DIY Scented Ornaments: Create Festive Holiday Decor

DIY Scented Ornaments: A Festive Touch for Your Home

These delightful scented ornaments, often referred to as “salt dough ornaments,” are actually a modern twist on the traditional recipe. The key difference? There’s absolutely no salt in this version! Instead, we use baking soda and cornstarch, which results in a brilliantly white ornament that is smoother and more durable than its salt dough predecessors. Not only do they look great, but they also fill your home with warmth and holiday cheer thanks to the essential oils infused into them. You can personalize these ornaments with your favorite Christmas scents, such as pine, spruce, fir, cinnamon, peppermint, or orange. Below are 15 suggested essential oil blends to inspire your creations.

Essential Supplies

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• Baking soda
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Essential oil
• White glitter (optional)
• Cookie cutter and/or cookie stamps
• Straw or skewer (to create holes for hanging)
• Ribbon or twine for hanging
• Rolling pin
• Silicone mat or parchment paper

Instructions for Making Scented Ornaments

Step 1:

In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of baking soda.

Step 2:

Add 1/2 cup of cornstarch to the mixture.

Step 3:

Pour in 3/4 cup of water.

Tip: You can use regular tap water for this recipe; there’s no need for distilled water.

Step 4:

Place the pan over medium heat, stirring well to dissolve the baking soda and cornstarch completely.

Step 5:

Continue stirring continuously as the mixture heats. It will reach a boil and thicken, forming a dough ball after about 5 minutes.

Step 6:

Once the dough has thickened and pulls away from the pan’s sides, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before adding 30-40 drops of your chosen essential oil.

Here are some essential oil combinations to consider:

• 30 drops of cinnamon
• 30 drops of peppermint
• 30 drops of fir (select your preferred type: Siberian, white, Douglas, etc.)
• 10 drops of cinnamon + 10 drops of sweet orange + 15 drops of fir
• 20 drops of peppermint + 20 drops of sweet orange
• 20 drops of sweet orange + 10 drops of cinnamon + 10 drops of clove
• 10 drops of frankincense + 10 drops of myrrh + 10 drops of sweet orange
• 20 drops of fir + 20 drops of cedarwood
• 25 drops of peppermint + 10 drops of ylang ylang
• 15 drops of bergamot + 10 drops of ginger + 10 drops of cassia + 10 drops of fir
• 25 drops of peppermint + 10 drops of wintergreen
• 15 drops of sweet orange + 10 drops of fir + 10 drops of spearmint + 5 drops of clove
• 15 drops of peppermint + 5 drops of cassia + 5 drops of wintergreen + 15 drops of sweet orange
• 30 drops of spruce + 10 drops of cypress
• 15 drops of grapefruit + 10 drops of fir + 10 drops of frankincense

Step 7:

Add 1-3 tablespoons of white glitter based on your desired sparkle effect.

Step 8:

Roll the cooled dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Tip: Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking, and avoid rolling the dough too thin to prevent breakage.

Step 9:

Use cookie cutters or stamps to create your ornament shapes.

Tip: For intricate shapes, dip cookie cutters in flour to prevent sticking. For stamps, imprint first and then cut out the shape to ensure proper alignment.

Step 10:

Carefully transfer the cut-out ornaments to a cookie sheet for drying.

Step 11:

Use a straw or skewer to create a hole in the top of each ornament for hanging.

Step 12:

Clean up the ornaments by brushing off any excess flour. If needed, dampen your fingertip to smooth out any imperfections.

Step 13:

Let the ornaments dry for 24 hours.

Tip: After 12 hours, gently flip the ornaments to ensure even drying on both sides.

Step 14:

Finally, tie a piece of ribbon or twine to create a hanger for each ornament.

How to Enjoy Your Scented Ornaments

• Hang the ornaments on your Christmas tree for a festive touch.
• If the scent fades over time and you want to refresh it:
• Place 20 drops of essential oil in a small bowl.
• Set the ornament on top of the oil.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
• Allow it to sit until the oil is absorbed and the ornament is dry.
• Hang it on the tree once again!

Where to Find Your Supplies

This site includes affiliate links. This means that if you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

• Baking soda
• Cornstarch
• Essential oils
• White glitter
• Cookie cutters and/or stamps
• Straws
• Ribbon or twine
• Rolling pin
• Silicone mat or parchment paper

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Please note: The products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on something you read on this site.

Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase a product, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.