DIY Aromatherapy Projects

Have you ever noticed how crafts can transform a boring, ordinary day into a fulfilling day of creativity? In Singapore, it is undeniable that more Singaporeans have discovered a passion for crafts and have turned them into hobbies since the Pandemic - Now being seen as a popular way to unwind and express themselves. Whether through home decor, beauty products or everyday items, the sense of accomplishment after every project is truly a satisfying feeling.

 

Well, adding essential oils to the mix takes DIY projects to a whole new level, infusing them with natural, soothing aromas. Picture this - you’re crafting a candle with the calming aroma of lavender to use in the shower. Or, you're simply blending your own natural household cleaner with the refreshing notes of tea tree oil. Not only do these projects make your house smell absolutely divine but they also offer wellness benefits that enhance your daily life as you use them.

 

In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of different DIY projects using essential oils, offering creative (and amazingly scented) ideas for both beginners and seasoned crafters. Whether you’re looking for a project to unwind or making something special for your home - we’ve got you. Simply unleash your inner artisan and add your own sweet personal touch to every craft.

Homemade Room Spray

Well, there is nothing better than a gorgeously scented home. And, let’s be real, we’ve all been guilty of spending a lot of money on scented sprays. Well, in an effort to be more frugal, we’ll be making our own and you won’t be able to get enough of it. Here’s an all-natural room spray that you can make for a personalised signature home scent.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A clean spray bottle (This recipe is about 250ml of product, you can use reed diffusers too!)
• Your favourite essential oil(s)
• 250 ml Distilled water
• 1 Tbsp Unscented witch hazel

Step 1: Add essential oils to a clean spray bottle. Personally, I love it when my home smells cosy and sweet at the same time. (All essential oils are listed and linked to our essential oils!) To make this blend, we’ll be needing:

• 35 Drops of Lavender
• 28 Drops of Frankincense
• 28 Drops of Ylang Ylang
• 21 Drops of Rosemary

Step 2: Fill the 250ml spray bottle with distilled water and add a tablespoon of witch hazel. This will help to disperse the oils.

Step 3: Pour the essential oil blend into the spray bottle and shake well. Remember to shake before each use.

Note of Caution:

• • Some essential oils can be harmful to children, pregnant women and pets. Especially cats and dogs.
  • Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Cinnamon and Rosemary should be avoided and used with extreme caution around young children and pregnant women.
  • Tea Tree, Cinnamon, Lavender, Citronella and Peppermint are harmful to cats and dogs.
  • So here’s a substitute blend that’s safe for all!

• 40 Drops of Chamomile Roman
• 32 Drops of Frankincense
• 24 Drops of Cedarwood
• 16 Drops of Mandarin

• Ventilation: Some essential oils may be too strong and may cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea if used in excess or poorly ventilated spaces. So make sure your room is well-ventilated especially when using it in spray form.
• Storage: Essential oils should be kept in dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place. Exposure to sunlight or high temperatures can degrade the quality of oils.
• Flammability: Essential oils are flammable. DO NOT keep near open flames or heat sources (like candles or stoves).
• Overuse: Less is more. Using too much can overpower the room, and cause respiratory irritation or long-term desensitisation to certain scents.

Homemade Sugar Scrubs

There’s just something about sugar scrubs that just feel so fancy. Either way, it’s a DIY spa experience that anyone can do! And, since this recipe is made with frugality in mind, there’s no guilt in using it as often as you’d like!

• Sugar scrubs are an inexpensive and natural way to exfoliate your skin gently. The small sugar particles rub away at dry, dead skin to reveal the fresh, and healthy skin underneath.
• These sugar scrubs will also leave your hands feeling moisturised and clean and are especially helpful for restoring dry, cracked skin.
• Sugar scrubs are essentially the gentler and sweeter alternative to salt scrubs. So you can use it on your feet and face as well!
• Sugar scrubs also make lovely gifts, simply pack them in cute packaging and you’re good to go!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A jar to store your sugar scrub, but any airtight container will do.
• ¼ Cup of Jojoba Oil (or Rice Bran Oil)
• 1 Cup of Organic Cane Sugar
• Essential Oils

Step 1: Mix a cup of cane sugar and ¼ cup of olive oil in a medium-sized bowl until well combined. 

• Here are some substitutes:
• Cane Sugar: As cane sugar may be too abrasive for those with sensitive skin, for a gentler option, use brown sugar or blended oats.
• Jojoba Oil: You can use fractionated coconut oil as regular coconut oil is not suitable for this recipe. You can also use sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil or avocado oil.

Step 2: Add essential oils and stir well. For this recipe, I’ll be using one that will leave your skin feeling smooth, moisturised and refreshed.

Gentle Citrus Blend:

• 5 Drops of Mandarin
• 3 Drops of Chamomile Roman
• 2 Drops of Frankincense

Step 3: Mix well and transfer to a clean, airtight glass jar (around 250-300ml). This jar-sized scrub is perfect for your own personal spa experience without breaking the bank and can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 1-2 months.

Ingredient Benefits:

Mandarin: A gentle citrus oil that is uplifting and safe for children and pregnant women, helping to refresh the skin without irritation. Mandarin also helps facilitate healthy bowel movements and relax muscle spasms or abdominal cramps and calmness during pregnancy.

Roman Chamomile: Calms the skin and is known for its soothing properties, making it perfect for sensitive skin. It also helps to reduce tension and muscle or joint pains and removes scars and spots on the skin as well.

Frankincense: Supports healthy skin regeneration and hydration, promoting smooth, glowing skin. For women, frankincense also helps to regulate menstruation, making this the perfect ingredient for that time of the month!

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is very similar to the skin’s natural oils (sebum), making it an excellent moisturiser. Jojoba oil absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue and helps in balancing oil production. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores. Jojoba oil is also full of nutrients and antioxidants and helps to tame inflammation, reduce fine lines, control acne breakouts and soothe sunburn.

Note of caution:

Use gently on sensitive skin as while the sugar scrub is generally safe for most skin types, including children or pregnant women, it is essential that we use it gently on sensitive areas especially delicate skin to avoid broken or irritated skin.

Essential oil concentrations in this scrub are measured to be safe for pregnant women and children who are more sensitive. Hence, we recommend that you stick to the recommended amount and avoid adding more than the recommended amount in the recipe.

Sun Sensitivity (Photosensitivity) due to the use of citrus essential oils can hence make the skin more sensitive to the sun. So, avoid direct exposure to the sun for at least 1-2 hours after using this scrub or ensure you’re wearing sunscreen.

Frequency of use: Limit the use of the scrub to 2-3 times per week to avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to irritated or dry skin.

 

Homemade Essential Oil All-Purpose Cleaner

 

Well, here’s one DIY blend that will definitely be useful for any household. And, whether you’re just sick of commercial cleaners or just sick of having harsh chemicals, here’s a cleaning blend that is safe for all! Including children, pets and pregnant women who are more sensitive while still keeping your house clean and fragrant after use.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Cup of distilled water
• 1 Cup of white vinegar
• 10 Drops of Chamomile 
• 10 Drops of Frankincense

Step 1: In a spray bottle, combine the distilled water and white vinegar.

Step 2: Add the chamomile and frankincense essential oils.

Step 3: Shake gently, label and store in a cool dry place after every use.

This household cleaner is good for everyday cleaning such as countertops, kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. But, if you’d like a strong household cleaner for a deeper clean while still being safe for pets. children and pregnant women, here’s the recipe for you!

Deep Cleaning Essential Oil Cleaner

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• ½ cup of baking soda
• 10 Drops of Tea Tree
• 10 Drops of Eucalyptus
• 10 Drops of Frankincense

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the distilled water and white vinegar and gradually add the baking soda to the liquid mixture. It will fizz, so add slowly in small amounts to prevent overflow.

Step 2: Incorporate essential oils once the fizzing has stopped. Stir the mixture gently to combine them.

Step 3: Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle and keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

This cleaner is good for hard surfaces and is particularly effective on tiles, glass and stainless steel. We would recommend avoiding using this mixture without patch testing first as vinegar cat etch on certain materials. 

Note of caution:

• While baking soda and vinegar are excellent cleaners, avoid using them on marble, granite or any stone surface as it may cause damage to them over time.
• Use in well-ventilated areas, especially in confined spaces or households with children, pets or pregnant women.

DIY Solid Perfume

Ever wanted to join the hype of solid perfumes after seeing ads from Diptyque or Dior’s solid perfumes going viral? Or maybe you want a more portable perfume that is long-lasting and won’t break the bank. And, to add, solid perfumes also make great little gifts for friends and family.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 Tbsp Beeswax pellets
• 2 Tbsp Fractionated Coconut Oil
• 2 Tbsp Jojoba Carrier Oil (You can use our Rice Bran Oil as well, but Jojoba will give your solid perfume a longer shelf life!)
• Your favourite essential oils

Step 1: In a double boiler, combine the beeswax pellets and coconut oil. Heat gently until both are fully melted and mixed together. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even melting.

Step 2: Once melted, remove from heat and add your Jojoba carrier oil into the mixture. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Allow the mixture to cool slightly (about a minute) before adding your essential oils. Stir thoroughly to ensure the oils are evenly distributed. Here are some blends that you can try:

Floral 

• 10 Drops of Geranium
• 10 Drops of Jasmine
• 5 Drops of Chamomile Roman
• 2 Drops of Cedarwood (optional)

Notes:

Top Note: Chamomile

Middle Note: Geranium, Jasmine

Base Note: Optional to add a light woodsy scent like 2 Drops of Cedarwood for depth.

This blend offers a sweet, floral aroma that’s uplifting and calming. Perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion.

Citrusy

• 10 Drops of Grapefruit
• 10 Drops of Ylang Ylang 
• 5 Drops of Petitgrain

Notes: 

Top Note: Grapefruit

Middle Note: Ylang Ylang

Base Note: Petitgrain for a woodsy, citrus note

This blend is vibrant and refreshing, perfect for daytime wear.

Woodsy Spice

• 10 Drops of Cedarwood
• 5 Drops of Cinnamon
• 5 Drops of Sandalwood

Notes:

Top Note: Cinnamon

Middle Note: Cedarwood

Base Note: Sandalwood for a warm, creamy depth

This blend combines warm spices and rich wood scents for a cosy and inviting scent, giving a fall or winter vibe.

Sweet Serenity

• 10 Drops of Vanilla Absolute
• 10 Drops of Specialty Rose/Rose (Or Geranium for a more affordable option)
• 5 Drops of Bergamot

Notes:

Top Note: Bergamot

Middle Note: Specialty Rose/Rose (Or geranium)

Base Note: Vanilla for warmth and sweetness

This is a soft and sweet floral scent that’s calming and comforting, ideal for daily wear.

 

Fresh and Clean

• 10 Drops of Eucalyptus
• 6 Drops of Peppermint
• 6 Drops of Lemon (can substitute with non-citrus like Clary Sage)

Notes:

Top Note: Eucalyptus

Middle Note: Peppermint

Base Note: Lemon (or Clary Sage) for a refreshing finish 

A crisp, invigorating scent that feels fresh and clean, perfect for daily use.

 

Floral Bouquet

• 10 Drops of Specialty Rose/Rose (or Geranium)
• 5 Drops of Jasmine
• 5 Drops of Mandarin
• 5 Drops of Palmarosa
• 1-2 Drops of Cedarwood/Sandalwood (Optional)

Notes:

Top Note: Mandarin, Palmarosa

Middle Note: Specialty Rose/Rose, Jasmine

Base Note: Add a hint of Cedarwood or Sandalwood for a grounding effect

A floral and fruity which is similar to and inspired by Dior’s Blooming Bouquet scent. It evokes a fresh, blooming garden for a light, uplifting aroma perfect for everyday wear.

Step 4: Pour the mixture into small containers or tins and let cool completely until solid. Label the perfume for easy identification.

How to use solid perfumes?

Simply run your finger in the tin and gently place it on heat points like your wrists, side or back of the neck, behind ears, hair or inside of elbow to help the scent diffuse better and linger longer. The scent on this lasts for about 4-6 hours.

Homemade Aromatherapy Playdough

Now that we’ve gone through household, bath and personal DIYs, here’s a fun DIY that you and your kids can do together! Playdough is a soft, pliable dough in vibrant colours that won’t stain your hands and can be a fun and easy way to relax, either for yourself or your kids! 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Cup of flour
• ⅓ Cup of salt
• 2 Tsp Cream of tartar
• 1 Cup of water
• 1 Tbsp Jojoba oil
• Food Colouring (Optional)
• Essential oils of your choice

Step 1: In a saucepan or skillet, add 1 Cup of flour, ⅓ Cup of salt, and 2 Tsp of cream of tartar.

Step 2: Add 1 Cup of water and 1 Tbsp of Jojoba oil as well as your desired essential oils. Then, turn the stovetop burner on low and stir the mixture well. The mixture will be lumpy at this point. But, don’t worry about that. The lumps will disappear as the dough heats up and thickens.

Step 3 (Optional): Before the dough mixture gets too thick, add a few drops of food colouring to your desired colour intensity.

Step 4: Now that the food colouring is mixed in, turn up the heat a little, setting the burner to medium-low. Stir constantly and make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir. From here, the dough is going to start to thicken. Continue stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan. It could take anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes for the playdough to fully thicken. When the dough comes away from the sides of the pan and isn’t wet anymore, remove the play dough from the pan.

Step 5: Remove the play dough from the pan and place it on a piece of waxed paper to cool for about 30 minutes. After the dough has cooled, knead the dough in your hands for a minute until it’s elastic and smooth.

Step 6: Store in an airtight container.

Blends:

Calming: 3 Drops of Lavender, 4 Drops of Chamomile and 2 Drops of Cedarwood

Soothing: 6 Drops of Frankincense and 5 Drops of Geranium

Focus: 5 Drops of Rosemary, 3 Drops of Peppermint (only for children 10 and above), 3 Drops of Cedarwood

Well, that’s all from us! Remember that all essential oils and some related ingredients listed are linked to our very own! We hope this journey has inspired you to unleash your creativity and try your hand at aromatic crafts. So gather your supplies, invite your friends and family and let the crafting begin! Happy Crafting!