Make Aroma Beads: Essential Oil Infusion Techniques

Aroma beads are plastic beads that can absorb fragrance oils and be used as an alternative to burning candles. They can be used as decorative accents to silk flower arrangements, in lace satchels, in drawers, closets, cars, and more. The first step to making aroma beads is to choose a fragrance oil. Next, add a dye or pigment to the oil and stir them together. Then, add the desired amount of aroma beads and mix until the fragrance oil is absorbed evenly. After this, seal the container and shake it until the colour dye and fragrance are spread evenly. Finally, leave the beads to dry.

Choosing a container: Use a glass or heavy plastic container, like a mason jar

When making aroma beads with essential oils, it's important to choose the right container. The best options are glass or heavy plastic containers, such as a mason jar. This is because the essential oils can react with and taint other types of containers, like plastic bags. HDPE plastic containers or glass containers are ideal, with the former being the preferred option for some as glass mason jars can get very heavy.

You can also use containers from dollar stores, or Glad plastic containers. These containers can be cleaned in the dishwasher, as long as they are not made of crunchy plastic, which will melt. It's important to ensure that the container is large enough for the beads to move freely while mixing and shaking.

Once the beads are dry, it is recommended to keep them closed up and cured for an additional 5-7 days. This will make them stronger for when they are ready to be used.

Adding essential oils: Add 1.5-2 oz of oil per pound of beads

When making aroma beads with essential oils, it's important to get the ratio of oil to beads right. The amount of fragrance oil you can add depends on the density of the oil. For example, if you're using a dense fragrance oil like leather, use 1oz of oil per pound of beads. If you're using a less dense fragrance like fruit slices, you can use up to 2oz per pound of beads.

If you're using essential oils, be careful as they absorb twice as fast as fragrance oils. You can use a carrier to help the oil flow better, or cyclomethicone to smooth out the oils. Aroma Beads Online suggests using 1.5 to 1.8 ounces of oil per pound of beads when using essential oils. However, they also say that essential oils don't last as long and can be difficult to work with.

When adding the oil to the beads, put the beads in a glass container or heavy plastic. You can always add more oil later if needed, but you can't take it away. It's better to start with less and add more if required. Adding more oil won't make the beads smell longer or stronger, it will just take longer to absorb.

A digital scale is the best way to measure the oil, as oils are measured by weight, not volume. 2 tablespoons of oil are equal to about 1 ounce, but this is not an exact measurement.

Adding dye: Use candle dye, mica or pigment

When making aroma beads with essential oils, you can add dye to the fragrance oil using candle dye, mica or pigment.

If you are using liquid candle dye, add one drop of liquid candle dye for every ounce of fragrance oil. You can always add more dye if you want to achieve a richer, darker colour. Mix the dye and fragrance oil well.

Mica is a great alternative to candle dye. It dissolves easily in liquids, including fragrance oils, and adheres well to aroma beads. A little mica goes a long way, so for most projects, you can use just 4-6 micro scoops of mica per pound of aroma beads. If you are using a spoon, add 1-2 spoons of pigment per pound of beads. Remember to always use pigment and mica in a well-ventilated area and do not inhale.

You can also mix mica and pigments together. However, do not overuse mica, as too much will weaken the plastic and cause it to melt in the heat.

If you are using pigment powder, use a paint mask to keep from breathing in particles. You can put in a spoon or two of the pigment to colour. Swish the colour in the oil until it dissolves. You can also use the flat end of a chopstick to mix any that may occasionally clump.

Mixing: Shake the container to distribute the oil and dye evenly

Once you've added your essential oil and dye to the container, it's time to mix everything together. Seal the container tightly and give it a vigorous shake to ensure the oil and dye are evenly distributed throughout the aroma beads. This step is crucial to achieving consistent colour and fragrance in your final product.

The amount of time it takes for the oil and dye to be fully absorbed by the beads can vary depending on the type of fragrance used. Thinner fragrances like citrus blends will absorb more quickly, while thicker options like vanilla or cinnamon may take longer. In general, you can expect absorption to occur anywhere from 24 hours to a full week.

During the mixing process, it's important to keep an eye on your mixture to ensure the oil and dye aren't pooling at the bottom of the container. If you notice this happening, simply give the container another shake to redistribute the contents. This step may need to be repeated every 30 minutes or so until the beads have fully absorbed the oil and dye.

While you're waiting for the beads to dry, you can prepare the containers or sachets you plan to use for your final product. This could be cookie jars for air fresheners or small sachet bags for decorative or functional purposes.

Keep in mind that the drying time will also depend on the colour and dye you've used. Some dyes may take a few days to fully dry, so it's important to be patient and allow the beads enough time to absorb all the oil and dye before using them.

Once the beads are dry, you can begin enjoying your homemade aroma beads! Place them in decorative containers, hang them in your car, or use them to freshen up drawers and closets.

Drying: Leave for 1-4 days to dry, then cure for another 5-7 days

Once you've mixed your essential oils and aroma beads, it's time to let them dry. Depending on the type of oil you've used, this process can take anywhere from one to four days. Thinner fragrances like citrus blends will be absorbed more quickly than thicker options like vanilla or cinnamon. After a few days, your beads should be dry to the touch and no longer sticking to the sides of your jar.

But the process isn't over yet! For long-lasting aroma beads, it's important to cure your beads for an additional five to seven days, minimum. This extra step will make your beads stronger and ensure that your fragrance lasts. If you're making air fresheners, it's recommended to cure your beads for at least four to five additional days before use. Remember, the less time you let them sit, the less time they'll hold their scent. So, be patient—it'll be worth it!

Frequently asked questions