WORKSHOP Incense Making

In this workshop, we will explore the rich tradition and basics of natural incense-making, using all natural aromatic ingredients such as tree resins, wood barks and select botanicals. Following a guided recipe structure, we will craft unique incense cones with space for guests to riff and explore. 

All making, learning and writing materials are provided. Guests should expect to make about 2-3 batches of incense cones (~12-25 depending on the size). A take-home drying box will be provided at the end of the workshop.

Teacher bio: 

Hard Broom is a Chicago-based ritual goods shop, primarily offering hand rolled natural incense and incense making workshops. The project was founded by Morganne Wakefield, a multi-disciplinary artist & designer in 2021, after many years of experimentation with incense. Sustainability and slowness are at the heart of the project, celebrating the expression of plants through incense making and education.  

Accessibility considerations: 

Please let the instructor know in advance if you have sensitivities to specific botanicals ( e.g. a clove bud allergy. As in, if it’s on the table and being passed around you, you will have a reaction!).

What to bring: 

Just yourself! All making, learning and writing materials are provided. Guests should expect to make about 2-3 batches of incense cones (~12-25 depending on the size). A take-home drying box will be provided at the end of the workshop.

Class agreements:

Incense has such a rich and varied history, worldwide. There is no one incense story, history or tradition. Incense means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. 

While this workshop is mostly focused on the making and the material science of crafting wood-based incense cones, please understand that this is just one approach to making incense. Guests are welcome to share their personal, religious and/or spiritual relationships to incense, as that often comes up organically. Please know that isn’t the focus of this class, but I do hold space for that and expect all guests to enter this exchange with respect and curiosity.