How to Make Flower-Scented Perfume

Floral scented perfumes are a great way to carry the scent of your gardens with you all day. They can also help bring the enjoyment of your garden into the winter months. Making your own flower-scented perfume allows you to control how strong your perfume smells and exactly what floral notes suit your tastes. Store flower blossoms at the end of summer or grow houseplant flowers in winter to create this perfume when your garden isn't in bloom.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup flower blossoms
• 10 drops flower essential oils
• Clean, empty spray bottle
• Sauce pan with lid
• Vodka
• Strainer

Instructions

1. Heat 2 cups of water in a saucepan until it begins to form bubbles on the bottom of the pan, but isn't boiling.

2. Turn off the heat, and add in 2 cups of flower blossoms of your choice. Chose whatever flower blossoms give off the most pleasing aroma to you, as this is what your perfume will smell like. Cover the saucepan and allow the flowers to steep, as if you were making tea, for at least a half-hour.

3. Test the mixture for scent. It should be slightly stronger than you would normally wear (as it will be diluted later), but not overpowering. If it is too strong, add more water. If it is too weak, either add more flower petals or slowly bring the water back up to a near boil and allow some of the water to evaporate. Once you have your flower water to your desired strength, add about 10 drops of a complementary essential or perfume oil. This step is optional, but it enhances the smell of your perfume and makes the scent last longer.

4. Strain the flower water and discard the flowers or save for another use. Pour the flower water into your spray bottle until the bottle is half-full. Fill the bottle the rest of the way with vodka, leaving a half-inch to 1 inch at the top to allow for adjustments. Slightly turn the bottle several times without shaking to mix the ingredients.

5. Test the perfume on your wrist. If it is too strong, fill the remainder of the bottle with vodka or plain water. If it is too weak, add more flower water. Store your perfume in a cool place to preserve the scent. You can also decorate the spray bottles or print your own labels.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not add oil to hot flower water, as it will cause the scents to evaporate. Wait until it is room temperature. Skip the vodka if you would like a flower water spritz. This recipe can be multiplied to make room refresher sprays or fabric deodorizers.

• Don't boil your flowers. You will get a better scent if you just steep them.

Resources

• Mountain Rose Herbs and Essential Oils