Happy, happy Sunday and welcome to my very last {all things Fall} post! And what a journey it’s been!
With it’s crisp air, stunning colours and fab fashion, there’s no season I love more than Autumn! Yet, for reasons unknown, I’ve wasted years not decking my house out with all things Fall! How have I not done this sooner?!
After sharing two full weeks of Fall inspiration, I’m SO thrilled to say that my house is feeling as cozy as ever having been filled with all sorts of new Fall decor! Having started with not one single, solitary Fall decoration in our home, I’d have to say the transformation has been pretty huge! Check out how it’s all come together with on my front porch & entryway! And, I’m even more excited about our cozy Fall fireplace!!!
For my very last {all things Fall} DIY, I wanted to show you how I’ve taken it all up a notch … this DIY Reed Diffuser is filling our home with the most perfect Fall scent!
So, here’s how you can make one of your own …
What you’ll need:
– pretty bottle
– bamboo skewers
– essential oils (I used Sandalwood, Lavender and Vanilla)
– rubbing alcohol or vodka
First and foremost, you’ll need to find yourself a great bottle to hold everything. Keep in mind that you’ll want it to have a small(ish) opening so that the liquid doesn’t evaporate really quickly on you. I happened to have some pretty little bottles left over from reed diffusers that I purchased for the Christmas season last year – I just knew there was some reason that I kept these lying around!
Now the fun part … for the base of your liquid, you could choose to use either oil or water. Because water is SO much less messy if it gets spilled (and let’s face it, with a toddler in the house that’s not just a possibility, it’s a probability!), I of course, chose to go with water – one cup to be exact. We all know that oil and water don’t mix, so you’ll need to add something to help the essential oils bond with the water base. That’s where the alcohol comes in. I added 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol (95% alcohol) because, with two adventurous boys in my house (one old enough to know better and one following in his Daddy’s footsteps!), THAT’S the alcohol that we had in our house, but I’ve also read that you can use vodka in place of the rubbing alcohol. The very last step was to add my essential oils. To keep things warm and cozy feeling I opted to add 12 drops of Sandalwood, 8 drops of Lavender and 6 drops of Vanilla, which turned out to be the perfect Fall scent! You could totally play around with this creating all sorts of wonderful scents for your home!!!
Finally, I popped in my bamboo skewers (you can pick up a big pack of these from the dollar store). And there you have it, your very own reed diffuser with a custom Fall aroma!!!
I’ve been flipping the sticks every day or so just to keep that wonderful scent spilling out into the room and these reed diffusers have our house smelling so perfectly Fall! They’ve really added that special final touch to our Fall home!!!
Thank you SO, SO much for following along with this CRAZY journey to fill my home with {all things Fall}! I’ve had so much fun warming my house with so much fab Fall decor and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s all come together!
Wishing you SUCH a wonderful day!
PS. You can find me sharing here & Savvy Southern Style.
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
This is such a neat idea, Kristi!! Sometimes (especially in fall and winter) I go through candles like they’re going out of style! This is neat cause I can use my oils… I think I have everything on hand to make one! This was such a great series of awesome fall things…hope you have a wonderful week, friend!
Kristi says
You always have the sweetest things to say Kendra! I’m thrilled that you love this and that you’ve enjoyed following along! Wishing you a fab week too my friend!!!
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Great idea Kristi! “Quality” natural diffusers are so expensive to buy. You just saved me $$$ because I just recently ordered an assortment of essential oils and thanks to this post, will give your recipe a try first (on my To Do List for tomorrow). Thanks!
Kristi says
I’m SO glad Marie!!! It’s been about a week and mine are still going strong!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness says
Awesome, and SO EASY!! I had no idea it was that easy. Such a great idea for fall, now I need to go find some other essential oils! 🙂
Kristi says
SO happy you love it Amanda!!! I had no idea either, but I’ll definitely be doing this myself from now on!!!
Erica says
What a great idea! I got a diffuser set as a gift a few months ago, but the oil is almost gone – I’m glad I can make my own now!
Kristi says
I had no idea you could make your own either! SO simple and SO much less expensive!!!
Kelly says
Great gift idea too, Kristi! Thanks for sharing.
Kristi says
It totally would be!!! Thank you SO much Kelly!
Krista @ the happy housie says
This is such a great project- I had no idea you could DIY these Kristi!! Wow!
Kristi says
Thanks Krista! I didn’t know either until I did a bit of research! I don’t think I’ll ever be buying another again now that I know!!!
Heather @ new house new home says
Great idea, Krista! I’m always looking at these, but they are too expensive. Your DIY makes them affordable and so much more personalized. Thanks. Pinning!
Kristi says
Thank you Heather! I can’t wait to play around with some new scents for Christmas too!!!
Becca says
I was just looking for a DIY reed diffuser tutorial! Thanks! I was searching after I found this Pumpkin Spice Room Spray EO recipe from Wellness Mama (http://wellnessmama.com/24261/pumpkin-spice-room-spray/) and she mentioned using the combo in a reed diffuser. Welp I know what tonight’s project is! 🙂
Kristi says
Oh, how PERFECT!!! I’m going to have to check out that room spray now!
Breanna says
I’m totally making these! I’m a candle junkie but they always burn SO fast. This sounds so easy to make and I love the idea of picking your own bottle for them! All your fall inspiration was so much fun to follow along with! xo
Kristi says
Thank you SO much Bre!!! I love to use reed diffusers just because they’re always working to make my house smell pretty! Plus, you could totally find some rad bottles to use!!! Thanks again friend!
Lory Bernstein says
So pretty and I bet it smells amazing! I’ve bought essential oils but never knew what to do with them. You’ve definitely inspired me… 🙂 Your post really resonated with me, because I too never really decorated for fall before and I so love having my house decked out for the season now. No idea why I never did it either, since I’ve always loved fall!
Kristi says
Thank you SO much Lory!!! I’m thrilled that you’re feeling inspired! I think blogging has a way of inspiring you even more than Pinterest ever could – I was always pinning away without ever really making much until I started blogging! I can’t wait to see everyone’s homes all decked out for Christmas!!!
Gentle Joy says
I have one all set up and ready to start, but wasn’t sure about the base to use… one thing I read was to use the oil, but I don’t have the right oil, SO this was perfect timing for me to see this. 🙂 Thank you
Kristi says
Oh that’s PERFECT!!! I’m thrilled I was able to help!!!
Beverly Roderick says
What a great idea! I have all the items you used on hand.. I know what I’ll be doing later today. I love how clear your directions are about the quantity of liquids you used.
Kristi says
Oh, that’s great Beverly!!! I can’t wait to start experimenting with some scents for Christmas!!!
Sarah J says
Popping over from Merry Monday! Love reed difusers! They are my go to scent provider in the warmer months because I can’t bear to light a candle.
Kristi says
Thank you Sarah!!! I agree! They’re the perfect way to infuse your home with a lovely, welcoming scent!!!
Michelle @ Hey Love Designs says
I used to buy these all the time and thought to myself “I bet these would be so much cheaper to make!” Thanks for making it easy on me and providing instructions. I found you through the Titi Crafy Bewitching Projects link up!
Kristi says
That’s great Michelle!!! I’m SO happy to help! I’ve always got a few store bought reed diffusers around the house and I burn essential oils all the time – I cannot believe I haven’t thought of mixing the two sooner!!!
Olivia says
This is so awesome! I’ve always wanted to make a reed diffuser as I love how they look. Another great use for essential oils! Thanks for sharing!
Kristi says
Thanks Olivia! I can’t believe I didn’t think of trying this sooner!!!
Gail Akeman says
This idea of a diffuser would probably be better and cheaper than buying a electric diffuser.
Kristi says
Definitely Gail! Thank you!
Julie says
I’d been wondering if you can make new “filling” for these yourself, I’ve kept a few bottles from shop bought ones (too nice to throw away) I’ll enjoy having a go with this. thanks
Kristi says
Oh good!!! I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of this sooner!!!
Karen says
I love using essential oils to make my house smell great, but I have never tried this! Thank you for the great tutorial. I’ve already got a perfect bottle and some oils; just need to run to the dollar store for the reeds. Pinning, tweeting, and posting on my FB page.
Thanks for sharing at Wake Up Wednesday!
Kristi says
Oh thank you SO much Karen!!! I’m thrilled that you love it! I can’t wait to try out some different combos for Christmas!!!
Amberjane says
Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board. I never realised I could make my own – thanks for the inspiration Kristi 🙂
Kristi says
Thank you Amberjane! I can’t believe I didn’t think of this sooner too!
Kristina @ My Own Home Blog says
This is a more budget friendly alternative to candles! Love it! I just wish I could use these in my home without my cat spilling it everywhere! Maybe I can find a high enough shelf for this idea! 🙂
Thanks for sharing at Talented Tuesday!
Kristi says
Thank you Kristina!!! Hopefully the fact that they are mostly water will help if they do end up getting spilled!
Bev says
Oh, I can almost smell the oils! This looks like an easy DIY and a really nice (and natural) alternative to store-bought air fresheners. Can’t wait to try it out! Stopping by from the Pretty Pintastic Party.
Kristi says
Thank you Bev!!! I think it’s a fabulous way to reap the benefits from essential oils and play around with some custom scents too. Not to mention that it’s so much less expensive than the store bought version!
Tammy @ TOTS Family says
What a simple yet elegant touch to a room! I’m sure it smells great too! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party! I’ve pinned you post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Kristi says
Thank you SO much Tammy! I cannot wait to play around with some new scents for the Christmas season now!!!
Megan Walker says
I love the idea of using sandalwood in a reed diffuser. I’ve never used one before, but I LOVE the scent of sandalwood! Thanks for sharing on Hump Day Happenings : )
Kristi says
It’s THE perfect scent for Fall (and winter too)! Thanks so much Megan!
Kimberly says
Great idea! Pinned. Lou Lou Girls
Kristi says
Thank you Kimberly!!!
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters says
I’ve always wondered how to make my own! Thanks for sharing! Also wanted to let you know about a new linky party starting this Saturday at 8pm called “Found & Foraged” Can’t wait to party with you at http://www.houseofhipsters.com
Kristi says
SO happy you love it Kyla! I still can’t believe I haven’t thought of this sooner! And thanks for sharing, I’ll be sure to swing by!!!
Glenna @ My Paper Craze says
I’m so glad you shared this post! I spend a small fortune on different air fresheners. I am going to go with the rubbing alcohol though and not use up my vodka! lol Thanks for sharing with Creative Spark Link Party.
Glenna @ My Paper Craze
Kristi says
I’m SO happy you found it helpful Glenna!!! And yes, with the holidays coming, you’ll definitely want to save your vodka for something much more fun 😉
Sarah @ EDEA SMITH says
Really great idea! I always buy these and they can cost a small fortune.
Must try a DIY version 🙂
Sarah @ EDEA Smith
http://www.edea-smith.co.uk
Kristi says
Thank you Sarah! I’m so happy you found it helpful!!!
Lin says
I never knew you had to flip the sticks to keep the scent coming!!!!–thanks for sharing!!
Kristi says
Oh good! It took me ages to learn that little trick too Lin! 🙂