Homemade air freshener

"Don't you get fresh with me, ya hear!"

Oh, I love it when adults (especially grandparents) say that to little kids.  What does it mean exactly?  Does it mean we'd rather children get dirty with us?  Haha...who knows?

Today, I'm going to ask you to actually get fresh with me.  This kitchen craft project is too fun and too easy not to try.  I really wish I had discovered it earlier in life...like when I was a Resident Assistant in college and wasn't allowed to have candles...or all of those times when I haven't had the money to go on a shopping spree at Yankee Candle.

I digress.  Let me just say...you'll love this.


I was roaming around on Tasty Kitchen one day when I came across a recipe for homemade air freshener.  This intrigued me!  I love candles, but as we all know, you can't leave them burning unattended.  And there are some rooms in my home where I want a constant, unattended scent (ahem, the bathroom).  These gel air fresheners are the perfect solution.

To make these little beauties, you first need a heat-proof jars (I found mine for $0.99 each at Michael's), food coloring colors of your choice, and essential oil.  You can find inexpensive essential oils of various scents at craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  I chose a raspberry vanilla scented oil...it smells delightful!


Into each jar, drop a few drops (I repeat...a few...it doesn't take more than 2 or 3) of food coloring.  Then, put in about 30 drops of essential oil, give or take.  The more essential oil you put in, the stronger the smell.


Now for the fun part.  Gather up 4 envelopes of unflavored gelatin, a tablespoon of salt, and 2 cups of cold water.

Why salt?  Salt (or vodka) apparently help to keep the gel from molding.  Interesting fact, isn't it!


Get one cup of water boiling on the stove.  When it begins to boil, whisk in the gelatin, stirring until it's all dissolved.


Then, pour in the other cup of cold water and the salt, stirring until the salt is dissolved.


Quickly pour the hot gelatin mixture in each of your jars, and then use a disposable stick or spoon to stir it into the oil and food coloring.


Let these gel overnight, and then voila!  Air freshener!


This project takes a total of five minutes to make, is highly economical, and each jar should last you about a month.  This would make a great back-to-school gift for any teacher!

This recipe is linked to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday , Tasty Tuesday, and Tuesdays at the Table