in-person Workshop

Natural Perfume: A Fragrant Symphony of Nature

Perfume has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, and its allure continues to captivate our senses. While synthetic fragrances dominate the market, there is a growing appreciation for natural perfumes, which are crafted from botanical ingredients. These natural concoctions offer a distinct olfactory experience that transcends the synthetic alternatives, artisanal craftsmanship, and a deeper connection to nature.

The heart of natural perfume lies in its ingredients, which are derived from the bounties of the natural world. Botanical essences, such as essential oils, absolutes, and resins, are extracted from flowers, leaves, roots, and barks. This process requires a meticulous approach, often involving steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. The result is a fragrant symphony of nature’s most exquisite offerings, each with its unique character and therapeutic properties.

The olfactory journey provided by natural perfumes is profound. These fragrances evolve on the skin, revealing different layers and notes over time. As the scent unfolds, it tells a story, just as nature itself does. The opening notes might mimic the bloom of a flower, while the middle notes evoke the warmth of a forest, and the base notes linger like the earthy embrace of the outdoors. This dynamic progression connects the wearer to the natural world in a way that synthetic fragrances cannot replicate.

Natural perfumes also offer therapeutic benefits. Many essential oils used in these perfumes have been known for their aromatherapeutic properties, which can positively influence mood, reduce stress, and enhance well-being. This multi-dimensional approach to fragrance enhances the overall experience, making natural perfumes not just about smelling good but also feeling good.

Natural perfume represents a sensory voyage into the heart of nature. It intertwines artisanal craftsmanship, and a deeper connection to the environment. Natural perfume provides a fragrant avenue for individuals to express their individuality, and embrace the authentic beauty of nature. It is a fragrant symphony that resonates with the soul, offering an aromatic escape into the natural world.

let’s flourish together: How to sign up for a workshop:

Join us for a special experience! Please contact to make a reservation or select a date when it is offered.

Drop-in session are sometimes available though we recommend a reservation so we may save you a seat!

Want to bring in a group for a workshop? Contact us: info@collagewithnature or call 503-232-8224.

take a journey through scent

Our Mini Perfume Class focuses on learning the art and experience of "following your nose" in composing a scent. We will learn about how perfume compositions relate to music, and use the structure of top, middle, and base notes to create a fragrance. This is a fun introductory class to the world of perfume. You make a 6ml bottle of perfume to take home. We only use all natural essences. Beginner level. 1.5 hours to explore 21 essences.

BESPOKE PERFUME: A FRAGRANT TAPESTRY

A one-on-one appointment to create a bespoke perfume is a journey into the world of scent, much like weaving a fragrant tapestry of personal stories and emotions.

We will work collaboratively, with your input as the guide, to handpick essences and blend them together, layer by layer. Each drop woven into the intricate fabric of your personalized scent, harmoniously balanced with top, middle, and base notes. This is a perfume handcrafted with you and for you.

The Fragrant Mirror: Exploring Your Inner Self through Perfume Readings

Each perfume crafted is a reflection, a mirror that reveals the depths of our inner selves. Just as every individual possesses a unique story, so too does their scent, a fragrant poetry that weaves the essence of who we are into every drop. 

With a Perfume Reading, we will take your custom made perfume, and essence by essence reveal what they say about you. 

It is like unlocking a scented treasure chest of your inner self, a fragrance that speaks volumes about your emotions, memories, and aspirations. This extraordinary olfactory journey is an invitation to connect with the hidden dimensions of your being, turning your perfume into a personal narrative.

Take A Journey Through Scent: 2 hour workshop

In this class we work with over 50+ natural essences ranging from essential oils, to absolutes, co2 extracts, concretes and natural isolates. If you have the time and a passion for scent, this longer and extended introductory class allows you to take a deeper dive into perfuming. You will have a choice to make a perfume in oil or organic perfumers alcohol.

Storytelling Through Scent with author Stephanie Victoire

 Explore creative writing through the wonderful world of scent in this generative 2-hour workshop with author and writing mentor, Stephanie Victoire. During these sessions we will engage with the botanical fragrances and connect with the magic of scent, memory, imagination and language to create pieces of writing through fun and inspiring prompts.  

Stephanie Victoire is a British-Creole author, born and raised in London, UK. She has published works of fiction and creative non-fiction including her collection of short stories, The Other World, It Whispers. 

Passion for Place: Create a concept perfume Ticket

Nature is an endless creative source. We will take a journey from inspiration to a complete scent that recalls a specific place.

Create a scent that is your favorite walk in the woods, smells like the feeling of sunshine, or bottles the longing for a place of dreams. This workshop will focus on creating a perfume that emulates an experience of a special place. Be it an actual place or one from the imagination, we will explore over 50 natural essences from around the world to make a perfume that bottles and expresses our experiences.

Create a Scent Story: A Self Portrait in Perfume

Scent can help tell your unique story. Handcrafted perfume has a special ability to mirror back parts of ourselves, some long forgotten, others just waiting to be seen. 

Explore plant essences from all over the world to prompt the stories from within. Create the perfume that mirrors you.

In addition we will create a visual Perfume Mapping Portrait that identifies the relationships between the essences and how they work together. (Paper, watercolor, pens).

Gift Certificates available!

Listening to Scent: Create your own Scent Library

Each perfumer's skill is developed by working and knowing their materials! Let's make an art form of this beautiful work. 

Working and exploring over 50 natural essences, learn the beautiful art of listening to each plant essence. Each student will choose 3 essences in which to delve. Engaging forms of meditations, and exploring direct experiences we will gain first-hand knowledge of the plant essences and wisdom. Learning from multiple outside sources we will learn important information about each essence. 

Taking all of this personal and outside information we will create a book for each essence, finishing up 3 to build the beginning of a Scent Library. Each book will have a slot for a sample of the scent.  3-day class series.

BEST DATE NIGHT: CREATE PERFUMES FOR EACH OTHER CLASS TICKETS FOR TWO

Here’s an enchanting experience like no other! If you could create a scent for your partner what would you like them to smell like? Join us in this class and make the scent that you want them to smell like! Each perfume will be made, harmonized and tested on each other. 

CANDLELIGHT PERFUME MAKING CLASS TICKET

Come for an enchanting experience as our beautiful space is lit only by candlelight. Low light relaxes the brain and opens our minds to our other senses. We will explore our collection of natural essences and compose a perfume together.