Make Your Own Aroma Bead Freshies At Home

Aroma bead freshies are a great alternative to burning candles. They are easy to make, long-lasting, and can be used in a variety of places such as cars, closets, and drawers. To make them, you'll need aroma beads, liquid candle dye or mica, fragrance oil, a glass/ceramic/metal mixing bowl, and packaging (glass jars with air freshener lids work best). Mix a drop of liquid candle dye with every ounce of fragrance oil, adding more dye for darker colours. Then, add the aroma beads and mix well until the fragrance is evenly distributed. It can take up to a week for the fragrance to be fully absorbed. Once the beads are cured, you can bake them into different shapes using cookie cutters and a preheated oven.

How to Make Aroma Bead Freshies

Choosing the right aroma beads

Aroma beads are a great alternative to burning candles, and can be used in cars, as decorative accents to silk flower arrangements, inside a lace sachet, in drawers, closets, or anywhere with stale air. They are easy to make and will not shrink or grow mould.

When choosing the right aroma beads, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of fragrance oil you use is important. Fragrance oils come in a variety of scents, such as Amber Blush, Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut Bread, and Black Cherry Bomb. Choose a scent that you like, as the final product will usually match the out-of-the-bottle scent. Keep in mind that some fragrances have a darker colour, which may affect the colour of your aroma beads. If using darker oils, try to work the colour into your final design. You can also use mica powder to help tint the beads.

Another consideration is the amount of fragrance oil to add. Aroma beads can hold a maximum of 20 to 30% fragrance oil, but you may not need to add that much to achieve your desired scent. It is recommended to start with a lower fragrance load of around 4 to 12%, as this will create a strong scent while allowing you to get the most out of each bottle of fragrance. Gradually add the oil to the beads, as adding too much at once will make it impossible for the beads to absorb the fragrance.

Additionally, it is important to allow enough time for the fragrance oil to absorb into the beads. This can take anywhere from one day to two weeks, depending on the fragrance used. Heavier oils tend to take longer. Be sure to cure the beads for at least three to eight days after making them, as this will help the fragrance last longer.

Finally, consider adding colour or glitter to your aroma beads. You can use mica powder or liquid candle dye to add colour, and glitter can be added for an extra shiny effect. However, be aware that adding too much mica or glitter can make it difficult for the fragrance to absorb and for the beads to melt together.

Adding fragrance and colour

Before adding the fragrance and colour, place the desired amount of aroma beads in a glass, ceramic, or metal mixing bowl. It is important to note that the type of plastic used for the beads is specifically designed to absorb fragrance oils and dyes, so other types of plastic beads will not work.

Now, it's time to add the fragrance and colour. For this step, you will need to work with precision. Start by adding your chosen liquid candle dye to the fragrance oil. Mix well to ensure the colour is evenly distributed throughout the oil. Remember, you can always add more dye if needed, but it's best to start with a lighter shade and gradually darken it. Once you are happy with the colour, carefully pour the mixture over the aroma beads in the mixing bowl.

The next step is crucial for even distribution of the fragrance and colour. Cover the mixing bowl and shake it vigorously until all the beads are coated with the coloured fragrance oil. At this point, you may notice that some beads have absorbed more oil than others. If there is excess oil, simply add more aroma beads to the mixture.

The final step in adding fragrance and colour is the curing process. This is where patience comes in. Leave the beads undisturbed for at least 24 hours, and up to a week, to allow the fragrance and colour to fully absorb. Thinner fragrances like citrus will absorb faster, while thicker scents like vanilla or cinnamon may take the full week. Once the beads are dry to the touch and no longer have any excess liquid, they are ready for the next step in your freshie-making process.

Curing the beads

Soaking the Beads:

The first step in curing is soaking the aroma beads in fragrance oil. Combine your beads and oil in a glass jar or HDPE plastic container, ensuring the lid is tight. The ratio of beads to oil is typically 8:2, or 8 ounces of beads to 2 ounces of oil. Shake the jar vigorously for a minute or two to ensure the fragrance oil is evenly distributed among the beads. Then, continue to shake the jar every few hours, alternating the jar upside down each time. This process helps the beads absorb the oil and can take anywhere from 1 to 7 days, depending on the type of oil used. Warmer temperatures and frequent shaking can expedite the absorption process.

Curing Time:

Once the fragrance oil is completely absorbed, the curing process begins. You'll know the beads are ready for curing when they appear dry and no longer stick to the sides of the jar. Place the beads in a cool, dry place and let them cure for a minimum of 4-5 days. The longer you allow the beads to cure, the stronger and longer-lasting the scent will be. Aim for a curing period of at least 7-10 days for optimal results. During this time, the fragrance will mature and become more potent.

Adding Colour:

After the curing process is complete, you can add a small amount of pigment or mica to colour your beads. Simply add the colouring agent to the beads and shake until it is evenly distributed. This step is optional but can make your aroma bead freshies more aesthetically pleasing.

Storage:

After curing and colouring your beads, store them in an airtight glass jar or mylar bags to prolong their lifespan. Scented beads should be stored in a cool, dark location. With proper storage, loose aroma beads will retain their scent indefinitely. However, for optimal fragrance, it is recommended to use them within 6 months to 1 year of making them.

Baking the beads

Once you have prepared your aroma beads, you can bake them into cute shapes using cookie cutters. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparing for Baking:

First, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your cookie sheet. You may also use a teflon stick-free cookie sheet. Place your cookie cutters on the cookie sheet. If you want to create a hanging air freshener, place a roofing nail inside the cookie cutter where you want the hole to be.

Filling the Cookie Cutters:

Pour the aroma beads into the cookie cutters, filling them about 3/4 to 7/8 full. Pack the beads in tightly by tapping them with your finger or lightly tapping them with a flat object, such as the back of a spoon or a chopstick. This will help the beads stay together and prevent peaking at the top edges.

Preheating the Oven:

Preheat your oven to between 325 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal temperature may vary depending on your oven, so you may need to test it out. Be sure that your oven is completely heated before placing the cookie sheet inside.

Place the cookie sheet with the filled cookie cutters in the oven and bake for 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your ornaments. Keep a close eye on them, as they can be easily overcooked. The smaller the ornament, the shorter the cooking time.

Cooling and Removing from Molds:

Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and allow the beads to cool for about 2 to 4 minutes. Then, move the cookies on the sheet to loosen them and allow air to circulate underneath. After about 8 to 10 minutes, while the cookies are still slightly warm, pop them out of the molds starting at the thin end. Place your thumbs at the thick end and push inward to release the air freshener. Allow the beads to cool completely before handling them further.

Drilling a Hole (Optional):

If you used a flat nail in your cookie mold, simply push the sharp side against a hard surface, such as the cookie sheet, to remove it. If you did not use a nail and want to create a hanging air freshener, use a small portable drill to carefully drill a hole in the ornament. Remember to hold the ornament while drilling and place a block underneath for support. Drill from both sides to achieve the correct size and shape.

Packaging and Storage:

To package your aroma bead ornaments, use a stretch loop to tie them and place them in cellophane bags. Avoid using ziplock bags, as they can contaminate the fragrances. Store your ornaments in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources, as the beads can melt at temperatures as low as 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Packaging and presentation

Once you've made your aroma bead freshies, it's time to think about packaging and presentation. Here are some ideas and instructions to help you with this process:

Packaging Options:

• Glass jars with air freshener lids are recommended for packaging your aroma bead freshies. The lids have small holes that allow the scent to fill a room. You can decorate the jars with labels, ribbons, or twine to make them more aesthetically pleasing.
• Small organza bags are another option for packaging your freshies. These bags can be placed in bedrooms, cars, offices, or dresser drawers for lightly scented linens. They are also great for gifting or selling at craft fairs.
• If you've made hanging air fresheners by drilling holes in your freshies, consider using stretch loops or ribbons to tie them onto cellophane bags. Avoid using ziplock bags, as they can contaminate the fragrances.

Presentation Ideas:

• You can decorate your packaging with ribbons, twine, or labels to add a personal touch. Consider using colourful ribbons or twine that complement the scent of your freshies.
• If you're selling your freshies, create attractive labels or hangtags that include your brand name, scent name, and ingredients. You can also include usage instructions and warnings, such as keeping the freshies away from children and pets.
• If gifting your aroma bead freshies, consider adding a personalised note or tag to the packaging. You could also include a small card with care instructions, such as how to prolong the scent or refresh the beads.
• Display your freshies in a visually appealing way. If you're selling them, create an attractive display at craft fairs or markets. You can use tiered stands, baskets, or shelves to showcase your products.
• If you've made hanging air fresheners, consider the presentation of the hanging element. You can use colourful ribbons, twine, or decorative string to hang them. This adds to the overall aesthetic and can make them more appealing to potential customers or gift recipients.

Frequently asked questions