How to Make A Smelly Jelly

A smelly jelly is actually a decorative air freshener in a container. They are decorative, attractive and make wonderful gifts. Smelly jellies can be re-scented several times and will last a long time. They are very simple and fun to make and can even be a fun craft to do with your children. They make a wonderful craft project and are also great accompaniment for candles and incense.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water crystals
• Distilled water
• Liquid dye
• Fragrance oil
• Container
• Decorative lace or mesh
• Open lid for container

1. Measure your water and pour it into a container. To make an 8 oz smelly jelly jar, you will need to begin with about 6 oz of distilled water. You can actually use the container that you are going to use as your decorative container. Add 1 teaspoon of water crystals to the water. This will not look like enough, but the crystals will expand and become very gel like.

2. Mix in one to two teaspoons of fragrance oil with the water crystals. Next you will add just a few drops of dye for the color you desire. Dye used for bath and body products works very well, but most liquid candle dyes will work.

3. Stir all of the ingredients together and allow them to sit for about an hour. Do not get impatient, it may take a little longer. The liquid in the container will all be soaked up by the water crystals.

4. Display your craft. One of the least expensive and possibly the most adorable and country like containers to place your smelly jelly mixture in are jelly jars.

Tips & Warnings

• Smelly jelly's can be re-scented by adding more fragrance oil to them after their scent has faded. This also makes for an inexpensive way to add more scent to your new homemade air freshener.
• If you choose to use jelly jars, try using only the outer rim of the lid (omitting the middle piece of the lid). By using only the outer rim, you can place in a decorative piece of lace or mesh to the rim. The mesh or lace will keep the dust out of your jar and allow the scent of the smelly jelly to come through.
• If you have a theme to your smelly jelly, use a material that goes with the theme, like a country or flowered theme, or simply match a color to the scent.
• Do not let small children handle the smelly jelly contents. They are not edible and the dyes and fragrance oils that you choose may be harmful if swallowed.