. We will prepare the still, sterilize the equipment, set up the cooling system, seal the still, and prepare the plants to be all set for the next day. During this session, Alice will make time for personal distillation project questions. Participants will work in teams to make more time for questions and tips on how to achieve the most successful distillations. Day 2 - Sunday, 5/22/11 (10am-4pm): We will meet on Sunday morning at Alice’s house to light the still. We will wait for the first drops of essential oils and hydrosol to show their nose. Once the distillation has begun, we will start our first workshop of the day. Workshop #1: Pulse Point Aromatherapy Roll-Ons are small portable glass bottles filled with a carrier oil and essential oils. They are used for different purposes, depending on which essential oils are included. For instance, you could make one for headaches to be rubbed on your temples or at the nape of your neck. It's a nice way to get a little shot of essential oils to improve your mood or some minor symptoms. You'll learn the best way to use them and the specific pressure points that each product serves. In class, you'll choose/design a recipe that's most appropriate for your needs. Each student will make 2 roll-ons. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: You will have a 1-hour lunch break on your own, to go to the local Point Richmond restaurants, or you may bring a brown bag lunch & eat it in one of the nearby parks. After lunch, students will enjoy learning about & making two more aromatherapy products: Workshop #2: Aromatherapy Inhalers are an excellent and very compact way to use essential oils while not having to “wear” the oils on the body. These inhalers are made with 100% essential oils and can be formulated for colds and the respiratory system, mood swings, PMS, concentration or as anti-stress methods. To use, simply introduce the inhaler in the nostrils and take a deep breath to inhale the beautiful combination that you created. Each student will customize 2 inhalers. Workshop #3: An Herbal Stress Pillow is a small "pillow" made with whole organic herbs. This traditional object was used for centuries to sooth children and to help you sleep with the soothing scent of herbs. The convenient size chosen for the workshop will allow you to carry them wherever you want and use them for different purposes such as sleep, traveling, as a car scent or at work. You can use it by inhaling deeply the pillow or simply as a decoration in a place of choice. Each student will make 1 4x6 herbal pillow. During the afternoon class we will also create a unique “surprise” hydrosol with rare botanicals using the mini Italian copper still. Once both distillations are achieved, we will complete the production process by bottling and labeling. There will also be time for questions and comments about the entire distillation process. Alice will wrap-up the class by giving tips on how to market, preserve, and formulate using hydrosols. Students will take home a thorough handout on hydro-distillation and the uses of hydrosols and EO’s, along with the "fruits of their labor": 2 Pulse Point Aromatherapy Roll-Ons, 2 Aromatherapy Inhalers, 1 Herbal Stress Pillow, 8 oz of freshly made herbal and floral blended Hydrosol in a glass amber bottle with a refillable 2 oz spritzer, and 1 oz amber glass spritzer bottle of the precious Italian copper still hydrosol. NOTE: Since this workshop involves walking (during the Herbal walk & also between The Nova Studio & Alice's House), be sure to wear comfortable clothes/shoes & bring sunscreen & a sun hat if desired. ABOUT THE TEACHER:
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