Way back before I had kids I made things and sold them at craft fairs. About this time every year (July August) I would get this rush to make stuff for the holidays and those things needed to be done before Halloween. The things I did, ranged from making potpourri lamps, mailbox lamps, candles, soaps, magnets, hand painted bags etc. I made a little cash, but I definitely spent more to make the things than I did selling them. I found this website back in the day that a plethora of craft recipes to try. It doesn't exist now, and once you read to the end, you will probably know why. (It’s kind of a funny story). So, I saw this recipe for making your own scented gel fresheners. It seemed so simple and cute and would sell like crazy. This recipe is widely available now on a ton of blogs. With correct and better information.
So, I bought jars for nothing at the dollar store, food coloring, and Knox gelatin (unflavored) and some sort of scent. Me, being cheap, I opted for the liquid potpourri at Wal-Mart that came in a liter size and wasn't a great selection of scents. Apple Cinnamon, Pine, Ocean, and a pink flavor I can't quite remember. I bought the Apple Cinnamon, Pine and Ocean. I should have opened the bottles and smelled them before I bought them. Baaaaaad Mistake!
So, I went home and made my concoction and made the first batch in a nice pan. I had my gelatin, food coloring, and then added the pine scent while I was cooking the gelatin. Funny thing about scents, they are sooo pungent when heated! Who knew? So, the whole house was filled with pine. Not so terrible. It was Christmassy! So I poured in the jars and it went well so far.
Next scent was ready and I poured. The two smells that I had going in the house weren't terrible. However, it gave the impression I had bathed in Lysol and cheap perfume for hours. Whatever, I am almost done.
Finally came time to make the Apple Cinnamon. I can already feel my head throb just retelling the story. I don't know what it is about Apple Cinnamon that can permeate the entire City of Phoenix with one spill. I personally hate the smell. It's not what I like....it's the consumer! So, I make the gelatin and added the scent and UUUGGGGGHHHH! It’s like acid in my brain. The smell was so acidic and hot in my nostrils. The steam wafting in my eyes and in my mouth. I am not feeling so good. My stomach is turning and my head is throbbing. I gotta finish! So I am pushing to just get this crap poured. Such a shame, it's a pretty color. I am so busy trying to pour the gelatin; I didn't notice the spill of pure oil on the floor. I clean it up, but stupid me, I put the pot back on the stove with the left over gelatin. A few minutes later, I smell..Burn. What is that? OMIGOSH! The pan is smoking! The smoke alarm goes off and the smell is so rancid I could die. My husband comes running out with his hands over his face and the dog cowering in the corner and I am literally green in the face as I run to sink to heave. It was terrible. The smell wouldn't leave. I spent all night trying to get that smell to leave by opening up the windows and doors. It took weeks!
So, I sell all but one jar for 5.00 and I took it home. It was an ocean scent one that I could handle. Not 2 days later, the gel was drying out and it started to grow something kinda weird. It was mold! what? Ewww! I felt so bad I sold this disgusting thing that smells bad and cheap and turns into a moldy mess in two days. Those people probably hate me and they will never see their 5 dollars again. So please, when making a "craft recipe" take some steps to avoid a disaster
1. Try it out before you sell it.
2. make sure you like the scent as your house will smell like it for weeks.
3. Don’t add any scent to heat. That's just dumb and most scents are flammable.
4. Add salt to the mix it prevents mold. Science is our friend!
5. Don't use a good pan that you intend to use again for making gravy for your turkey dinner. It will be bad. Trust me.
To try this on your own:
Half cup of water in old sauce pan
2 packs of gelatin (unflavored)
Food coloring (a few drops)
1 tablespoon of salt
Add half cup of cold water
Pour in jar
Add scent by drops and stir with a coffee stick or something disposable. Essential oils are nicer than potpourri crap you get at Wal-Mart.
Don't put in fridge!
Cover the jars with lace or lid and sell within 5 days.
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