Crafting Aroma Jars: Displaying Your Scented Creations On Shelves

Aromatic jars are a great way to fill your home with pleasant fragrances. They are simple to make and can be customised with your favourite scents. You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or even dried flowers and spices to create your desired aroma. These jars can be placed in areas of your home prone to unpleasant odours, such as under the bathroom sink or near the kitchen bin, to absorb and neutralise unwanted smells. They also make great gifts for friends and family!

Choosing a jar

Choosing the right jar is an important step in making aroma jars. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your jar:

Size

The size of the jar will depend on the intended use and the amount of fragrance you want to disperse. For a small space like a bathroom or dresser drawer, a 4 oz or 8 oz mason jar may be sufficient. If you plan to use the aroma jar in a larger space or as a centrepiece, consider using a 16 oz or larger jar.

Wide-Mouth vs Regular-Mouth

Wide-mouth jars are easier to fill and allow you to fit larger decorative elements inside. They also make it simpler to remove aroma beads or other contents if you need to replace them. Regular-mouth jars have a narrower opening, which can make filling and removing contents more challenging but may be preferable for liquids or smaller items.

Material

Glass jars are the best option for aroma jars as they are non-porous and will not absorb the fragrances. Plastic jars should be avoided as they can absorb fragrances and may be more prone to melting or warping if exposed to heat.

Colour and Design

Clear glass jars are ideal if you want to showcase the contents of your aroma jar, such as colourful aroma beads, dried flowers, or spices. Coloured glass jars can also be used to complement your fragrance choice or decor. For example, a blue jar for an ocean-themed scent or a green jar for an herbal fragrance. You can also decorate your jar with ribbons, twine, or stickers to personalise it further.

Lid Type

Aroma jars typically use two types of lids: regular lids and decorative lids. Regular lids are practical and help to retain the fragrance. They can be made of metal or plastic and usually have a screw-on mechanism. Decorative lids, on the other hand, are more ornate and may have patterns, fabrics, or holes to allow the fragrance to escape. These lids can be used as a finishing touch to your aroma jar, especially if you plan to give them as gifts.

Selecting essential oils

When selecting essential oils, it is important to consider their purpose and intended effects. For instance, essential oils like lavender, chamomile, basil, and frankincense are known for their calming properties and ability to alleviate anxiety. On the other hand, bergamot and peppermint oils are stimulating and can help with depression. If you're looking for oils with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is a great option. Additionally, true lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin to help with cuts and burns.

When purchasing essential oils, it is crucial to look for the terms "'pure' and 'organic' on the label. Avoid oils labelled as "natural" or "fragrance", as these terms often indicate low-quality or synthetic oils. Reputable certifications like Ecocert or USDA-certified organic are ideal. The label should also specify the plant's botanical name, origin, extraction method, and plant part used.

Price can also be an indicator of quality and authenticity. For example, oils like rose, jasmine, sandalwood, and frankincense are typically more expensive due to the complex distillation process. If you come across a rose oil priced under $90, it is likely inauthentic.

Always purchase essential oils from reputable sources to ensure their purity and authenticity. Additionally, be cautious of potential side effects and skin irritation. A patch test is recommended before applying oils to larger areas of the skin. For topical applications, dilute essential oils with carrier oils such as coconut or jojoba oil, using a ratio of one drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

Preparing the aroma beads

• Choose the Right Container: Opt for a glass jar or an HDPE plastic container. Avoid using plastic bags as they can waste oil and affect other bags. Make sure the container is large enough for the beads to move freely during mixing and shaking. A 32-ounce Mason jar is a good option.
• Measure the Aroma Beads: The amount of beads you use will depend on the size of your container and the desired strength of the fragrance. For a pound of aroma beads, use 1.5 to 2 ounces of fragrance oil. You can always add more oil later if needed.
• Add Fragrance Oil: Pour the fragrance oil into your container. If you want to add colour to your beads, you can also add liquid candle dye or coloured pigments at this stage. Stir or shake the container to mix the oil and dye until they are well combined.
• Add the Aroma Beads: Slowly pour the aroma beads into the container with the fragrance oil. Secure the lid tightly and shake the container vigorously for a minute or two to ensure that the oil and colour are evenly distributed throughout the beads.
• Allow Absorption and Drying: Fragrance absorption can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of fragrance oil used. Heavier oils tend to take longer. Check the container periodically to ensure that the oil is not pooling at the bottom. If it is, simply shake the container again. The beads are ready when they are dry to the touch and no longer stick to the sides of the container.
• Curing: Once the beads are dry, it is recommended to cure them for an additional 5-7 days. This step helps strengthen the fragrance and prepares the beads for use in your aroma jars.
• Adjust Fragrance Strength: If you find the scent too weak after curing, you can add more fragrance oil. However, be careful not to add too much oil, as it may take a long time to absorb. Additionally, adding too much oil can compromise the strength of the plastic container.
• Storage: Store any unused aroma beads in an airtight glass jar or mylar bags. Proper storage will help prolong the lifespan of the fragrance.

Adding fragrance and dye

Choosing Fragrances:

• The choice of fragrance is extensive, ranging from essential oils to fragrance oils. Essential oils, such as lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, sweet orange, and lemon, offer natural scents and additional benefits like relaxation and air purification.
• Fragrance oils, on the other hand, provide a wider range of options, including peppermint, sugar cookie, gingerbread, and evergreen. These oils are typically stronger and more affordable than essential oils.

Adding Fragrance:

• When using aroma beads, the general ratio is 2 ounces of fragrance oil for every 8 ounces of beads. However, this can be adjusted based on your desired intensity.
• For baking soda-based air fresheners, the ratio is approximately 20-30 drops of essential oil for every 2 cups of baking soda.
• If you opt for an oil candle, adding 50 drops (about 1/2 teaspoon) of essential oil to the chosen carrier oil (such as olive oil) will provide a noticeable scent.

Choosing Dye:

• When colouring aroma beads, it is recommended to use liquid candle dye or coloured pigments. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade.
• Food colouring is not suitable for colouring aroma beads.

Adding Dye:

• Combine the desired amount of dye with the fragrance oil before stirring them together.
• Add this mixture to your aroma beads, ensuring an even distribution of colour and fragrance throughout the jar.

Drying and Curing:

• The drying time varies depending on the dye and fragrance used. Some fragrances may take several days to be fully absorbed by the aroma beads.
• For baking soda air fresheners, the mixture is usually ready to be transferred into jars after thorough mixing.
• Oil candles do not require a specific drying period, but it is important to allow the botanicals to infuse in the oil for a more intense scent.

Baking the beads

Once you have mixed your aroma beads, fragrance oils, and dye, you can begin the baking process. Preheat your oven to between 335°F and 350°F. While the oven is heating up, place your cookie cutters on a non-stick cookie sheet. Try to use cookie cutters of a similar size and space them evenly on the sheet. If you want to add a string hole for your freshie, place a nail (a roofing nail works well) head-side down in the desired location.

Using a spoon or small funnel, pour the aroma beads around the nail until the cookie cutters are about 3/4 full. Level the beads in the cookie cutter with your fingers or the bottom of a spoon.

Bake the aroma beads for 6-10 minutes. Different types of ovens (gas, electric, and convection) will produce different results, so be sure to test your cooking times and adjust accordingly. Do not overcook, as this will close the pore space within your freshie and weaken the strength of your fragrance.

Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the aroma beads cool for about five minutes before removing the cookie cutters from the sheet. After about 10 minutes, while the aroma beads are still warm, pop them out of the cookie cutters, remove the nail if you used one, and set your freshie aside to cool.

Allow the beads to cool completely before packaging or hanging them to add your desired scent to your car, house, room, or office.

Frequently asked questions