How to Make Aromatherapy Jewelry

Aromatherapy jewelry has been around for many years--a common piece of jewelry is rose beads. Used for rosarys and necklaces, the rose beads were made from real rose petals, crushed and pulverized into a pulp that was then formed into beads. The rose beads would release their scent when they came into contact with body heat. There are many variations of the idea in today's jewelry, from scent pods to bottle shaped pendants filled with fragrance. An easy variation that you can make at home closely resembles the rose beads, but instead of using rose petals you can use paper pulp and essential oils. The craft is very easy and beautiful beads can be created by following the steps below..

Things You'll Need

• Different colors of paper
• Essential oils
• Blender
• Bowl
• Toothpick
• Cookie sheet
• Beading string

Instructions

1. Decide which fragrance (essential oils) you would like use to scent the beads. It is only necessary to use one scent at a time when adding fragrance to the beads. Multiple or mixed scents can be unpleasant and overpowering.

2. Decide on a color for your beads. Today's papers come in an array of colors and designs. Once made into a pulp these colors will combine and create beautiful patterns for your beads.

3. Tear your paper into small pieces. They do not have to be any shape or size, just ripped up enough to be put into your blender.

4. Add the torn paper to the blender and cover with water. There should only be enough water added to cover the top of the paper.

5. Turn on the blender and mix until you have created a pulp. The pulp should be slightly lumpy but easy to form.

6. Remove the contents of the pulp from the blender and pour into a bowl.

7. Form beaded shapes with the pulp. The beads will dry in whatever form you create.

8. Add a hole in the center of the beads using a toothpick. Make sure it goes all the way from back to front.

9. Place the beads on a cookie sheet or other flat surface to dry. When all the beads are formed, apply a drop or two of the essential oil of your choice on each bead. The paper will soak up the fragrance as it dries.

10. Allow the beads to thoroughly dry in a warm area of the house. This can take several hours.

11. String the beads when they are dry, and adorn as a necklace or bracelet.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the bead jewelry away from water. It will not only remove the fragrance, but destroy the beads.