DIY Diffuser Bracelets
I love the idea of turning on your favorite music, grabbing your favorite beverage and settling in to hand make your diffuser beads. Make it a family craft night! -Rebecca McClelland
SUPPLIES
A wooden skewer
Stretch Magic (or other jewelry making stretch cord), and beads of your choice. You can also choose to use semi-precious gemstone beads for your bracelet, your birth stone, lava beads, whatever you like.
INSTRUCTIONS
OPTION: To add color to your air-dry clay, choose acrylic or tempura paints. Separate the air-dry clay into different bowls and add your color. One color per bowl. Start with a small amount as to not waste the clay, you can always mix more later.
Pinch of some of the air-dry clay and roll it until it is ball-shaped and a similar size to your beads. Repeat this process until you have as many clay beads as you would like for your bracelet–these clay beads will absorb and diffuse your essential oils. You may like to emboss the beads or create an extra pattern by using additional clay.
Gently make a hole in the center of the clay balls using your wooden skewer. Set aside the clay beads to dry. This should take approximately 24 hours.
Cut a length of the Stretch Magic that is about twice the circumference of your wrist. This will allow you to have enough of the stretchy cord to string the beads without difficulties and to be able to tie the knots to fasten the DIY diffuser bracelet.
Add your clay beads, gemstones, or lava beads onto the cord.
When you have enough beads to cover the circumference of your wrist, you can use a surgeon’s knot to tie the two ends of the stretch cord together. Cross over the two ends and then wrap the right-hand piece of cord over two times. Pull the ends tight so that the beads are together. Keep this first knot tight and then repeat the process to finish off the knot, making sure to keep the knot tight. Trim the loose ends. You may like to add a little bit of glue for extra security.
An alternative way to finish off the bracelet is to use a jewelry crimp. Insert one end of the stretch cord through the crimp bead. Next, thread the other end of the stretch cord the opposite way through the crimp bead. Pull the ends until the beads are joining together. Keeping the cord tight, squeeze the crimp bead with a pair of pliers. Trim the ends a little and then allow the beads to cover the crimp bead join.
Add your favorite essential oil blend to the clay beads. The oil may leave a dark stain on the bead! It will add character:) Add a few drops to the outside of the clay bead–when the scent wears off you reapply.
A few essential oil blends to try:
Are you going to give these a try?
*recipe adapted from Hello Glow