DIY Life

My scented candles began gathering dust immediately after the birth of my daughter in 2006. Having a child around, I was way too distracted and sleep-deprived to be supervising an open flame in my house -- no matter how sweet the smell!

Happily, I soon received a reed diffuser as a gift. Decorative, yes. However, it also brought delicious and natural citrus and floral fragrances back into my life. Best of all, I discovered reed diffusers are a worry-free alternative to scented candles.

The diffuser consists of a small glass vase or bottle containing perfumed oil or an oil blend, plus other mixers. The fragrance contained therein wends its way towards your olfactory cells via tall reed straws placed upright in the oil.


Want more detail? The site Reed Diffusers has a stellar FAQs page for newbies, explaining exactly how diffusers produce their heavenly scents.

Reed diffusers are so popular right now, and for good reason. They are simple and relatively cheap to make using items available at craft and natural health stores. They also make lovely gifts. A diffuser-building session makes for a relaxing solo craft project, and I think it would also be a fun girls'-night-in activity.

If you're ready to give it a try, Wavelengths Natural Health provides fantastic easy instructions and problem-solving hints for beginners.

Here's one tip to remember: Buy best quality oil if you are able. If not, don't sweat it. While fragrance oils are ideal, most beginners will find regular essential oils an acceptable substitute.

The website Snowdrift Farm offers some delightful fragrance blend suggestions. "Lover's Leap," and "Minty Mojito" are sure to get you off to a great start!