How To Make Car Freshies / DIY Make Your Own Car Fresheners -Pt1 / Car Freshie Step by Step Tutorial

Want to learn how to make car freshies? Watch this easy DIY step by step tutorial on how I make a car freshener / air freshener / car candles (or as I like to call them, car freshies!) that lasts 6+ weeks!
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:
• Avoid These Common Mis...
If you're interested in seeing how I decorate some car freshies, check out this video:
• How to Decorate Car Fr...
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!
If you wanna show some more love and support, check out the links below:
Shop my products (WEBSITE) - www.paintedgyp...
Buy Me a Coffee (DONATE) - www.buymeacoff...
Let's be friends (FOLLOW ME) - linktr.ee/pain...
Send me a letter (P.O. BOX) - PO Box 14672 , Knoxville , TN 37914
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-
amzn.to/3qXniss
mica pigment powders-
www.amazon.com...
AND
www.amazon.com...
fragrance oils (ones used in this video)-
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.

[@jenmathison2543]

Oh great. New hobby unlocked. Thank you! ❤️

[@CreativelyErica]

Part 2 on how to decorate car freshies is now posted! Let me know what y'all think!

[@donnamaxwell3376]

I am in Florida and have them in the ac in the house and it has been 3 days and not even close to being anything but wet. I measured exactly any tips???? I really need these done and its not even close to being absorbed?

[@CreativelyErica]

It could be the beads you are using and how much you have in the jars. I've noticed if I have my jars almost full, they take longer to absorbs the oil. When that's the case for me and I'm on a crunch, I take an empty jar and split the beads in half (pouring the other half in the empty jar). Then add some more plain beads (1/4 - 1/3 cup) to each jar to help absorb the oil.

[@donnamaxwell3376]

@@CreativelyErica i only have the jars with 6oz in them and i used 3 tsp of fragrance oil. I moved them into the hall last night by the a/c to see if it would help in a colder area of the house but like i said 4 days and no change. It has been so humid out and raining daily. Like you said Florida is harder.

[@MsMarketing01]

I just said how much it’s become expensive when it comes to buying car fresheners. Finding this video is exciting. I can’t wait to try it out. Thank you for making this video. Very well explained!

[@CreativelyErica]

You're so welcome! They're so fun to make! Good luck 👍

[@KarenYauney]

You are such a wonderful artist and teacher!! Wish you were closer so I could take a in-person class. I have watched just every video you out on freshies. Keep the good work coming.

[@itsmeashiab]

I love how you explained everything in this video! Very helpful!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much! Glad to help!

[@clarahamiltoons]

My family has a Christmas tree farm, and I’m making some of these to sell there! Thank you so much!

[@DanielitaAFTheCraftyMixologist]

This is my first time ever seeing or even hearing a tutorial about these!!! Absolutely loved them and subscribed.

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you so much! 😘

[@jennbroich]

Thanks so much for doing this! I had purchased one and I absolutely loved it and wondered how to make myself! You did such a great job at explaining simply how to do this! Now I’m so motivated and with Christmas coming, I’m making for the whole family! Thanks again!

[@CreativelyErica]

Yay! So glad my video helped you! Thanks for the support!

[@lukewuka8175]

Will def do dis w/ my grandmaaaa ♥️

[@brandon9916]

Such a good idea what you could do is take some neodymium magnets they’re small but super strong and just put them on the back of the pan and they’ll stick to the pan too but they’ll also grab the nails and keep them right where you want them until you’re done.

[@Chron-sl4nd]

Rather than melt, I think I'll just scent the beads in a jar then put them in the little mesh bags to hang then I can just put them back in the jar and add more oil. But, I did not know these beads existed so I would not have known without you. Thank you for that 😀

[@Chron-sl4nd]

Let me add that I am a female. My photo is my cousin who is an Alaskan fire chief on the Pipeline.

[@luxe-zone-butterfly_]

Hi Erica! I wanted to make a car freshie for me, put the beads out this afternoon and now it is evening and my beads are dried completely. Texas heat will do that, lol.

[@brujachingona2175]

This is, hands down, THE BEST TUTORIAL on Freshies there is. Thank you SOOO MUCH!!!!!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@yvonnelewis6816]

I’m a bit of an insomniac and came across your channel whilst surfing the web never seen these before but I’m hooked already can’t wait to get going on this project your tutorials are clear and concise,thank you .

[@CreativelyErica]

Totally get that, I'm a night owl myself lol. That's awesome! They're fun to get into. Thanks!

[@bethhankins7710]

Thanks so much for a good clear video and thorough directions !!!

[@monalisasmiles9293]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. Have been wanting to make these for a while. I was able to teach my daughter to make these as well. Would love more videos of how to decorate other shapes.

[@ThePackQueen]

The removal was so satisfying

[@daisyzamora3123]

Awesome video motivated me to get started on my freshie journey to add to my small decal business thank you!!

[@CreativelyErica]

YASSS! Love to hear that!!

[@jordanpowell351]

Hello! I love your videos so much! Thank you so much for sharing. I am completely new to making crafts and have a few questions if you don’t mind. 1. How long will a freshie last, scent wise in the bags? 2. Does it matter if it’s the top or bottom rack in the oven? 3. Would cooking time change if I use a silicone mold? Thank you so much!

[@leahweathers8878]

First diy that caught my eye!! I’ve been trying to figure out how to make these and where to get everything for so long!! Great tutorial!!! definitely gained my subscription!!💗

[@CreativelyErica]

Glad I could help! Thanks for the support!

[@enolaseclecticmind5086]

I’m way late to this party so if it’s been said I’m sorry. However…..ice cream spoons would be the perfect tool for scooping your beads instead of the measuring spoon. Like the kind the are like little shovels. Traditional ice cream spoons. Great tutorial btw! Thanks!

[@emilymack493]

I loved this video!! Lucky enough to click on this one first. Amazing tutorial. What brand of scents do you use or where do you order them? And how much you do typically sale freshies for if you don’t mind me asking?

[@oliviabishop3482]

I Love this video! Thank you! It’s So informative and you basically covered Everything! Thank you! ❤

[@pritiboyd2718]

This was a well thought out video and I loved every minute of it. Thankyou so much for sharing!

[@suzanneking1612]

Very detailed video. I love it.

[@SkorpioKisses]

Exactly what i was looking for. Thanks!

[@CreativelyErica]

Anytime girl!

[@texasgirl3263]

Just came across this, very informative! I've been wanting to make these for a while now! 😁

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks! They're so much fun!

[@mireillehernandez4634]

Are these oils good quality? Does the fragrance last a while?

[@swantnationcreationsarrow7823]

So crafty!! Will definitely have to try to make these!

[@KarenYauney]

One thing I found out that when you take the freshies out, I take a little spoon or something an smooth the edges down an it saves time not having to "clip" the edges later

[@paulabaugh5027]

Use a funnel to pour your beads into , to fill the molds up Easier than using a spoon

[@CreativelyErica]

What a great idea!! Thank you!

[@TheBrownsMN]

You’re so pretty! Thank you so much for this tutorial I keep wanting to make these and I think I can do this.

[@CreativelyErica]

Aw thank you 😘 Do it girl!!! You got this! ❤

[@MerakiSoap]

Do these melt in the car when it gets super hot like in a Texas summer heat? I'd hate to hang one and it leak everywhere. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@valerieprado7567]

I’m so excited I found your channel!! You explained everything so clearly. Thank you so much! 😍

[@CreativelyErica]

So glad you found me! Welcome to the fam-bam!

[@lauratucker8410]

Thank you so much for sharing how to make . I would like to make some for gifts family & friends & co workers , teachers I appreciate you 😁👍 Love the video.

[@CreativelyErica]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching! 🥰

[@cindysherrick2042]

Thank you for sharing very informative excited to try to make these.

[@shamiaakins1634]

Thank you easy to follow

[@LyndseyRussell-rs6ss]

So so helpful!!

[@kelbikelley9975]

Love the video!! Thank you for all the information! You are very talented! After you make the freshie completely and put it in the bags, how long does it last in the bag? Do they need to be used pretty quickly?

[@CreativelyErica]

Aw, thanks so much for the support! Mine can last about a month or so in the bags, if you keep them in a cool dry place they can last longer. I've heard you can freeze them but I haven't tried that, mine sell before one month is up so I'm not 100%. I think it also depends on how strong the scent is that you're using.

[@krystalleighton]

I love your video! Just an FYI - the measurements on the side of the jar is volume - not weight.

[@genesisvillalpando8936]

Thank you so much for this video. It was really helpful as a beginner you explained really well.❤

[@ebby517]

Thank you for this video! I was afraid they would melt and mine did. I'm going to try again on 250 and see what happens

[@crissyblevins335]

I love these. I always put the powder in after I put in the fragrance then shake and they don’t seem to stick as much.

[@evaguillory6388]

Thank you so much for the tutorial!! I have always wanted to know how to do this! You made it so look so easy. Can I ask how many can you make per lb. bag?

[@eleishaturne6408]

in another video someone made they had same size bag and they sad 16+

[@brandedblondie]

That usually depends on the size of the cookie cutters, she said she does use some smaller ones and some large ones.

[@kristytalburt427]

Thank you!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching 💕

[@felinerescue5272]

OMG, I think I'll just go buy one.

[@CreativelyErica]

Yasssss 🤗

[@DOchoa-qn1pv]

Tried it and it worked, all except for 2 that got stuck.... can the cookie cutters be sprayed with something so it won’t stick....Great tutorial, it made it seem like I was in the kitchen with you...😊

[@CreativelyErica]

Yes, I now spray a little cookie spray on my cookie cutters and it has made all the difference! Thanks for watching!

[@henriettasingleterry5375]

This is amazing I love your channel! I made my first Freshies about a year ago and knew I was missing one of my cents and I have finally found it! But the beads are a bit dry, they smell good but are kind of dry. I don’t have any more of that sent oil is it any other way I can bring the moisture back to them I guess?

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you!! 😊 Unfortunately I don't think so. I could be wrong but have never tried. From my understanding, aroma beads are recycled poly plastic pellets so they can only absorb about 30% of their weight. So I think once they've absorbed whatever they can they can't soak up anything else, meaning they'll just stay wet. If it were me, I'd just bake em and see. It may just be a weak freshie or fade faster. But if you can still smell the beads, your freshie should still have a scent.

[@DOchoa-qn1pv]

Tried your suggestion and it worked just great... will be looking into the pigment powders since I have used the liquid candle dyes...what color are you using in your current video... it looks amazing.... thanks for the pointers

[@ashleysuccuro635]

You’re awesome! You’ve helped me so much! I have a question. My beads have been in the scent and powder color for 2 weeks now and still are not absorbed. I had one that worked in a few days so I’m not sure what I did wrong on the other 3

[@CreativelyErica]

Aw thanks! Try watching this video, I kinda go over what I would that in that situation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4XLfWBurLxofKs

[@JJB1176]

Thank you so much for this video!😍❤

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much for watching 🥰

[@tamikalord116]

Great video! You did an awesome job

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much!

[@izabellamartinnez4458]

I want to learn how to make these thank you for you short video can I get the name of all items I will need

[@RosalieArchuleta]

DO u make a lot of money doing these because I'm thinking about doing these and candles for my FFA SAE

[@meganholland3345]

Yours turn out so great! I do have a question and need your help. Mine keep sinking in the middle once it cools. How do I avoid that or prevent it ?!

[@jasee_annkay09]

I know I’m super late, but could you tell me where you get the “Fruity Pebble” scent from for freshies? I’m making freshies and I saw on your shop and that’s sounds like it smells good. Could you reply with a link or tell me what I need to look on? Would be well appreciated and live the videos!!! You’re a QUEEN!❤️❤️

[@laurentrainer660]

Excellent video!

[@alexisabonce5130]

I’ve aired out my aroma beads and they no longer have the vinegar smell and when I leave the beads in a mason jar with the oil and pigment powder, they will still not have fully absorb the oil. What am I doing wrong🥺

[@alexisabonce5130]

After almost a week!

[@courtneymorgan3796]

New subscriber! I love this idea for a neat craft and business ☺️

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks!! Definitely! They're so much fun!

[@brittanymccormick-aguilar822]

Where do you find you oils? If you don’t mind sharing the brand you use. Thankies!!

[@CreativelyErica]

I order all of mine online from Amazon & Bulk Apothecary mostly. Check out my video description for the links.

[@CreativelyErica]

Oh & Candle Science is the other I order from a lot.

[@shirleymccowen8972]

I’m having trouble with them keeping the smell

[@Jacbean10]

These are soooo cute! I’ve never heard of them before seeing this video. Where would hang them? And.. I NEED to make these now!

[@CreativelyErica]

So 99% of the time they're hung on your rear view mirror in your car to make your car smell nice. But I've also seen people hang them in their lockers, they've thrown them in their bag/purse, closets, anywhere that could use some freshening up basically. They're so fun to make, definitely recommend trying! All the supplies are listed in the video description for ya. Good luck!

[@Jacbean10]

@@CreativelyErica Thank you! wasn't sure size wise for the rearview. very cool. so much better than the store bought fake smells

[@emilybrailsford6914]

Do these leave your oven smelly at all? After you've baked them? Thanks xxx

[@amandahaynie88]

Hi! I am a new follower and am loving your tutorials! I have made a few to give away as gifts right away, but can you tell me about how long the freshies should last in the sealed bag? I am making a bunch up for stocking stuffers and don't want to make them too soon. Thank you!!

[@vanessacortez1347]

Loved this Tutorial! What is the name that you mentioned? Something Hollister. Can you post a picture of the bottle. Please & Thank You!!!

[@cherylrayburn1716]

I'm new at this and was just wondering what brand beads and oils do you use

[@snugglebuns6969]

Have a question(well a few) Does putting into ur oven damage or make the oven smell like the fragrance or give off toxic smells etc? 2. I have fragrance oils from candle making can u uses those? 3. Have micas from doing resin can u use those? TIA

[@Nalialove123]

Any tips for coming up with a business name?

[@dawnbuteau6140]

Have you ever thought of doing scratch and sniff stickers? I would love to see something on that!

[@michellecasares4804]

Love your videos!!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you! 🥰🥰

[@lavenderlionsbathandbody]

How are they in really hot weather I am in Utah its very hot here right now and until September. thank you

[@ashleyhayden6766]

thanks for this video! i bought the stuff to attempt and was waiting to make sure i could understand how to do it right! first time turned out okay, but how do you know if you’ve had them in the oven long enough?! one of mine turned out okay, but the other one a little bit of the pieces from the top fell off.

[@djiceyfan]

I’m really surprised the oven doesn’t heat all of the fragrance out of them…now I know what to do with all these silicone mold and cookie cutters I have other than my resin 😂

[@nikkipaterson7196]

What type of paint did you use to decorate at the end please? ❤

[@beckyohara9792]

Not much as a comment, more like a question. When baking in the oven, will the odor of the oil stay in the oven when I bake food in it going foward?

[@ivideorandomstuff4591]

Thank you very much

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching 🥰

[@sarahaustin5182]

Fellow Knoxville girly here!!! Where do you buy your fragrance oil?

[@AP2010ish]

great video!!!

[@brittanycobb9370]

I love your channel and it has helped me out so much. I have a question, I started making these and would it be smarter to get the big bulks of things? Just trying to figure out profits, how much do you sell your freshies for? You have any tips for me ? Thank you

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you! That means a lot! In my opinion, if you're just starting out I wouldn't buy in bulk unless you have money to blow. It definitely took me awhile to get the hang of it and build a customer base. After a few months, I started buying supplies in bulk. My freshies range from $5-$8 depending on shape, size, decoration, work.

[@brittanycobb9370]

@@CreativelyErica Thank you so much!!! That really helped. Best Wishes!!

[@julisaortega5219]

Awesome can u out glitter in them or will the glitter burn

[@CreativelyErica]

You can totally put glitter in them. I sprinkle a tiny bit on top before the oven and a little more right when I take them out.

[@madisonbryant3166]

Your video was so helpful I’m so excited to start my small business! How long are you able to store the aroma beads in the jars for? Like after you mix everything?

[@brandedblondie]

I usually let my beads cure in the jars for 2 weeks, but that depends on how much beads you're using!

[@AmandaJaneCoombes]

Help please! I am having trouble with the Breakline Hollister fragrance oil taking too long to absorb or not absorbing completely leaving the aroma bead moist and never getting to the dry stage. When I have added more beads it seams the scent is weak and when baked the freshie smells ok while in the bag but absolutely no scent when hung in the car. Has anyone else had this issue? What am I doing wrong? I will take any advise please. And I absolutely love your tutorials!

[@CreativelyErica]

Try putting your beads in a larger container so there's more air to help them cure. That's really the only thing I can recommend. & thanks so much for watching!

[@janetsanchez9038]

Just watched your video!! Love! Question, is it better to use a glass jar to store the beads or does it matter?

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you 🥰 If you're baking your beads immediately after they're cured, then it doesn't really matter. Only when you'll be storing scented beads for an extended period of time would I recommend only glass jars. I prefer glass jars because I find that when I've used plastic containers (that aren't air tight), I can smell the beads through the container so I just feel like the scent doesn't last AS long as when they're stored in glass jars. But I do use some plastic containers if I can't smell the beads through it- when I need to because my glass jars are always being used for other scented beads. In a pinch, I'll use like food storage containers because they're typically air tight.

[@genesisvillalpando8936]

Just wondering what size cookie cutters were used and if you could name a few because I was not able to find all of them

[@maddyweikle5596]

If you buy pre scented beads, can you still add mica powder to them? Even though they are dry?

[@shaya_21]

I see that KC Chiefs arrowhead 😎

[@thepinksunflower]

Thank you for sharing

[@hannahcameron7541]

I’m gonna start making these! Do you look up molds or just cookie cutters?

[@CreativelyErica]

Well first I have to shamelessly recommend my car freshie starter kits on creativelyerica.com But I also link all the supplies in the video descriptions for ya 🥰

[@jennifergarcia4027]

Loved your video very helpful! Not many ppl making these where I’m from so considering starting n selling some. Wondering tho, can we put resin on the “back part” of these that’s uneven? To make it smooth all around n maybe save it for decoration once the sent is gone? Or would that damage the beads or be toxic or just not look right? Lol

[@Kimberly1386]

Can you use a silicone mold? Would it be easier to get them out that way?

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I was thinking the very same thing. I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t work.

[@deannaljohnson4529]

Great video. I am thinking of doing these also. Like the oil you use, which ones are your fav from this company?

[@abduljaleeljaleel7109]

Good job

[@ashleysuccuro635]

Amazing tutorial! I am going to attempt this! Can I ask what the stretchy cord is called? And how long do you cut them?

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks! I literally type in stretchy cord in on Amazon (the link is in my description). I usually cut 1 foot.

[@ashleysuccuro635]

@@CreativelyErica thank you! I just need mason jars with the measurements on the side. For some reason your link takes me to one that doesn’t have them.

[@babyangel42793]

if i make extra ahead of time and store them in a shaded area like a cabinet will it keep its shape and scent ?

[@karentwigg7389]

Any suggestions on how to get them out of the cookie cutters when you cooked them to long? Without destroying the cookie cutter.

[@tonitoland846]

brilliant! Where do you sell them?

[@CreativelyErica]

Mainly on my website, but also craft fairs, & in a local shop.

[@haleyjordan5665]

I’ve watched all of your videos! I was wondering if using perfume or cologne would work for the scents? There’s just certain smells of perfume I think would make AMAZING freshies!

[@CreativelyErica]

Aw thanks! I haven't tried. I'm not sure how that would bake, like if the scent would just bake out. But I totally agree!! If you ever decide to try it, let us know how that works!

[@debbiecartwright594]

Im having problem with getting out of mold it was terriable do you have some advice

[@ericahuffman5008]

How many jars of the same scent do you have? Curious to know if you use the same scents when you use two different colors.

[@CreativelyErica]

I have two full shelving units of different colored/scented beads 😅 yes, whenever I make a multi colored freshie, they are the same scent, just pigmented different colors. However, I have mixed different scents before and they came out amazing. For example, one time I mixed some mint scented beads with some eucalyptus scented beads and it smelt soo good. You just have to be careful when you do that because it's really easy for it to be overpowering, ya know?

[@jkgirltrixie]

Can you explain more about the type of fragrances?

[@kayleeatchley9374]

New subscriber here 💕 I’m thinking about starting these soon thank you so much !!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much for the support!! Definitely recommend, so easy and fun to make!

[@67cowgrl]

@@CreativelyErica hello can you tell me if you hot glue the ribbon and flowers on the freshies or how they stay ?

[@CreativelyErica]

Yep I just use hot glue and haven't had any issues thus far. Here's my freshie decorating video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2K5iYGXj62LaNE

[@67cowgrl]

@@CreativelyErica thank you. I enjoy your videos. They are going to be a lot of help.

[@CreativelyErica]

Love hearing that 🥰