Most of us have probably experienced the magic of a good book and some well-placed candles when reading. But, have you ever smelled what books smell like when they’re printed? While the aroma of leather and ink may be familiar, the delicate tones of a classic book’s pages are truly unique. Whether you want to evoke the feel of a warm summer day or simply enjoy the relaxing scent, candles and reading seem like a perfect match.
Where Do I Start?
If you’re looking to incorporate fragrance into your ritual, where should you begin? While you might be familiar with the story of Cleopatra and her notorious lip salve, did you know that ancient Egyptians burned perfumes and pleasant scents to honor the gods? Perfume, in the form of scented candles and potpourri, are some of the most popular items in today’s craft stores. If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere in your home, you could light a few candles, throw on some soft music, and dive into a good book. But, if you want to go the extra mile, why not try creating a scent-infused candle using 100-year-old fragrance oils? Not only will you be able to enjoy the relaxing fragrance, but you’ll also help ensure fragrance oil’s survival for future generations!
What About The Cover?
Aside from all the fun you can have with scented candles, paper ephemera, and good books, you can take your experience up a notch by investing in some good-quality books with beautiful covers. After all, a great cover can make or break a book’s scent, so it’s important to get it right. In rare instances, covers can even be dangerous, as with radioactive cover material. While there are no known cases of books covered in hazardous materials, there is always the threat of fire or shock. If you’re going to read a book, make sure that it’s safe to do so! Before throwing yourself into a good story, safety first!
What Scent Should I Use?
As we’ve established, a great cover can improve the smell of a book, so to speak. There are a couple of tips that can help you choose the perfect scent for your novel, no matter the genre. First of all, avoid using too strong of a scent. Many people experience headaches when exposed to strong smells, especially when they’re new. Secondly, keep in mind that different genres of books might require different types of scents. Throwing a nice, strong scent in the air while reading Crime and Punishment could be dangerous, for example, so avoid using anything too sharp or powerful! Besides, bear in mind that your choices can vary based on where you are and who you’re around. If you don’t want to overwhelm yourself or others, consider choosing a milder, more subtle scent.
How Many Slices Will I Need?
While you might be inclined to go for the gusto and light a couple of candles, it’s better to start small. Once you’ve begun to familiarize yourself with the fragrances of different oils, you can decide how many slices you need to light. One or two candles might be sufficient to create the desired atmosphere, while others, depending on the amount of time you have available, might require more. As with most things in life, practice makes perfect. In addition to helping you find the perfect scent, practicing with candles and becoming familiar with how long it takes for the fragrance to completely dissipate can also help you gauge how many slices you need.
Making Scented Candles At Home
Another way to enjoy the relaxing scent of books without having to run to your favorite bookstore is to make your own. All you need are some parchment paper, a couple of good candles, and some essential oils. First, make sure that all of the surfaces and materials you’ll be using are cleaned beforehand. To start, take a look at your local library if they don’t have any books on the topic, or search online for e-books. Once you have your e-book, pick a nice, quiet room in your home and settle in with some wax taper and parchment paper. When you’re ready to begin, light the candles and let the fragrance fill the room. You can also try placing a votive candle on top of the parchment paper to help direct the scent toward you.
You may find it beneficial to practice sessions to help hone your sense of smell and identify distinct aromas. When you’re ready to write your novel with a specific scent in mind, you can prepare by lighting a candle and waiting for the fragrance to fill the room. If you have a keen sense of smell, you can often tell what type of book or genre you’re reading by the scent. For example, Sherlock Holmes is often associated with deer musk and old books, while Sherlock Holmes novels usually have a musty smell that is quite unique.
Choosing the perfect scent for your novel can be difficult, but knowing what to avoid is just as important. Be careful about choosing scents that are overpowering or that you’re unable to easily get rid of. If you’d like to smell like a clean, pristine forest, then choose an herbal or vanilla scent first. Alternatively, if you’d like to smell like a tropical island, then take a sniff of coconut or jasmine.
Having said that, an underwhelming majority of people can’t smell anything at all. For those of us that can, the ability to identify smells is a great tool that can help us appreciate books and their fragrances more. When choosing your scent, keep in mind that many perfumers and essential oils aren’t just for candles anymore. They can be used in a variety of ways, from soaps to laundry liquids to cleaning products. Whatever your needs, you’re bound to find a scent that will make your home smell like a lovely, relaxing place to be!