Handmade Hydrosols
~with Alice Duvernell~

"Alice was fabulous! I am so excited to put this knowledge about
hydrosols to work for me, my family and friends! Thank You!" - Monika Rose

The word hydrosol comes from the Latin root “hydro” and “sol” which means “water solution.”  When a plant is distilled to obtain an essential oil, many chemical compounds of the plant first build up in the water. A hydrosol is the distillate water that remains under the thin layer of essential oil after the steaming process. Hydrosols contain many of the same beneficial components of essential oils, but in a much more subtle, gentle way. Once made, they are ready to use and are suited to a wide range of skin types, particularly sensitive ones. They are also safe for use in baby and pet products and deliver a wonderful range of therapeutic and cosmetic qualities.

In this unique class, you will learn how you can make your very own hydrosol at home (without special distillation equipment) from scratch using readily available cooking tools. You will experience the marvelous aromas, as well as the soothing, moisturizing and cooling effects of hydrosols. The class will focus on 6 very beneficial hydrosols (Chamomile, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Geranium & Rose), their properties, and their many uses in skin care. All of the plants used in the class are available locally, and you will develop an awareness of what can be easily grown in your own garden or purchased at convenient neighborhood resources.

Alice will cover the following as she demonstrates how to make a 20 ounce batch of hydrosol using her unique method:

• Brief history and basic knowledge of hydrosols
• Necessary materials, supplies and equipment to make your own from scratch at home
• Six very beneficial hydrosols and their many uses in skin care
• Recipes for facial toners, aromatherapy mists, masks, creams, baby care & more
• In class creation (hands-on) of clay facial masks using hydrosols
• Bottling freshly made hydrosols: hygienic awareness, giving products a longer shelf life

You will go home with thorough handouts and knowledge to make great hydrosols and hydrosol-based cosmetics from scratch as well as a 4-oz. spritzer bottle of freshly made hydrosol and a delightful clay mask (something hands-on for you to experience how hydrosols can be easily incorporated into your skin care routine). Due to the nature of making hydrosols from scratch (in batches), this class is mainly demonstration style with some hands-on elements. NOTE: THIS IS NOT A CLASS ON HOW TO MAKE ESSENTIAL OILS.

ABOUT THE TEACHER:
Alice Duvernell is an artist & gilder who recently moved to the Bay Area after living in the south of France for the past 8 years. There she started researching problematic & sensitive skin types & developed an interest in the amazing virtues of essential oils & hydrosols. Her interest in culture & her studies in anthropology led her to travel in South America where she expanded her passion & awareness in native medicinal plants. During her last journey to Brazil, she set up a laboratory where she shared with the locals her techniques for making hydrosols & other cosmetics, using native plants. Alice currently teaches Handmade Hydrosols & Fresh Facial Masks (wet): Exfoliating & Moisturizing, Natural Spa Facial Products (dry) and Aromatherapy Mama & Baby Products at The Nova Studio.

SIGN-UP DETAILS:
Refer to the table above for price, date, time and registration options. Contact us at 510-234-5700 with any questions. Please read the Class Policies & Info Page before signing up.