How Do I Make Smelly Jelly?

Lavender is just one of the scents you can select for your smelly jelly jar.

"Smelly jelly" is a long-lasting air freshener that anyone can easily make at home with a small amount of preparation. Although smelly jelly isn't edible -- and may be harmful if eaten -- it's an easy project for a child to complete with an adult's supervision. There is an almost limitless supply of colors and scents you can choose to make the freshener, and when placed in a decorative glass or jar, it makes a lovely gift.

Things You'll Need

• Water crystals
• Decorative container
• Cover with holes for decorative container
• 6 oz. distilled water
• Fragrance oil
• Food coloring
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Measure 6 oz. of distilled water into a measuring cup and add 1 tsp. of water crystals.

2. Add 1 tsp. of fragrance oil to the distilled water and crystal mixture. If you'd like a stronger scent, gradually add another teaspoon, testing for strength as you go.

3. Add food coloring to the distilled water mixture, one drop at a time. Mix the food coloring after every addition to ensure an even color.

4. Let stand for several hours. The crystals will absorb the fragrance and the dye as well as the water. Don't add more water; the crystals will expand.

5. Fill the decorative containers with the smelly jelly and put on the covers.

Tips & Warnings

• Test one batch first, then make larger batches to save time.

• Use a two-piece lid (such as a canning jar), but replace the flat metal top with a lace, cloth or net cover.

• Refresh the mixture with 1 tsp. of distilled water mixed with two drops of fragrance.

• Water crystals absorb up to 400 times their weight in water, according to Lone Star Candle Supply. Adding distilled water to the crystals makes them larger and gel-like.

References

• Lone Star Candle Supply: How to Make Smelly Jelly
• Lone Star Candle Supply: Water Crystals