Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Natural Perfume Blending with Mandy Aftel

I don't know if I can say more about how wonderful it is to arrive at Mandy Aftel's beautiful studio in Berkeley, California.  For a woman who loves the raw materials of perfumery it's the closest thing to heaven.  I'm proud of my collection of oils and absolutes that I've assembled, but it pales in comparison to the quantity, quality and desirability of Mandy's scent organ.  What a joy to use the finest (and sometimes rarest) materials in their ground glass stoppered bottles and jars. 

Mandy collects antique oils as well and displays their original bottles in the window with the gorgeous California light streaming through.  It was a visual feast as well as olfactory.

Questions answered, curiosity piqued, inspiration fired up I return to my studio to get to work on new creations.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity and for another chance to get to know Mandy a little better.  I'm a fan!



Mandy also sells a collection of oils.  Let her do the work for you tracking down the best possible materials.   Visit her website at aftelier.com.

6 comments:

  1. Lovely article Julianne...tis on my wish list to do the same!

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  2. Thank you, Dabney. I'm a little tongue-tied when it comes to this remarkable woman, wish I could say more.

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  3. Julianne are the pictures in the blog your materials or Mandy's? I agree with Dabney, on my wish list too!

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    1. Angela, the photos are from Mandy's studio. I wish I had such gorgeous bottles - and materials!

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  4. Thank you so much for your post Julianne - the feelings are mutual! I loved having you in the class and it warms my heart to know how much you enjoyed it too!
    xo Mandy

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  5. I'm totally crushing on her as well. What a hero for those of us wanting to learn! This is the new way -- sharing your knowledge but allowing room for experimentation and discovery. I'm working through Workbook I and am excited to one day go to Berkeley myself.

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