Live Distillation Class at The Nova Studio in Point Richmond, CA (SF Bay Area)

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*NEW*
Live Distillation Workshop

~with Alice Duvernell~

"I liked the hands-on, step by step demonstration of the distillation process with the handouts. We were encouraged to ask questions. I loved the class!" - Alice Hansen (click for more comments on Alice's classes)

[We've offered a "Handmade Hydrosols" class for the past few years. Hydrosols is a wonderful "beginners" course that teaches how to make (at home) 20 oz. batches of quality hydrosols with easily accessible materials. In Alice's Live Distillation Workshop, you'll have the opportunity to participate & assist in making 2 different types (one water & one steam process) of true plant distillations using 2 types of stills. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to distill plants, flowers and unique botanicals to make larger batches of own hydrosols & small amounts of essential oils. Please read below for more information.]

Upcoming Classes	Details	Registration Options
Saturday June 9, 2012	10 am - 4 pm (5 class hours/day + 1 hour lunch break) $145 (plus $35 materials fee)	Credit Card	Sign-Up Via Mail Check
Sunday August 26, 2012	10 am - 4 pm (5 class hours/day + 1 hour lunch break) $145 (plus $35 materials fee)	Credit Card	Sign-Up Via Mail Check
before signing up, please visit the Policies & Info Page

Have you ever dreamt of making your own essential oils and hydrosols? Have you ever wanted to understand how to use the natural gifts of your garden and your environment to create unique high quality cosmetic products? If so, this is the class for you!

In this unique full-day workshop, discover the wonderful world of hydro-distillation. You'll learn the ABCs of the distillation process, such as how and when to pick the plants, how to sterilize equipment and containers, and how to set up the still and the cooling system.

You will assist in making a large batch (up to 3 gallons) of Hydrosol (aka Distillate Waters or Floral Waters) in an original Spanish traditional copper still. Alice’s 7-gallon copper still uses a steam distillation and produces up to 3 gallons of hydrosol and up to 1 ounce of essential oil (depending on the plant chosen). You'll also experience a water distillation, in a glass laboratory still which produces a smaller amount of more concentrated hydrosol and also some essential oil. In addition to these 2 unique distillations, students will also get to experience making several other fun & healing aromatherapy products. They include:

Aromatherapy Inhalers are an excellent and very compact way to use essential oils while not having to “wear” the oils on the body. These inhalers are made with 100% essential oils and can be formulated for colds and the respiratory system, mood swings, PMS, concentration or as anti-stress methods. To use, simply introduce the inhaler in the nostrils and take a deep breath to inhale the beautiful combination that you created.

Pulse Point Aromatherapy Roll-Ons are small portable glass bottles filled with a carrier oil and essential oils. They are used for different purposes, depending on which essential oils are included. For instance, you could make one for headaches to be rubbed on your temples or at the nape of your neck. It's a nice way to get a little shot of essential oils to improve your mood or some minor symptoms. You'll learn the best way to use them and the specific pressure points that each product serves. In class, you'll choose/design a recipe that's most appropriate for your needs.

An Herbal Stress Pillow is a small (4x6) "pillow" made with whole organic herbs. This traditional object was used for centuries to sooth children and to help you sleep with the soothing scent of herbs. The convenient size chosen for the workshop will allow you to carry them wherever you want and use them for different purposes such as sleep, traveling, as a car scent or at work. You can use it by inhaling deeply the pillow or simply as a decoration in a place of choice.

Students will take home an informative handout on hydro-distillation and the uses of hydrosols and EO’s, along with the fruits of their labor: an 8 oz amber glass bottle of freshly made herbal & floral blended Hydrosol (plus an empty travel size 2-oz spritzer bottle), one Aromatherapy Inhaler, one Aromatherapy Roll-On, and one 4x6 Herbal Stress Pillow.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This workshop will take place at a private residence in Point Richmond (directions will be provided prior to class). The distillation must take place outdoors, so be sure to wear warm & comfortable clothes/shoes, bring sunscreen & a sun hat if desired.

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. See our teacher page to view Alice's current classes.

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.