Written & Photographed Holly J. Coley, The Upstate Edit
Don’t let the season drain your energy. These DIYs are quick, fun and super easy to personalize. Better yet, most supplies can be found within your local craft or health-food store. Stock up and get to crafting. █
Rollerball perfumes make great stocking stuffers and can be made in less than five minutes.
Tools/Ingredients:
Roller bottle
Carrier oil (such as apricot, jojoba, fractionated coconut)
10–15 drops of essential oil of choice (try jasmine, lavender, vanilla, rose or gardenia)
Decorative pieces (think dried roses, lavender, gemstones or glitter)
Directions:
Place decorative pieces inside bottle, followed by essential oil. Fill the rest of way with carrier oil, seal with rollerball, and cap.
Gifting Tip:
Skip the paper and present this gift in a micro-burlap bag, or create a bow out of hemp cord to wrap around it.
The holidays are hectic, but these bath salts will help anyone relax.
Tools/Ingredients:
½ cup of Epsom salt
½ cup of mineral salts
10 drops of peppermint essential oil
5 drops of orange essential oil
¼–½ cup of dried hibiscus flowers (available at most health-food stores)
Sterilized glass jars with lids
Directions:
In a glass bowl gently mix salts, essential oils and half of the hibiscus flowers together. Add to jars one tablespoon at a time, alternating between the salt mix and remaining flowers to create layers. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place till ready to gift.
You’ll want to burn these candles even after the holidays. These make great presents for your kids’ teachers, coworkers and family gift grabs.
Tools/Ingredients:
(all can be found at a craft store)
One box of microwavable soy wax flakes
Plastic or glass container (to melt wax)
Two 4-ounce glass jars
Two candlewicks with metal bottoms
Glue gun
Large clothes pins
Oven mitts
Dried lavender and dried cloves (about a tablespoon each)
Optional: Essential oil + candle thermometer
Directions:
1. Glue bottom of each wick and place into the center of jars. Use clothes pins to hold upright.
2. Measure out one cup of soy flakes, place in container and microwave in increments of 30 seconds until wax is completely melted. If using fragrance: Wax must be at 185 degrees for scent to fully meld. Measure heat with thermometer. If too low, continue to microwave. Once at the right temperature, add 1½ teaspoons of fragrance and mix.
3. Use your oven mitts while transferring the melted wax into each jar. Wait for wax to turn to the consistency of softened butter before sprinkling dried flowers (it will appear solid, but liquid will be slightly visible at surface). Allow candles to completely harden. The entire process will take two to three hours.
Gifting Tip:
Adorn candle jars with twine and a sprig of thyme or another dried herb or flower.
