Creative Crafts With Aroma Beads: Fun Diy Projects

Aroma beads are a fun and versatile craft that can be used to make a variety of scented items such as car air fresheners, scented sachets, and smelly jelly jars. They are easy to make and can be customised with different colours and fragrances to create unique decorative pieces. The process involves mixing fragrance oils and, optionally, colouring agents with the aroma beads, and either leaving them to set in a container or moulding them into shapes by baking them in an oven. The end product is a long-lasting, natural alternative to burning candles or incense.

Air fresheners

Aroma beads are a great alternative to burning candles and can be used to make air fresheners. They can absorb up to 30% oil and last longer than water-based bead air fresheners. They are easy to make and will not shrink or grow mould.

To make air fresheners, you will need:

• Metal cookie cutters
• Parchment paper or a silicone sheet (not wax paper)
• A large nail with a flat head (optional)
• A large container with a lid (HDPE plastic containers or glass containers work well)
• A digital scale
• Fragrance oil (1 oz. per 1 lb. of aroma beads)
• Liquid candle dye or mica (food colour or soap dye will not work)
• A glass, ceramic, or metal mixing bowl
• Packaging (glass jars with air freshener lids work best)

Step 1: Prepare the Aroma Beads

Measure out 16 oz of aroma beads using your digital scale. You can add fragrance oil at a ratio of about 1 to 2 oz of fragrance oil per pound of beads. Put the lid on the jar and shake it until the fragrance is completely mixed. Note that the amount of fragrance oil needed will vary with each fragrance. To add colour to your beads, use a liquid candle dye or mica powder. Do not use food colouring or skin-safe dye as they will not mix properly with the oil.

Step 2: Cure the Beads

Allow the beads to cure for 24 to 48 hours or until they are dry to the touch. The fragrance oil will take some time to fully absorb into the beads, so be patient. This can take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the type of fragrance used. Thinner fragrances such as citrus blends will absorb more easily than thicker ones like vanilla or cinnamon. If there is still liquid fragrance present after a week, simply add more aroma beads to absorb the excess.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F-350°F. While you are waiting, you can prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Place the metal cookie cutters on the lined baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced apart and of similar size so they will melt evenly. If you want to create a hole for hanging your air freshener, place a large nail where you want the hole to be. Pour the aroma beads around the nail and fill the cookie cutters about 3/4 full. Pack them in by tapping them with your fingers or the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Bake the Aroma Beads

Bake the aroma beads for 6-15 minutes. The time needed will depend on the size and thickness of your cookie cutters and your oven, so make sure to test.

Step 6: Cool and Remove from Cookie Cutters

Take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the aroma beads cool for a few minutes. Then, loosen them from the sheet by gently moving them around. After about 10 minutes, while the beads are still warm, pop them out of the cookie cutters and remove the nail if you've used one. Place them aside to cool completely.

Step 7: Packaging and Hanging (Optional)

Once your aroma beads are completely cool, you can package them or hang them in your car, office, room, etc. If you want to hang them, simply thread some rope or string through the hole and hang them up.

Scented sachets

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

First, you'll need to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Here's what you'll need:

• Aroma beads (these can be purchased from craft stores or online)
• Fragrance oil of your choice
• Metal cookie cutters
• Parchment paper or a silicone sheet
• Large nail with a flat head (optional)
• Large container with a lid (HDPE plastic containers or glass jars work well)
• Digital scale
• Liquid candle dye (optional)
• Sachet bags or muslin bags

Step 2: Prepare the Aroma Beads

Before you begin, it's important to measure out your ingredients. For every pound of aroma beads, you can use up to 2 ounces of fragrance oil, but it's recommended to start with 1 ounce and adjust as needed. If you're using liquid candle dye, add 2-3 drops to the fragrance oil and stir them together. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Step 3: Mix the Fragrance Oil and Aroma Beads

Pour the desired amount of fragrance oil (and candle dye, if used) into your container with the aroma beads. Secure the lid tightly and give the container a good shake for a couple of minutes to ensure the colour and fragrance oil are evenly distributed. The beads will look very wet at first, and it can take a few days for the oil to be fully absorbed.

Step 4: Cure and Dry the Beads

Once the beads have fully absorbed the fragrance oil, you can cure and dry them. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the type of fragrance oil used. Thinner fragrances like citrus blends will absorb faster than thicker ones like vanilla or cinnamon. Be patient and give them enough time to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Package the Beads

After the curing and drying process, you can now package the beads into your chosen sachet bags. Fill the bags with the desired amount of beads, seal them, and they're ready to use! Place them in your drawers, closets, car, or anywhere you want to add a pleasant scent.

Tips and Tricks:

• Always use a container with a tight-fitting lid to mix your beads and fragrance oil.
• When adding fragrance oil, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase until you achieve your desired scent strength.
• If you want to add colour to your beads, liquid candle dye or mica powder are recommended. Food colouring or soap dye will not work.
• If you add too much fragrance oil and it's not absorbing, simply add more unscented beads to soak up the excess.
• Store your finished scented sachets in a cool, dark location to prolong their shelf life.

Vase filler

Aroma beads are a great alternative to burning candles, and they can be used to make your home smell good without the risks associated with an open flame. They can be used as vase fillers, too, and are especially useful in silk flower arrangements, as they can make the bouquet smell like fresh flowers.

To make vase filler aroma beads, you will need:

• A large container with a lid (HDPE plastic or glass)
• Aroma beads (12 oz for a 12 oz batch)
• Fragrance oil (0.5 oz for a 12 oz batch)
• Mica powder (4-6 micro scoops for a 12 oz batch)
• A wide-mouth funnel
• A vase
• Silk flowers

First, pour your fragrance oil into the jar, then add the mica powder. Swirl the jar to mix the fragrance and mica together. Place the jar on a digital scale and tare it to zero.

Next, add your aroma beads to the jar. If you're using a funnel, you can make one by rolling a piece of heavy paper into a cone shape. Put the lid on the jar tightly and shake until the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the beads. If you want a more intense colour, add more mica and shake the jar again.

Shake the jar every few hours until the fragrance has been completely absorbed by the beads. This can take anywhere from one day to two weeks, depending on the fragrance. For faster absorption, shake the jar for 30 seconds to one minute each time.

Once the fragrance has been absorbed, you can add more if you'd like a stronger scent. For a 12 oz batch, add 0.5 oz of fragrance at a time until you reach the desired strength. Let the fragrance absorb completely each time before adding more.

When the beads are completely dry and no longer stick to the sides of the jar, they're ready to use. Pour them into your chosen vase and arrange your silk flowers. Your arrangement should smell strong for around 45 days. The more airflow the beads are exposed to, the faster they will lose their scent.

You can boost the scent by stirring the beads gently when the fragrance starts to fade, or you can add a little more fragrance to freshen them up. Just be sure to let the beads dry before returning them to the vase.

Christmas tree ornaments

Aroma beads are a great alternative to candles and can be used to make Christmas tree ornaments. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make Christmas tree ornaments using aroma beads:

Materials:

• Metal cookie cutters
• Parchment paper or a silicone sheet
• Large nail with a flat head (optional)
• Large container with a lid (HDPE plastic containers or glass containers work best)
• Aroma beads
• Fragrance oil
• Liquid candle dye
• String or rope (optional)

Instructions:

• Measure out 16 ounces of aroma beads using a digital scale.
• Mix your desired amount of liquid candle dye with your fragrance oil. Start with 2-3 drops of dye, as a little goes a long way.
• Add the fragrance oil and candle dye mixture to the container with the aroma beads. Secure the lid tightly.
• Shake the container vigorously for a couple of minutes to ensure the color and fragrance oil are fully dispersed throughout the beads. The beads will appear very wet, but it can take a few days for the oil to be fully absorbed.
• Preheat your oven to 325°F-350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the metal cookie cutters on the cookie sheet. If you want to create a hole for hanging, place a large nail where you want the hole to be.
• Pour the aroma beads around the nail and fill the cookie cutters about 3/4 full. Pack them in by tapping them with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
• Bake the aroma beads for 6-10 minutes. The baking time will depend on the size and thickness of your cookie cutters, so keep an eye on them.
• Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the aroma beads cool for a few minutes. Then, loosen them by gently moving them around.
• After about 10 minutes, while the beads are still warm, pop them out of the cookie cutters and remove the nail if you've used one.
• Allow the ornaments to cool completely, then they're ready to hang on your Christmas tree!

You can get creative and experiment with different colors, fragrances, and shapes for your ornaments. Add some string or ribbon to hang them on your tree, and enjoy the festive scent they bring to your home!

Hanging decorations

Aroma beads can be used to make hanging decorations, such as air fresheners. Here are some steps you can follow to create your own hanging decorations:

Preparation:

First, gather all the necessary materials and tools. You will need:

• Aroma beads (1 pound)
• Fragrance oil (1 – 2 ounces per pound of beads)
• Liquid candle dye or mica powder (optional, for colour)
• Metal cookie cutters
• Parchment paper or a silicone sheet
• A large nail with a flat head (optional)
• A large container with a lid (HDPE plastic or glass)
• A digital scale
• String or rope for hanging

Mixing the Aroma Beads:

• Measure out 16 ounces of aroma beads using your digital scale.
• Add your desired amount of liquid candle dye to the fragrance oil. Stir them together. (This step is optional if you do not want to colour your beads.)
• Pour the fragrance oil mixture into the container with the aroma beads and secure the lid.
• Shake the container vigorously for a couple of minutes to ensure the colour and fragrance oil are fully dispersed. The beads will appear very wet.
• Allow the beads to sit for a few days until the oil is fully absorbed. This can take anywhere from one day to two weeks, depending on the type of fragrance oil used. Thinner fragrances, such as citrus blends, will absorb faster than thicker ones like vanilla or cinnamon.

Melting the Aroma Beads:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F–350°F.
• Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your cookie sheet. Place the metal cookie cutters on the cookie sheet, making sure they are the same size and evenly spaced apart.
• If you want to create a hole for hanging, place a large nail where you want the hole to be.
• Pour the aroma beads around the nail, filling the cookie cutters about 3/4 full. Pack them in gently by tapping them with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
• Bake the aroma beads for 6–10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your cookie cutters, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the aroma beads cool for about 10 minutes. Then, gently loosen them from the cookie sheet by moving them around.
• After they have cooled slightly, pop the aroma beads out of the cookie cutters and remove the nail if you used one. Set them aside to cool completely.

Creating the Hanging Decoration:

• Once the aroma beads are fully cooled, you can thread some string or rope through the hole to create a hanging air freshener.
• Hang your creation somewhere to add a pleasant scent to your car, office, room, or any space you desire!

Feel free to experiment with different colours, fragrances, and shapes to create unique hanging decorations. Enjoy the process and get creative!

Frequently asked questions