Laurie Stern is a local gem! Her yard in El Cerrito is alive with aromatic plants and bees–the makings of handcrafted perfumes for Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery.  

I like to make this oil using fresh, just-picked jasmine, gardenias, or orange blossoms from the garden. It’s good if they are a little wilted, as there will be less moisture in them.

1. Pick enough fresh blossoms to pack densely into a glass jar. Cover the jar to the top with organic jojoba oil. Put a thin cloth on top to let the moisture evaporate.

2. Let your concoction warm in the sun for just a few hours. Give it a day or two and then strain the mixture through cheesecloth, discarding the blossoms and keeping the oil.

3. Repeat this process twice more, adding fresh blossoms each time but using the same oil, which will be getting more and more deliciously scented.

4. Bottle your final oil and use as a wonderful moisturizer for your face and entire body.

This makes a wonderful gift, but it’s also an amazing thing to do for yourself – to create by hand with love and purpose- this amazing, nurturing oil is truly caring for yourself.

Best to use within six months. I love to use antique bottles and make a pretty label for it!

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One of the West Coast’s leading natural perfumers, Laurie Stern of Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery meticulously crafts scented treasures from natural, organic and botanical essences without synthetics. Her perfume organ features more than 1,000 bottles of natural essences and oils, some dating back to the 1890s. Known for her engaging and approachable speaking style, she has been invited to share her thoughts on nature and natural perfumery at Google, U.C. Berkeley, and classrooms across the Bay Area. Visit her online at purrfumery.com.