Crafting Aroma Gel Beads: Diy Home Fragrance Solution

Aroma beads are a great alternative to scented candles. They can absorb up to 30% oil and are long-lasting, mould-resistant, and easy to make. You can use them in your car, as a decorative accent to silk flower arrangements, inside a lace sachet, in drawers, or in closets. To make aroma gel beads, you will need a large container with a lid, preferably HDPE plastic or glass, metal cookie cutters, parchment paper or a silicone sheet, and your choice of fragrance oil, liquid candle dye, and essential oils. The process involves mixing the fragrance oil, candle dye, and essential oils in the desired ratios, adding them to the aroma beads, and shaking the container vigorously for a minute or two. The beads should be left to cure for several days before they are ready to use.

Choosing a container: HDPE plastic or glass

When making aroma gel beads, the choice of container is an important consideration. HDPE plastic containers and glass jars are the two most commonly used options. Here are some detailed instructions and insights to help you choose between the two:

HDPE Plastic Containers:

• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) plastic is a safe and versatile material for storing your aroma beads. It is a type of plastic known for its durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance.
• HDPE containers are lightweight, impact-resistant, and suitable for storing a wide range of products, including aromatic compounds.
• These containers are easily accessible and affordable, making them a convenient option for those new to aroma bead crafting.
• HDPE plastic is generally safe for use with fragrance oils and dyes, but it's important to ensure that the container is designated as safe for such use.
• When using HDPE plastic containers, ensure that they are clean and dry before adding your aroma beads, fragrance oils, and dyes.

Glass Jars:

• Glass jars offer a classic and elegant option for storing your aroma beads. They are known for their durability, reusability, and inert nature.
• Glass is chemically inert, meaning it won't react with your fragrance oils or dyes. This makes it an excellent choice for maintaining the integrity of your aroma beads over time.
• Glass jars are easy to clean and can be reused multiple times, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
• When using glass jars, opt for those with tight-fitting lids to prevent leakage and ensure the preservation of your aroma beads' fragrance.
• While glass jars provide a sophisticated presentation, they may be more fragile than HDPE plastic containers, so handle them with care.

Both HDPE plastic containers and glass jars are suitable options for making and storing aroma gel beads. Consider factors such as availability, cost, durability, and personal preference when making your choice. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided by your aroma bead supplier for the best results.

Measuring fragrance oil: 1-2 oz per pound of beads

When making aroma gel beads, the amount of fragrance oil you add depends on the desired strength of the scent. Aroma beads can hold a maximum of 20 to 30% fragrance oil, but you don't need to add that much to create a strong scent. In fact, a 4 to 12% fragrance load is ideal, as it will result in a very strong scent while allowing you to get the most out of your fragrance oil.

For reference, a 4% fragrance load is about 0.5 oz of fragrance per pound of beads, while a 12% load is about 2 oz of fragrance per pound of beads. This means that for every pound of beads, you should add between 1 and 2 ounces of fragrance oil.

It's important to note that you shouldn't add a high fragrance load all at once. The beads can only absorb the fragrance oil gradually, so it's best to start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. Additionally, the beads should be coated with fragrance and appear wet when you add the oil, rather than being completely saturated or swimming in oil.

If you add too much fragrance oil, you can simply add more unscented beads to soak up the excess. It's also worth mentioning that the time it takes for the aroma beads to absorb the fragrance oil can vary, depending on the type of oil used. Heavier oils tend to take longer, with absorption times ranging from 1 day to 2 weeks.

Adding colour: liquid candle dye, mica or pigment

When adding colour to your aroma beads, you can use liquid candle dye, mica or pigment.

Liquid Candle Dye

Add the desired amount of liquid candle dye to your fragrance oil and stir them together. Remember that a little goes a long way with the dyes, especially in aroma beads, so start with just a few drops and add more until you get the desired colour. Mix a drop of liquid candle dye with every ounce of fragrance used. Use less dye for pastel colours and more for deeper, darker colours.

Mica

Mica powder will mix with the fragrance oil, which helps the mica adhere to the beads. You can use any colour of mica on aroma beads, but note that some colours may change slightly if baked due to the chemical process. You can test a small batch of coloured aroma beads in the oven to see if the colour turns out as desired before making a larger batch. You don't need much powder to make your beads colourful. Start with 4-6 micro scoops of mica per pound and increase the amount to get a more intense colour. However, adding too much mica can make it difficult for the fragrance to absorb and for the beads to melt together.

Pigment

Add the desired amount of coloured pigment to your fragrance oil and stir until combined. As with the other colouring methods, start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired colour.

Adding Colour to the Aroma Beads

Once you have mixed your chosen colouring with your fragrance oil, add the mixture to your aroma beads in a sealed container and shake until the colour and fragrance are spread evenly throughout the jar. Check the jar every 30 minutes to ensure the dye and fragrance are not pooling at the bottom of the jar. If they are, shake the jar again. Drying times will differ depending on the colours and dyes used. Some fragrances may take a few days before they are fully absorbed by the aroma beads.

Mixing: shake beads until colour and fragrance are evenly distributed

Once you've added your fragrance and dye to your aroma beads, it's time to start mixing! Secure the lid tightly on your container and give it a good shake. You'll want to shake the beads vigorously for a minute or two to ensure that the colour and fragrance are evenly distributed throughout the jar. This step is important, as it ensures that your aroma beads will be consistent in scent and colour.

Depending on the weight of the fragrance oil and the absorbency of the beads, the mixing process can take some time. It's normal for the beads to look very wet at this stage, and it can take a few hours to a few days for the oil to be fully absorbed. Be patient and keep shaking the container periodically to help the process along.

During the mixing process, it's important to check the jar every 30 minutes to ensure that the fragrance and dye are not pooling at the bottom of the jar. If you notice any pooling, simply shake the jar again to redistribute the fragrance and colour evenly throughout the beads.

If, after a few days, there is still some liquid fragrance left in the jar, you can add more unscented aroma beads to absorb the excess. Remember, the beads can hold up to 20-30% fragrance oil, so don't be afraid to add more fragrance to achieve your desired scent strength. However, it's important to add the oil gradually and not all at once, as this can hinder absorption.

Once the beads are fully saturated with fragrance and colour, they will appear dry and will no longer stick to the sides of the jar. At this point, they are ready to be used for your desired projects, such as sachet bags or air fresheners.

Drying: leave beads for 1-14 days to absorb oil

Once you've added your fragrance oil and mixed your aroma beads, it's time to let them dry. This is a crucial step in the process of making aroma beads, as it allows the beads to fully absorb the oil and ensures that your final product will have a strong and pleasant scent. The amount of time needed for this step can vary depending on the type of fragrance oil used and the desired strength of the scent.

For lighter fragrances such as citrus blends, the absorption process can take as little as one day. Heavier oils like vanilla or cinnamon, on the other hand, can take significantly longer, sometimes up to two weeks. It's important to be patient during this step, as adding too much oil at once can hinder the absorption process. If you're using essential oils, keep in mind that they absorb twice as fast as fragrance oils, so you'll need to work quickly and be prepared to add more oil if needed.

During the drying process, it's a good idea to check on your beads regularly. Give the container a shake to ensure that the oil and colour are distributed evenly throughout the beads. If you notice that the fragrance and dye have pooled at the bottom of the jar, simply shake the container again. This will help ensure that your beads are evenly coated and will produce a stronger scent.

Once the beads are dry to the touch and no longer stick to the sides of the jar, they are ready for the next step. At this point, you can add them to sachet bags or use them to create air fresheners. However, it's important to note that curing the beads for an additional 5-7 days after the initial drying period will make them stronger and more durable.

By following these instructions and allowing your aroma beads to dry and absorb the oil thoroughly, you'll be well on your way to creating long-lasting and fragrant aroma beads for your home, car, or office.

Frequently asked questions