Scent AlmanacApple Orchard
Picking apples on a cold, bright October morning, cider warming at the stand.
Brown sugar FO often contains vanillin — expect some browning in soap.
Scale it
| Scent | Note | % | Grams | ≈ Drops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | top | 25.0 | 7.5 | 167 |
| Brown Sugar | base | 25.0 | 7.5 | 167 |
| Cinnamon Leaf | middle | 18.8 | 5.6 | 125 |
| Ginger | middle | 18.8 | 5.6 | 125 |
| Pear | top | 6.2 | 1.9 | 42 |
| Nutmeg | middle | 6.2 | 1.9 | 42 |
Weigh fragrance for anything over a few grams. Drops assume about 20 per ml, and droppers vary a lot.
For candles, the usual rate is 6–10% of wax weight.
Structure
A classic starting balance is about 25% top, 50% middle and 25% base.
Harmony
73%
The share of pairs in this blend that are known to go well together.
Where it works
CandlesWorkable
Limited by Ginger.
Wax meltsGood
Reed diffuserWorkable
Limited by Brown Sugar.
Room & linen sprayGood
Electric (water) diffuserAvoid
Limited by Apple.
Cold-process soapWorkable
Limited by Pear.
Melt-and-pour soapGood
Laundry & cleaningWorkable
Limited by Cinnamon Leaf.
Cautions for candles
- Fades quickly — weak in cold-process soap or at hot throw (Pear)
- Caution around pets (especially cats and birds) — don't diffuse in their space (Cinnamon Leaf)
- IFRA-restricted material — use the supplier's certificate limits (Cinnamon Leaf)
- Commonly advised against in pregnancy (Nutmeg)
Ideas that use it
A four-candle autumn line
Build a small fall collection that runs from September's orchard to November's cabin, so each candle has a reason to exist.
An entryway that says hello
The entry is the first thing guests smell. Keep it welcoming and seasonal, and flameless if coats and bags pile up there.
Upcycled jar candles
Clean out finished candles, jam jars and thrifted glass to give them a second life.