Holiday Season Gifts
Overview-
Please take a moment to listen to your animated instructor give you an overview of this section.
We will head over to the Ship’s Blending Lab. Bring your beverage and grab a table.
When you get to the blending lab please read through this chapter. There are a few small videos on this page; the first is an overview of aromatic gift making, one on making bath salts and the other on the Deep Dives and Transformations for Unit 6. Much of the fun in this section is in your journal exercises :). Could you make sure to download it?
Introduction:
Aromatic gifts can be unique. They showcase your new talents and interests. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, you will, at some point, wish to create presents. With your aromatic training, you are now able to make fabulous gifts.
Please practice making gifts before you give them out. If you blend creams, ensure you monitor them for at least a month to ensure they do not separate. Determine how to hone your recipes to your tastes and see which ones work best for you. If you leave this close to the gift-giving date, there will be too much pressure. Making a batch for yourself is fun as you decide on your techniques and preferences.
Tips for Making Aromatic Gifts- Video
Now, onto the Gifts!
Here is a small reminder video about how to make Bath Salts.
(This subject was also covered in The Practical Potions Introductory Program, Section 3-A.) Go here if you would like to review the process. https://www.northernstarcourses.com/lesson/a-massage-bath-and-shower-recipes/
Scented Wooden Ornament- For Car
One easy project is to buy some unpainted wooden ornaments (not too large) that you can hang in a car window. Paint the ornament with an essential oil suitable for driving, such as peppermint, spearmint, lemon, or rosemary. Please leave it in a silicon bag overnight so the smell soaks in thoroughly. Could you hang it in the car? You may refresh it every couple of weeks by adding more drops of essential oil.
Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid (it’s what makes them fizz!)
1/2 cup cornstarch (helps everything stick together)
3-4 tbsp water (just enough to bind the mixture without activating the citric acid)
1-3 ml of essential oils (choose based on the desired effect, e.g., eucalyptus for clearing, lavender for relaxing)
Optional: natural food colouring for a splash of colour
Moulds (silicone moulds work best for easy removal)
Instructions:
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch until well combined and free of clumps.
Add Water Slowly: Add water to the dry mixture, stirring one tablespoon at a time. The goal is to get the mixture to a consistency that holds together when squeezed but isn’t so wet that it activates and starts fizzing.
Incorporate Essential Oils: Add your essential oils once you have the right consistency. If you are making these for youngsters, please use the very safe crucial oils in dilute amounts. Please make sure the oils are evenly distributed. Essential oil selection is quite personal; mix and match scents according to what vibes you want to bring into your shower. If you are making gifts for special people, remember which essential oils they love and note any allergies, sensitivities, and dislikes.
Mould the Steamers: Pack your mixture firmly into your moulds. Using silicone moulds, you can get creative with shapes and sizes. Could you ensure they’re packed tightly so they don’t crumble when dry?
Dry Time: Allow your steamers to dry completely. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on humidity. When they’re ready, they should be hard to the touch.
Storage: Once dry, remove the steamers from the moulds and store them in an airtight container until ready to use them.
To Use: Place a steamer on the shower floor, away from the direct stream of water, but where it will still get wet. The essential oils release into the steam as it fizzes, creating an invigorating shower experience.
Now, let’s try some natural cosmetics. Make small batches to see if these suit your taste.
Natural Mascara
Ingredients:
2 tsp coconut oil: Acts as a natural moisturizer and helps the mascara glide on smoothly.
4 tsp aloe vera gel: Soothes the skin and serves as a natural gel base for the mascara.
1 tsp beeswax (grated): Gives the mascara its thickness and helps it adhere to lashes.
Two capsules of activated charcoal (for black mascara) Provide a deep, rich black colour. Or ½ tsp cocoa powder (for brown mascara): Offers a natural, softer brown tint.
Mica powder (optional): Mica is a natural mineral that adds shimmer. If you want a slight sparkle in your mascara, mix in a pinch of mica powder. Mica powder is safe for cosmetic use and comes in various colours, though a dark or neutral sparkle is best.
Instructions:
In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and beeswax until liquid.
Could you mix thoroughly with the activated charcoal, cocoa powder, and optional mica powder?
Carefully transfer the mixture into a clean mascara tube, which you must purchase from a distributor, or reuse a well-cleaned, older one. Allow cooling and solidifying before use.
Natural Blush
Ingredients:
This formula is based on powders rather than oil, but you might like to try it.
¼ cup arrowroot powder: This is used as the base. It’s light and absorbs excess oil, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Beetroot powder: Derived from dried, ground beetroots, this powder offers a natural and vibrant pink-to-red hue, perfect for adding colour to your blush.
Hibiscus powder: Made from crushed hibiscus flowers, it provides a natural pinkish-purple colour and is rich in antioxidants.
Cocoa powder (for a browner tone): Adds depth or a more bronzed tone to your blush.
Cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth to the colour and a natural glow.
Instructions:
Start with arrowroot powder as your base.
Gradually add beetroot or hibiscus powder for colour and cocoa powder for depth. Mix well.
Test on your skin, adjusting the colour as needed.
For a pressed blush, mix with rubbing alcohol, press into a compact, and let dry.
Buy or find a suitable container for your blush.
Coloured Lip Gloss
Ingredients:
2 tbsp castor oil: Provides a glossy shine and smooth application.
1 tbsp beeswax: Offers consistency and a base for the gloss.
1 tbsp coconut oil: Moisturizes and softens lips.
Mica powder is a natural mineral that provides shimmer and colour to cosmetics. It is ethically sourced and comes in various colours, allowing you to customize your lip gloss shade.
Add a drop of essential oil for scent, like tangerine, peppermint, or vanilla oleoresin, for a pleasant aroma.
Instructions:
Melt beeswax, coconut, and castor oil together in a double boiler.
Remove from heat, and add mica powder for colour and essential oil for scent. Mix well.
Pour into lip gloss tubes or pots that you have purchased or cleaned and reused and allow to cool.
Deep Dives and Transformations, Summary Video for Unit 6- Please Press Play
Remember, many recipes and formulas in your course could be adapted to create gifts for particular people.
Could you write down exactly how you created them and take a picture, too? This way, your gifts can be replicated or tweaked. Check the plethora of simple gift ideas in your Practical Potions Journal downloads below to spark more of your creative fire!