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Watermelons, Jazz & Ghetto

Watermelon Salad at DOSA
It was not too long after the book reading ended that I realized that if I have any chance of having a quiet moment in this eventful weekend, it would be now, for a short lunch break. I had to head over to the Pacific Heights neighbourhood, and teach my 2nd perfume class ever in San Francisco at Alex Sandor's studio. I also needed to eat something inspiring, and relax a bit, if at all possible. Fillmore's jazz festival was on at full capacity, with mardi gras bands popping in every corner. Nikki Sherrit accompanied me for a lunch at DOSA, and for about an hour of sanity, we just enjoyed quiet conversation with a completely familiar face, and without needing to smell anything from a scent strip.

We had a couple of delicious dosas (Souther Indian crepe made of garbanzo flour and filled with anything your heart desired, plus an overdose of spice), and this amazing watermelon and basil salad (also spicy beyond the necessary, which works better than coffee in waking me up).

Building Blocks
Natural Raw Materials for Perfumery - Photo by Jessie Glass

And than I tried to make my way to Alex' studio but ended up going down Fillmore instead of upwards, and ended in what I later learned was the "Ghetto" (which I kinda figured out based on how many heads were turning to watch me go and making comments I was mostly trying to not hear). It was a bit unnerving, and could not for the life of me hail a taxi cab. I don't get easily unsettled, and Vancouver is well known for having way less than pleasant street corners; but walkers by kept giving me wrong directions (which brought me to the "Ghetto" to begin with), and I was starting to seriously run out of time; so I just used the best navigation tool I could think of at the moment and called Alex for directions to get me out of there fast.


Perfumery Session in Progress
Perfume Making Class July 7th @ Alex Sandor Studio - Photo by Jessie Glass

The class went very well, and one of the students, Jessie Glass, is a professional photographer, so we have a bunch of pretty pictures from the whole class, which you can fully view on Flickr. Here are just some of my personal favourites though (there is something to be said about photos of people smelling stuff):


Custom natural perfumes from the July 7th class at Alex Sandor's studio

Ayala & Carol
Ayala & Carol - photo by Jessie Glass
Ayala & Alex
Ayala & Alex - photo by Jessie Glass

Ayala's Perfumery Class @ Alex Sandor's Studio

Yosh & Ayala sniffing away...

In conjunction with the 1st Artisan Fragrance Salon, Ayala Moriel will be teaching a 2nd class on perfume making at Alex Sandor's Studio. The class last month was so much fun (picture above is of Ayala & Yosh, who also helped to host it); and we hope that those who missed it will be able to attend this one!

WHEN:
Saturday, July 7th
4:00-6:30pm

WHERE:
Alex Sandor's Art Studio
1650 Bush Street (between Frankling & Gough)

WHAT:
Learn how to design and create your own personal perfume from precious botanical essences, in pure grain alcohol.
In Ayala's class you will:
- Learn how to sniff like a perfumer
- Explore 40 rare and exotic pure botanical essences from around the world.
- Understand the principles of composition, such as structure, top/heart/base notes, and creating harmonious vertical and horizontal accords
- Make your very own personal perfume!
By the end of the workshop, you will have made a perfume to take home with you. We will provide you with a spray bottle, and your own professional-looking label!

The regular price for this workshop is $300; but in this special event, we just want to be able to cover our costs and have fun with you :-)
Sooo - this workshop is offered at $150!

SPACES AVAILABLE:
There is space for 10 students only, so please let me know as soon as possible - the date is fast approaching!

To book - cal (778) 863-0806 or online here.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Ayala Moriel is the founder of pioneering natural perfume and bespoke company Ayala Moriel Parfums (est. 2001).
She designed countless custom perfumes for discerning customers, celebrities and perfumistas from around the world; as well as for other brands such as - Bodhana's line of 5 solid perfumes; and eco-friendly house cleaning products Sapadilla.
Ms. Moriel has been teaching for 5 years a long term professional natural perfumery training course, as well as many perfume making classes and workshops for amateurs and fragrance lovers of all ages. She was invited to teach and speak in other schools and organizations, including St. George and the BC Association of Practicing Aromatherapists.

ABOUT THE LOCATION:
Alex Sandor's Art Studio is a unique hair salon that takes aesthetics and sustainability to the next level. The beautiful studio is furnished with toxin-free, salvaged and recycled materials and is a serene spot where you can enjoy a serene atmosphere and elite services.

Pics from Perfume Workshop June 6th

Yosh & Ayala sniffing away
Yosh & Ayala, sniffing away through the improvised perfumer's organ

Alex & Ayala
Alex & Ayala

I had a wonderful time teaching an evening class of perfume making at Alex Sandor Art Studio. Yosh of Yosh Olfactory Sense co-hosted and assisted me and everyone created beautiful perfumes to call their own!

Here are some pics, and also a quick shout out for all of you who were not able to make it: we will be hosting another one in July, around the date of the Artisan Fragrance Salon (exact date & time TBA). If interested, please contact me via email: ayala (at) ayalamoriel.com.

Perfume Making Class in San Francisco
Students - and Yosh - hard at work

Alex & Amanda Hard at Work
Alex & Amanda making decisions!

The Results!
Custom perfumes created that evening - some yet to be named... And Alex still writing on his "Spring Biblical Man" label!

Yosh & Alex's creations
Alex & Yosh's perfumes

Tincturing Lemon Blossoms
Alex' mad scientist apothecary (lemon blossom tincture)

Lab Cookies
Cookies from the Baker & Banker served in labware, just for fun ;-)

Yosh & Ayala sniffing away...

2 Spots Left in Perfume Workshop June 6 @ Alex Sandor (San Francisco)

Alex Sandor Studio - perfume class setup

Tomorrow is the day!!!

Perfume Making Workshop at Alex Sandor Art Studio
Learn how to design and create your own personal perfume from precious botanical essences, in pure grain alcohol. By the end of the workshop, you will have made a perfume to take home with you. We will provide you with a spray bottle, and your own professional-looking label!

SPACES AVAILABLE:
Only 2 left!

This workshop is offered at $150 just to cover the basic materials and supplies costs There are (pre-registration is over, so you will have to pay at the door, or online here.
Please text me to confirm your spot as I'm unable to take calls while out of Canada (778) 863-0806.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Ayala Moriel is the founder of pioneering natural perfume and bespoke company Ayala Moriel Parfums (est. 2001).
She designed countless custom perfumes for discerning customers, celebrities and perfumistas from around the world; as well as for other brands such as - Bodhana's line of 5 solid perfumes; and eco-friendly house cleaning products Sapadilla.
Ms. Moriel has been teaching for 5 years a long term professional natural perfumery training course, as well as many perfume making classes and workshops for amateurs and fragrance lovers of all ages. She was invited to teach and speak in other schools and organizations, including St. George and the BC Association of Practicing Aromatherapists.

ABOUT THE LOCATION:
Alex Sandor's Art Studio is a unique hair salon that takes aesthetics and sustainability to the next level. The beautiful studio is furnished with toxin-free, salvaged and recycled materials and is a serene spot where you can enjoy a serene atmosphere and elite services.
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