DIY Ornaments Scented with Balsam Fir Oil

‘Tis the season of gift-giving and gratitude, and nothing shows your loved ones you care like a handmade, heartfelt present. Whether you are looking for a gift for teachers, a gift for neighbors, or a gift for friends, we love the personal touch you can add to this recipe for salt dough ornaments. You can cut and decorate them to take on any holiday shape you like, and the best part is that they double as mini holiday essential oil diffusers! We’ve chosen to use Balsam Fir essential oil so our ornaments a fresh, forest aroma to the holiday tree, but you can chose any doTERRA essential oil that captures your favorite holiday scents. Plus, these DIY ornaments are an easy, creative project for kids that gets them in on the holiday gift-giving action.

Supplies

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• Holiday cookie cutters
• 1-2 drops Balsam Fir essential oil (per ornament)

Other scent recommendations: Siberian Fir oil, Cinnamon Bark oil, Cassia oil, Citrus Bliss oil, Holiday Joy oil, or Holiday Peace oil.

Instructions

1. Pour flour, salt, and warm water into a large bowl.
2. Knead the mixture by hand until all ingredients are well-incorporated into a smooth dough. If the mixture is too dry, add one teaspoon of water at a time until the dough comes together.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about a ¼-inch thickness.
4. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Using a drinking straw or wooden skewer, make a hole near the top of each ornament for threading string.
6. Place in a preheated 120°C oven for approximately one hour, or until hard and dry.
7. Cool your ornaments completely, then decorate with paint, stamps, string, or ribbon.
8. Add Balsam Fir essential oil directly to the ornament, and enjoy the delightful, scented decoration!

Note: Baking the ornament may turn the dough slightly brown and cause the ornaments to "puff" up slightly. If you prefer, you can also air dry the ornaments for two to three days to help the ornaments remain white and flat.
 

These DIY ornaments can be given as a thoughtful handmade gift on their own or even as a wrapping accessory on a larger present. Better yet, create a perfect aromatic gift bag with a few unscented ornaments, a bottle of essential oils (see our recommendations above!), and your best wishes written on your very own DIY Scented Holiday Card.
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What’s your favorite way to decorate and give using essential oils during the holidays? Post a picture of your homemade holiday ornaments on Instagram or Facebook and don’t forget to tag us (@doterraca). We want to see how you deck your halls!