Creating Aroma Jars: Easy Steps For Beginners

Aromatic jars are a great way to fill your home with fragrance without breaking the bank. They are easy to make and customizable with your choice of essential oils, decorative jars, and dyes. You can use aroma beads or scented water to create your desired fragrance and store them in decorative mason jars. These jars can be displayed as centerpieces or gifted to friends and family.

Choosing a jar

When choosing a jar for your aroma beads, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to use a glass jar with a tight lid. This will ensure that the fragrance of the beads does not escape and that the beads are stored securely. It is recommended to use a 32-ounce Mason jar, as this size allows for adequate mixing and storage of the beads. Additionally, you may want to consider using decorative Mason jar lid inserts to enhance the appearance of your aroma jar. If you plan to give the aroma jar as a gift, you can choose a jar with a decorative lid or a pretty fabric covering. Organza fabric is a good option for this purpose.

Another factor to consider is the size of the jar. If you are making a large batch of aroma beads, you will need a bigger jar. The 32-ounce Mason jar is a good option for this, as it provides ample space for mixing and storing the beads. However, if you are making a smaller batch or want a more compact jar for display purposes, you could opt for a smaller jar, such as a 4-ounce jar.

It is also important to choose a jar that is safe for the intended use. If you plan to store your aroma jar in the freezer or fridge, ensure that the jar is freezer-safe and made of glass or plastic. For example, wide-mouth Mason jars are freezer-safe and ideal for this purpose. Additionally, if you plan to display your aroma jar near children or pets, choose a jar with a secure lid to prevent accidental spills.

Finally, consider the shape of the jar. Wide-mouth jars are ideal for aroma beads as they make it easier to access the beads and scoop them out. They also provide a more aesthetically pleasing display, especially if you plan to add decorative elements to the jar, such as floating candles or cinnamon sticks.

Selecting oils

When choosing a fragrance, consider the scent profile you want to create. For the holiday season, for example, peppermint, sugar cookie, gingerbread, and evergreen scents are popular choices. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of fragrances to create unique blends.

The type of oil you choose will also depend on the absorption rate of the aroma beads. Different fragrances will absorb at different rates, so you may need to adjust the amount of oil you use accordingly. It's recommended to start with a smaller amount of oil and add more as needed to achieve your desired scent intensity.

Another important consideration when selecting oils for your aroma jars is the colour of the oil. If you want to add dye to your aroma beads, choose an oil that complements the colour you want to achieve. Fragrance oils come in a variety of colours, so you can choose one that will enhance the appearance of your aroma beads.

Adding colour

Once you have your desired colour, simply pour the mixture into your jar and swirl it around to coat the inside evenly. You can also use a soft-bristled brush, spouncer, or foam brush to apply the coloured Mod Podge to the outside of the jar if you prefer. After applying the mixture, let the jar dry for 24 hours before use.

If you're having trouble getting the Mod Podge to dry, you can place the jar in the oven at the lowest temperature for several hours. Be sure to check on it every 20 to 30 minutes to avoid any issues.

Now, let's get into some specific methods for adding colour to your aroma jars:

Method 1: Food Colouring

Here's what you'll need:

• Glass mason jars
• Mod Podge ("Gloss" for vibrant colours)
• Food colouring
• Small plastic cups
• Wooden craft sticks
• Newspaper or packing paper
• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

And here are the steps to follow:

• Set aside the number of glass mason jars you need.
• Place a few layers of newspaper or packing paper on a flat surface or tray.
• In a small plastic cup, combine 2 tablespoons of Mod Podge with 2-3 drops of food colouring and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir until fully combined.
• Pour the coloured mixture into a mason jar and swirl it around to coat the inside evenly.
• Pour any excess mixture back into the plastic cup.
• Place the jar upside down on the newspaper or packing paper and let it dry for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 175° F (or the lowest temperature setting).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the jars upside down on the sheet.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let them cool for 20 minutes.
• If there are still streaks, return the jars to the oven for 10-minute increments until the streaks disappear. Be sure to cool the jars for at least 20 minutes between each stint in the oven.

Method 2: Paint

If you want to use paint instead of food colouring, here's what you'll need:

• Mason jars
• Mod Podge
• Paint (acrylic or your choice of paint)
• Soft-bristled brush, spouncer, or foam brush (optional)
• Oven (optional)

And here are the steps:

• Add some Mod Podge to a small container.
• Put a couple of drops of paint into the Mod Podge and stir until combined.
• You can apply the coloured Mod Podge to the outside of the jar using a soft-bristled brush, spouncer, or foam brush. Alternatively, swirl the mixture around the inside of the jar and drain any excess.
• Let the jar dry for 24 hours before using it.
• If you're having trouble getting the Mod Podge to dry, you can place the jar in the oven at the lowest temperature for several hours, checking every 20-30 minutes.

Mixing the contents

• Gather your supplies: You will need a Mason jar, preferably a 32-ounce size, for mixing and storing your scented beads. A digital scale is also recommended to ensure consistency in fragrance strength.
• Prepare the fragrance oil: For every 8 ounces of premium unscented aroma beads, you will need 2 ounces of fragrance oil. This is a good starting point, and you can adjust the fragrance strength according to your preference. Add the fragrance oil to your jar.
• Add liquid candle dye or coloured pigments: Along with the fragrance oil, you can add a few drops of liquid candle dye or coloured pigments to create your desired colour. The amount of dye needed may vary depending on the supplier, so start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade.
• Combine the fragrance and dye: Secure the lid on your jar and shake it vigorously until the colour dye and fragrance are evenly distributed throughout the jar. It is crucial to check the jar every 30 minutes to ensure that the fragrance and dye are not pooling at the bottom. If pooling occurs, shake the jar again to maintain consistency.
• Monitor drying times: Different fragrances and dyes have varying drying times. Some fragrances may take a few days to be fully absorbed by the aroma beads. Check the beads regularly to ensure complete absorption.
• Test and adjust: Once the beads seem dry, give them a final stir to ensure the fragrance and dye are thoroughly combined. If needed, you can add a few more drops of fragrance oil or dye to intensify the scent and colour.

Remember to wear gloves when handling fragrance oils, as they can be strong irritants. Always clean up any spills immediately to avoid damage to surfaces. With the right mixing technique, you can create beautifully scented aroma jars for your home or as gifts.

Drying the beads

To speed up the drying process, you can shake the jar containing the beads and fragrance oil every few hours, alternating between keeping the jar upright and upside down. Maintaining warmer temperatures can also help accelerate the drying process. However, it's important not to rush the drying process by adding too much fragrance oil at once. Beads can absorb up to 20% to 30% fragrance oil, but if they are completely saturated or swimming in oil, they will struggle to absorb it. Instead, add the oil gradually, allowing the beads to be coated and appear wet, which is the ideal condition for absorption.

You'll know the beads are ready when they appear dry and no longer stick to the sides of the jar. At this point, the fragrance oil will be fully absorbed, and you can proceed to the next steps of creating your aroma jars.

If you plan to bake your aroma beads into shapes, the drying process will be followed by baking instructions. Preheat your oven to 335°F–350°F, and place cookie cutters or a silicone mold on a non-stick cookie sheet. Fill the cutters or mold about 3/4 full with the scented beads and bake for 6–10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the beads, as you don't want to overcook them and weaken the fragrance. After removing the beads from the oven, let them cool for about five minutes before removing them from the cookie cutters or mold. Allow them to cool completely before packaging or displaying them.

Frequently asked questions