Creating Fragrant, Shimmering Aroma Beads With Mica Powder

Aroma beads are fun and versatile, and can be used to make items such as car air fresheners, scented sachets, and smelly jelly jars. To make your own, you'll need to add fragrance to your aroma beads. You can use any fragrance oil you like, but you'll need about 1 oz of fragrance per pound of aroma beads. Once you've added your fragrance, you can add colour using mica powder. This will give your beads a bright pop of colour. You can use any colour of mica, but remember that the chemical process of baking may cause some colours to change slightly. You only need a small amount of mica powder to dye your beads – about 4-6 micro scoops per pound of aroma beads.

Choose a fragrance oil

When choosing a fragrance oil for your aroma beads, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of fragrance oil you use will determine the density, which will then determine the amount of oil you can add to your beads. For example, if you are using a very dense fragrance oil like leather, it is recommended to use 1oz of fragrance oil per pound of beads. With less dense fragrances, you can add up to 2oz per pound of beads.

It's important to not exceed the recommended maximum fragrance load, as this may prevent the beads from fully absorbing the oil. Aroma beads can typically hold a maximum of 20-30% fragrance oil, but the ideal amount is between 4-12% as this creates a strong scent while also allowing you to get the most out of your fragrance.

When choosing a fragrance, remember that the out-of-the-bottle (OOTB) scent will usually be what you smell in the final product. So, if you like the OOTB scent, you'll likely enjoy the fragrance of your final product. Additionally, some fragrances naturally have a darker colour, which may affect the colour of your aroma beads. If using darker fragrance oils, try to incorporate the colour into your design.

It's also worth noting that essential oils absorb twice as fast as fragrance oils, and sometimes a carrier oil will help the oil flow better. Vanilla-based or leather-based fragrances will also take longer to dry, as will cold or rainy weather.

Finally, when adding your fragrance oil to the beads, be sure to add it gradually and shake the container frequently to ensure even distribution. It can take anywhere from one day to two weeks for the beads to absorb the oil, depending on the fragrance used.

Mix fragrance, pigment and beads

Now that you’ve chosen a fragrance and pigment, you can start making aroma beads! These instructions will tell you how to make 1 pound of aroma beads.

We recommend making a 1-lb batch of beads instead of a larger batch because it is difficult to find a jar big enough to accommodate larger batches of beads. If you want to make more beads, simply adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly.

You’ll need the following supplies to make a 1-pound batch of scented aroma beads:

• A scale to weigh your beads
• 1 pound of aroma beads
• A face mask (recommended for working with mica)
• A pipette (useful for transferring fragrance oil)
• A 32 oz glass jar with a lid (one that you don’t plan on using for food again)

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, follow these steps:

• Use a pipette to add 1 oz of fragrance oil to your glass jar. More fragrance can be added later after this initial 1 oz of fragrance has been absorbed into the beads. We do not recommend trying to make the beads absorb more than 1 oz of fragrance at a time.
• Wearing a mask, add 4-6 micro scoops of mica to the jar. Swirl to combine.
• Place the jar on the scale and tare it to zero.
• Add 1 pound of aroma beads to the jar using a wide-mouth funnel. If you don’t have a funnel, you can create one with a piece of thick paper or cardstock.
• Place the lid on the jar and shake it up. Be sure to turn the jar at every angle so the fragrance and mica disperse evenly.
• Shake the jar again every few hours. For best results, shake for 30 seconds to 1 minute each time.

Note: We usually recommend weighing your ingredients with a scale because it's more accurate. However, if you do not have a scale, you can use measuring cups instead. 1 pound of aroma beads is approximately 3.5 cups.

Once your aroma beads are mixed, you want to shake the jar regularly to help the fragrance absorb. It will take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks for the fragrance to completely absorb, depending on the fragrance used. Heavier oils tend to take longer. Each time you shake the jar, turn it at different angles to ensure each bead gets coated. We recommend shaking for 30 seconds to 1 full minute each time. This can help the fragrance absorb more quickly.

At first, the beads will stick to the sides of the jar. As the fragrance absorbs, the beads will stick less and less. The beads are ready to use once they no longer stick to the sides of the jar. The aroma beads will also feel dry to the touch when they're done. Keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks for the fragrance to absorb. If you are having issues getting the fragrance to absorb within this time frame, please refer to these aroma bead troubleshooting tips.

Once the beads have completely absorbed the fragrance, open the jar and check to see if you like how strong it smells. If you want your beads to have a stronger scent, you can add 1 oz of additional fragrance oil. Simply add the fragrance to the beads in the jar, put the lid back on, and shake to distribute. Shake again every few hours until the fragrance absorbs. Remember that this may take up to 2 weeks.

When adding additional fragrance, you may also decide that you want more pigment in your beads. To add more colour, simply mix some mica with your fragrance before adding it to the jar. Combine your fragrance with a few micro scoops of mica and/or glitter using a small container. Swirl the measuring cup to blend the mica, then pour the mixture into the jar. Put the lid on, shake the jar, and repeat shaking every few hours until the fragrance absorbs.

Shake the jar regularly

Shaking the jar regularly is an important step in creating aroma beads. This step ensures that the fragrance oil is evenly distributed among the beads and helps the fragrance absorb more quickly. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for shaking the jar:

• Shake the jar for 30 seconds to 1 minute each time: Shaking the jar for at least 30 seconds and up to 1 minute ensures that the fragrance and mica are thoroughly mixed and dispersed. This helps to avoid clumping and ensures an even coating on each bead.
• Shake the jar every few hours: It is recommended to shake the jar regularly, with a few hours between each shaking session. This allows the fragrance oil to absorb gradually and helps prevent oversaturation.
• Turn the jar at different angles: Each time you shake the jar, turn it at different angles to ensure that the fragrance and mica reach all sides of the jar and coat each bead evenly. This helps to avoid pooling or clumping of the fragrance oil.
• Continue shaking until the beads are dry and no longer stick to the sides: The beads will initially stick to the sides of the jar. As you continue to shake the jar regularly and the fragrance absorbs, the beads will gradually stick less and less. The beads are ready to use when they feel dry to the touch and no longer stick to the jar.
• Be patient: The absorption process can take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the fragrance used. Heavier oils tend to take longer to absorb, so be patient and maintain a consistent shaking routine.
• Avoid adding too much fragrance at once: Adding too much fragrance oil at once can hinder the absorption process. If you add too much, simply add more unscented beads to soak up the excess fragrance and help the beads dry.
• Adjust the amount of fragrance as needed: The amount of fragrance needed will vary depending on the desired strength of the scent. You may need more or less than 1 oz of fragrance per pound of beads. Adjust the amount gradually and allow it to absorb fully before adding more.

Use a face mask

When working with mica powder and aroma beads, it is important to take safety precautions. Always use a face mask when handling these materials, as inhaling the fine powder can be harmful. Gloves are also recommended to protect your skin.

Preparing Your Work Area:

• Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust.
• Gather all the necessary materials, including your chosen fragrance oil, aroma beads, mica powder, a glass jar with a lid, a pipette, a face mask, gloves, and a scale.

Mixing the Aroma Beads:

• Using the pipette, add 1 ounce of fragrance oil to the glass jar. You can add more fragrance later if needed.
• Put on your face mask and gloves before handling the mica powder. Add 4-6 micro scoops of mica powder to the jar. You can adjust the amount of mica depending on the desired intensity of colour.
• Secure the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously. Make sure to turn and tilt the jar at different angles to ensure the fragrance oil and mica powder are evenly distributed among the beads.
• Shake the jar periodically, ideally every few hours, for 30 seconds to 1 minute each time. This helps ensure the fragrance and colour are evenly distributed.

Curing the Aroma Beads:

• Continue shaking the jar regularly until the fragrance oil is completely absorbed. This process can take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the fragrance.
• You will know the beads are ready when they no longer stick to the sides of the jar and feel dry to the touch.
• Once the beads are dry, you can add more fragrance oil if desired. Simply add an additional 0.5 ounces of fragrance oil, secure the lid, and continue shaking periodically until the fragrance is fully absorbed.

Remember, it is crucial to wear a face mask and gloves throughout the process to protect yourself from inhaling or coming into prolonged contact with the mica powder.

Add colour with mica powder

Mica powder is a natural stone mineral called muscovite that has been ground into a fine powder. It is super versatile and can be used to add a pop of colour to your aroma beads.

When adding colour to your aroma beads, it is important to remember that a little mica powder goes a long way. For most projects, 4-6 micro scoops of mica per pound of aroma beads is enough. You can always add more to intensify the colour. However, adding too much mica can make it difficult for the fragrance to absorb and for the beads to melt together.

You can use any colour of mica with aroma beads, but it is important to note that the baking process may cause some colours to change slightly. Therefore, it is recommended to bake a small test batch of aroma beads before making a large project to ensure you get the desired colour.

To add mica powder to your aroma beads, simply add it to the fragrance oil and swirl to combine before adding the aroma beads. Always remember to use mica in a well-ventilated area and wear a face mask to avoid inhaling the powder.

You can also add colour to your aroma beads without using fragrance. Simply add the beads and mica powder to a sealed container or bag, shake to distribute the powder, and then bake as usual. The mica will adhere to the beads without the need for a liquid due to the slightly rubbery texture of the beads.

Mica powder is a great way to add a pop of colour and shimmer to your aroma beads, and with so many colours to choose from, the possibilities are endless!

Frequently asked questions