The BEST Way To Make a Car Freshie / How To Make Car Freshies (UPDATED) / DIY Air Freshener Tutorial

In this step by step diy tutorial, I will not only show you how to make your own car freshie from start to finish, but will share some tips and tricks that I’ve learned throughout the few years that I’ve been making car freshies! I’ve probably encountered every problem imaginable, so with that being said, I had to figure out all the hacks to avoid the common issues. So if you’re a beginner to making freshies, I think this video will be SO beneficial for you! Even if you’re not a beginner and you’ve made car fresheners before, I think I will have some tips that you can use! :)
Thank you so much for supporting my channel!! Whether you just watched my video, subscribed to my channel, made a purchase on my website, or even used an affiliate link - I wouldn't be able to follow this passion of mine without all of your support! Love you all!
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If you're interested in avoiding some common mistakes or seeing my solutions to popular problems, check out this video where I answer all of your frequently asked questions:
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All of the supplies I used to make these are listed below for your convenience!
**SUPPLIES USED**
mason jars-
amzn.to/2VqzPZN
aroma beads-
www.amazon.com...
cookie cutters-
(Halloween set) amzn.to/3lqLkem
(Cow head) amzn.to/3awImhT
amzn.to/3qXniss
mica pigment powders-
www.amazon.com...
AND
www.amazon.com...
fragrance oils-
www.amazon.com...
AND
www.amazon.com...
AND
www.amazon.com...
packaging (holographic bags)-
www.amazon.com...
elastic cord-
www.amazon.com...
cookie sheet-
www.amazon.com...
roofing nails-
www.amazon.com...
pliers-
www.amazon.com...
puffy paint-
www.amazon.com...
**These have lots of other names that you can find more info on - Just try searching:
car freshies, car freshie, air fresheners, car charms, car candles, car candle, car smellies, car smelly, aromies, car scentsy, car freshener, car freshener
**This video contains affiliate links - When you purchase through some of the links above, I receive a tiny commission from your purchase. There is no additional cost to you. Please know that I never link anything I haven't used myself nor would I recommend a product I wouldn't use.

[@dodismith2338]

We are making them now, thanks to you! We had a craft show this weekend and sold around $300 of freshies! Just our second show

[@CreativelyErica]

Omg, that's amazing!! I love hearing that 🥰 Congrats Dodi!

[@dodismith2338]

@@CreativelyErica thank you for the freshie update. It will help us make an even better freshie

[@CreativelyErica]

@@dodismith2338 Anytime! Always room for improvement, right!? 😅

[@sheilasunsdahl2867]

Dodi may I ask what you sold them for each?

[@ashleyacosta3751]

I’m just starting out how much do I charge for a freshie

[@kaitlyng9339]

This is the most informative & straight to the point tutorial I have seen for car freshies - which is sooo helpful for me as a beginner! Thank you so much! 🙂

[@CreativelyErica]

So glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@PaulaRamsey-t9e]

​@@CreativelyEricathis is awesome ❤

[@lovesky15]

Millionaire here❤

[@cindybryant4987]

Loved the tutorial, but I also loved the "bloopers" at the end. Fun!

[@CreativelyErica]

So glad you loved it! 🥰 sometimes they're just too funny to not share 🤣

[@louisecall7303]

I love all your videos you have taught me so much. I have spent loads of money starting to make them. I have made a lot, but I need to be honest they smell in my car for maybe a day and then I never smell it again. I feel very guilty selling them to customers in case that happens to them. They all asked me how long they last and I told them I just started making them so I am not quite sure. I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong.

[@sassyTK41517]

Watching this tutorial again (I've lost count of how many times. LOL!) I have a bulk order for Christmas gifts and am using various containers, colors and scents so I used a scale to measure the beads. The 4oz beads/1T scent ratio is working beautifully!! Today is only the 1st full day & everything is drying quickly, even with colors added! So far, 1st time looks to be a win-win! Thank you!!!!

[@theresaharrison1348]

Thank you for your detailed easy directions. I’m a beginner! Love checking out all your tutorials!!!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much for watching! Glad to help! 🥰

[@LatinaNailDesignz]

Thanks for all the information 😊

[@lorriekeaton3874]

I've been watching your videos me and my daughter are starting to make freshies your videos are the best I've seen

[@jo-annjewett198]

I live in south Texas where it is very humid. I make 16 oz at a time by weight and my beads usually are dry the next day. I use candle dye not mica and I wonder if that causes it to dry so quickly. I am going to try mica. I do have dedicated bowls for my colors and just mix them every once in awhile until dry. Also a small paper cup pinched on one side works great for pouring.

[@jenniferrodgers322]

Hi Erica...love the tutorial! How many ounces of beads would it take to make a 4" cookie cutter - just like a round 4" cookie cutter? I'm just trying to figure out about how many freshies can be made from a 5 pouncd bag. Thanks!

[@OmarVlogs-u7h]

This is a complete tutorial... I love it.

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you!

[@heather81280]

When you first mentioned the skull cookie cutter I was like “huh🧐?!…you mean snowman? Cause that is a snowman!”😂🤣 seriously tho, from my perspective, upside down it looked like a snowman! If it looks that good in person ya might be able to use it for 2 different designs or shapes! Thank You for the perfect informational video!! I have a few websites saved and was literally doing research on them, all the stuff you talked about in this, most of the day yesterday!! So it was perfect timing and the perfect video for me! As soon as this one ends I’m trying out your links, video and supplies 🙂 Thank You again!!!

[@CreativelyErica]

Omg I didn't even see a snowman but that could totally work! That's perfect 😅 Thank you so much for watching!! Glad you found it helpful 🥰 Definitely recommend! Let me know how they turn out 💕

[@PattyHicks]

LOVE the video. I'm just getting started, thank you for the help.

[@dawnjones-antilley6114]

Thank you so much! My husband thinks since I am so crafty ( ha) that I should be doing this instead of paying someone else. I love how you show step by step. Easy to understand! BTW...you are gorgeous!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much Dawn! I agree with your husband, you should totally be making these (especially if you're crafty), they're so fun! 🥰

[@georgialewis7645]

Awesome, Tutorial!!❤

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you!

[@Chellybelly_813]

Can’t wait to make mine! Ur so purdy! And I love ur kitchen (from the other video) ♥️

[@CreativelyErica]

They're so fun! Aw, that's so sweet! Thank you!! 😊

[@michellemills6242]

I really enjoyed your video and thank you so much for the thorough explanation. I don’t know if I’ll try making it yet, but I was ordering some cookie cutters off of Amazon to make cookies. And all these suggested beads and oils started popping up so it got me curious.

[@janeypoo2012]

Do you have to mix up the mica powder and scent beforhand? what I have done is just put my scent into the freshies in a large mason jar and then i add the colors as I am making the freshies.. for example- I use plastic bags to mix the color onto the beads. You are seriously so helpful!! Thank you :)

[@cherylmossing6317]

I love the color of your hair it's very pretty

[@creece14]

How long do beads last in the jars? Could you make your beads in bigger batches and store them until you need to use them?

[@beckychrisman6959]

love love your tutorials, you are amazing!!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much Becky! 🥰

[@deborahevors4850]

Thanks!!😊

[@rainquintero393]

LOVE THIS VIDEO!!! you’re amazing!! THANK YOU

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much for watching!! 🥰

[@sherriepatrick6713]

How long do the Freshies last in the car's? Love your Video

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you! It really depends on the quality of beads/oils you use AND your climate. They can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months in my experience. In the colder months they'll last a lot longer than in the hotter months. The heat/sun definitely weaken the scent faster.

[@pennystebbins7057]

Thank you! How would you add a bow to the cow design?

[@elsiedeleon4484]

Thank you for your fabulous videos! They are very well produced! Very informative, clear instructions, and motivating!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much Elsie!! 🥰

[@denawilson7433]

Do you have additional tutorials on painting the freshies? Also ombre effects with the beads

[@jezmin1491]

I was todays years old when I found out this freshies existed 🤦‍♀️🤣 and I wanna make them haha

[@GodzillaGaming15]

Love your tutorial.... but... what happens with the rust spot on the freshie?!?

[@JanealsJunque]

Hi! new to your channel and love it!! Wanted to ask what pigment did you use on the skull head and cow in this video? Love it~ thank you!

[@anganderson4966]

Question? When airing out the beads do I use and air tight container with lid or do you leave the lid off?

[@sandracarrillo5150]

The mason jar you use in this video is the size I use to cure my beads in & I use an ounce of the fragrance oil in there (I usually almost fill the jar with beads to a little under the rim... around the shoulder of jar basically). Some freshies unfortunately just don't smell, should I be using more than an ounce???

[@bugg444.]

Okay I understand everything your saying but let’s say I cure some beads and I have extra left over and I keep it in a container for a month can I use it for another freshie ? Or do they go old or lose there smell? I’m new to this business I just started my own

[@nancyford5053]

Love this!! Cant you make some car freshies kits to get us started?? Plezzz ty

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks! & ya know, you're actually not the first to ask and I've been seriously considering it lately 🤔

[@sheilasunsdahl2867]

Love this video thank you! After you bake your freshies and do the touch check should they be hard or flexible like rubbery?

[@rockulikeahurricane]

Thank you for this video, i had watched your first one but i still haven’t tried them yet but i would like to do some for Christmas gifts :) one question though, do they all have a yellowish mark where the nail was at and does that coloring come off? Thanks so much

[@joshhewett86]

How do you put the scent in? I have one that is running out of scent and I can’t find a scent I like.

[@dellalucio3845]

Is it safe to use kitchen oven? that is also used for baking food we eat??

[@tanyabonnett7787]

I've not seen these made in Australia, thankyou for sharing how to make these I love this idea. At what temperature do I put my oven on and how long do these last? I hope you don't mind me asking these questions I'm a new subscriber.

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching! I don't mind at all, love helping others🥰 Bake at 300⁰F. How long they last varies on several factors- how strong the scent is, the quality of the fragrance oil and aroma beads, how large/deep the freshie is, and mainly your overall climate. The hotter it is outside, the faster they'll fade. Mine typically last anywhere from 3-8 weeks depending on the season. Summertime about 3 weeks, winter= 8 weeks. Hope this helps! Thanks for subscribing 💕

[@tanyabonnett7787]

@@CreativelyErica thankyou so much it's Winter her in Tasmania Australia so I can't wait to try making these. Enjoy your day

[@lkmc1952]

Thanks for your great tutorial. I am planning to start making freshies to sell at Canton trade days. Will be few months before I will be able to get it all together.

[@signaturedesserts]

Can you use anything for fragrance other than oils?

[@diyredneckhilton]

Just curious does the scent get on your hands since you aren't wearing gloves?

[@sandracarrillo5150]

Extremely informative, ty

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching!

[@staceykuntz6352]

Any special glue for gluing on decorations? EXCELLENT information and training!!! You are awesome!

[@SheilaKeels]

Hello Erica, I am new to this. My freshie had bubbles what cause that.

[@karentommila1745]

I my local area I can’t find any quart size canning jars. Can I use like a plastic Rubbermaid container? Or what alternative can I use?

[@CreativelyErica]

Yes! I use food containers all the time for big batches, as long as you get one that is pretty air tight.

[@karentommila1745]

@@CreativelyErica amazing Thanks so much!!

[@marriannetucker5057]

How long should the scent last once done & in the car? I bought one on vacation in june & i can no longer smell it.

[@kayea7877]

Can you use any other kind of paint?

[@TASIAD427]

Fantastic video! So I formative. New to the channel

[@amarez3020]

Can you show how to mix scents , like leather and vanilla how would I even the smell out?

[@CreativelyErica]

Oooh that's a great idea for a video! I'll add it to my list 🥰 thanks love!

[@bobwilder4241]

Cinnamon and vanilla my favorite but hard to find

[@cherylkane3865]

If you dont' mind us asking, what oven temperature do we need to have it on, and for about how long before we start checking to see if they can be pulled out yet?

[@CreativelyErica]

300º for apx 12 minutes

[@maraleepaulus6605]

What temperature do you set your oven on

[@HayleyLane-k9k]

Does the 4oz/1tbsp differ for a small mold or is it the same for all molds? I am a beginner so I am trying to figure out this for a small business!

[@sabrinalochridge5711]

Thank you for this great video, I have a question on how you label your packages for sale for the federal and state laws. What do you need on car freshie packages!? Can you please help me with this. Thank you so much in advance!

[@ReynaDPerez]

How long does the scent last ?

[@Angie.Abrahams]

Hi, besides the puffy paint, which other paint do you recommend? Will acrylic paint work?

[@deborahhall4013]

What is the price range you sell these for and approximately how much do they cost to make?

[@natashalopezdearenosa9626]

I'm new to these... are they reusable? What's the environmental impact? Trimming the excess made me just think of the microplastic problem we have.

[@CindyRush-r9f]

Where did you get your big cow head? I have a little one but I love the bigger one to decorate.

[@chelseamansfield9676]

This is awesome that you are sharing your knowledge!! I am now a stay at home mommy and do my job job ( hair) part time on the weekends so I'm kinda looking for something else to do part time while im home!! Thank you again, you're awesome!! Also, I love your hair color! :)

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching Chelsea! These are so much fun to make and decorate!! Let me know how yours turn out! And thanks, I'm due for a new color but I'm so indecisive that I just leave it 😅 (this has gone on for like 9+ months)

[@mendyburns789]

So what temperature do You put your oven on??

[@makinseyschriver9317]

Do you have another updated videos of these ?

[@Cari_Olman]

How long do the scented beads last after their cured? Like if I don't use the whole jar to make freshies how long will they last in the jar?

[@lorrainenavarrette4827]

What size glass jars do we need to buy

[@ChandraOwens-g4z]

Can you add mica powder to already scented aroma beads?

[@BeechHillSoap]

Great video! Can you use a toaster oven to bake your freshies? If so, what would be the baking time and temperature?

[@CreativelyErica]

You sure can, I've never used so I'm not sure on the temp and time. I would start lower and for less time to be safe and just keep checking until they're done.

[@heathersmith5379]

How long will the beads hold their scent in jars?

[@JenniferPortillos]

What do you store your cured beads in? I cure in mason jars and leave in there until I run out but I feel like im always waiting for beads to cure by doing that. If I could move them to a different container and start curing right away that would be awesome.

[@sweethrt3219]

So do you do your beads 4 oz to 1/2 oz of oil? Cause 2 tablespoons equals 1 oz. You only did 1 tablespoon? I am reading everywhere that its 4oz of beads to 1 oz of oil?

[@abbybaldwin7550]

You have taught me to let the beads cure with mica powder instead of adding it later. Here’s my concern with that, i feel like you can measure out your beads with powder easier afterwards. how would you do it before? I’m hoping my question makes sense. for example the cow ears. if you make a separate black batch of scented. and a superset white and pink batch, do you still make the 4oz batches? or are they smaller? i feel like that’s a lot of extra work? but obviously i understand it pays off. maybe you can help me understand haha

[@CreativelyErica]

Pigmenting the beads before is just my personal preference. You can totally color them after if that's easier for you and your freshies bake well. For me, I never make just one of any freshie, I'm always making batches at a time. So for the cow example, I might mix 4 oz of pink beads but that'll give me enough pink beads for like 7 cows, ya know? If I wasn't doing freshies in batches (like I used to make 1 or 2 of each when I was doing craft fairs), I would still pigment before, but I was literally estimating how much to color but I've made so many that I've always been pretty accurate and rarely have leftover beads. If I did ever have left over beads, I would save them until I accumulated enough to make a freshie for myself. So it might of been a multi-colored freshie with a ton of different beads (all the same scent of course), but then atleast nothing was wasted.

[@abbybaldwin7550]

@@CreativelyErica ah that makes sense. i’m just afraid it won’t turn out as great if i add the color after

[@CreativelyErica]

Never hurts to try! I would just start by adding very little at a time and see what works best. When I tried I think I added too much pigment so mine didn't bake well and I had pigment rubbing off on my fingers.

[@katherineglasier7590]

Is there a difference in the finished product depending on what shape of aroma beads you use?

[@sherryhalerz7264]

Have you tried to sand the rough side to make it smooth so they are smooth on both sides? And once they loose their scent is there a way to add more scent to them?

[@joimiellederoma9362]

Hi! Is it necessary to bake them? Or can I also just put them in a small mesh bag without baking them.

[@jordynwilkerson2652]

do you let the mica powder cure with the beads when you add the scent? or do you let the beads cure then add the mica powder?

[@bridgettlewis5113]

Do you have to bake different scents separately or is it okay to bake them at the same time?

[@lkmc1952]

Also do you have a craft show setup video?

[@MacyDugan]

What do you get the color from?

[@brianagabriella]

Love your channel! Are there any recommendations for already scented aroma beads?

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks! & sorry, I've never tried pre-scented beads before

[@MasterbeaderBrooke]

Just finished watching this and this was really great and informative, nice work. Although quick question. can you somehow remove the discoloration left behind by the nail for the hole? Is it melted in or can it be rubbed off? Thanks.

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks! I've never been asked that before- Honestly, I haven't ever tried to remove it with anything so I'm not sure. It doesn't just rub off as far as I can tell though. I don't really notice it once I put the elastic cord through the hole, it kind of conceals it (along with any other decorations I use). I also want to note I've never had any complaints from customers about it so either they don't even notice or they just don't care. It's typically only prevalent on white or lighter colors though.

[@kristywilson818]

Should I use a carrier oil with the fragrance oils? I bout the 10ml bottles from Amazon. Seems like you would use half the bottle for only one color. Thank you.

[@teresahewgill8880]

Can you scent the aroma beads and then add the mica powder before you bake them? I'd like to have some beads cured but color then after I know what I'm going to be making. Is that possible?

[@angelrdew4433]

Your hair is gorgeous! I had to do a TLC cut because I processed it too much and I cringe every time I have it down. Any who! I’m getting ready to scent and color my beads, finally! I was wondering starting out did you do trials like measuring how many beads would fill a certain shape x how many times you wanted that shape to know how many/much? beads you needed to color in that particular color? Sorry if confusing. I just started out with a 3 lb bag, eventually I want a bunch of colors ready on hand (when I get a big bag of beads in) but for now how would you recommend starting/separating them out?

[@solveddiy2742]

I really love your videos 💕

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you so much 💕

[@angelinalozada189]

Thank You.

[@abbywingate6872]

How do you paint a freshie and the paint not crack and look like crap?? Other things I’ve seen say acrylic matte paint. I tried that and it failed 😞

[@shannon7075]

I’m looking for where to order black ice and new car scent. Any suggestions of where to get the oil?

[@kelseasimpson3289]

Can you please tell me what size scent proof bags I should purchase ??

[@lexijohnson6562]

Great video! I have a quick question! Approximately how many ounces of beads go into a cookie cutter?

[@the_redhead32]

Love your video! I have watched a lot of tutorials on car freshies and yours is awesome! How many freshies can you make with 4oz of beads? If you're making like a big batch of freshies, how much beads do you use at a time? I'm starting out and wondering what size bags I should get to make a few freshies to experiment with. Like how much beads should I prepare in order to make like three or four at a time? TIA! :)

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you! I'd say I usually get 1-2 freshies for every 4 oz of beads. But it really depends on the sizes of your cookie cutters/molds and how much you're pouring into those. Hope this helps!

[@ivideorandomstuff4591]

Have you ever run into aroma beads smelling like glue? And what was your fix to this? Does it even matter after you bake the scent into them? We got our beads from butitshipit

[@connerwilkerson3873]

Is there a way to fix an already baked car freshie that didn't absorb all the oil and is now oily to the touch

[@trohlfs01]

Hi Erica, I have a question about watching your car freshie tutorials. I have seen your measurements are 4 0z beads by volume and 1 tablespoon oil and in others its the same beads with 1oz of oil. That seems to be a big difference in volume in oil. Based on the first measurement I have made a bunch of freshie beads which are almost ready and I hate to think I've added to little oil. Please let me know. Thanks - Tania

[@chelleglenney156]

Can I buy oils and refresh my car freshies? If so what's the best way to freshen them up. 💕

[@lori5165]

How much do u sell your Freshies for. Large, med & Small. Thanks for the updated video. Helps a lot. 🙂

[@CreativelyErica]

They range from $7-$10 depending on size, how many colors, how they're decorated, etc. Basically just like with all of my other products, the more time and money I spend on making it, the more I charge for them.

[@lori5165]

@@CreativelyErica ok thank u so much.

[@branwenfox2006]

I use a silicone spray for removing them easier. Cooking spray can get thick and go rancid.

[@4scottfamilyadventures]

What would you say are the top 5 most popular oils we should start with?

[@karson457]

Hey Question! How long do the beads last in the jars?

[@julieburcham2671]

Could you use dip powders? Like the nail dip?

[@CreativelyErica]

Not sure, I've never tried that before. If you so, let me know how they turn out!

[@brooklynridenour2721]

So if you have left over beads, if you leave the beads in the jar how long can they stay in the jar until the smell is gone to the point you can’t re use them?

[@CreativelyErica]

I'm honestly not 100% on the answer to this, as I've never had beads lose their scent from being in the jar so long. I'd say the LONGEST I've ever had beads in sealed jars was 2-3 months. They still smelt amazing when I opened the jar (but i hadn't opened it since the last time I had used them). I should probably do an experiment on this 😅

[@Brittbc]

Is it safe to use the beads as they are after being cured without baking them?