Make Your Own Gel Air Freshener

You can make your own great smelling gel air fresheners, using liquid potpourri, or from scratch. They make great gifts!

You will need:

2 cups of distilled water Essential oil/fragrance of your choice. 4 packages of knox gelatin Food coloring (optional)

Heat 1 cup of water almost to a boil. Add the gelatin and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat add another cup of distilled water, 10-20 drops of oil/fragrance, and food coloring if desired.

You can replace food coloring and oil/fragrance with premade liquid potpourri (available at most craft stores, candle shops, etc.). Just make sure it's the concentrated kind or it won't retain its smell. The procedure would be the same. Heat 1 cup of the liquid potpourri, almost to a boil. Stir in 4 packets of Knox gelatin, until dissolved. Then stir in 1 cup cool liquid potpourri.

Pour the mixture into clean baby food jars and set at room temperature overnight until "set". You can place the jars in the refrigerator if you need them to set more quickly, but be aware that the smell will permeate the fridge.

For gift giving, you can decorate the baby food jars by wrapping with material, or glueing on wallpaper, stickers, wrapping paper, etc.

To use, place the jar on the stovetop (not directly on the burner!) while cooking, heat in a potpourri burner, or simply set out on a table and enjoy the aroma.

'After The Bath' Powder

1/2 cup cornstarch 2 tbsp arrowroot powder 2 tbsp baking soda A few drops of essential oils of your preference

Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let stand a few days and then sift through a flour sifter. Pour into a powder shaker/container.

Baby Powder

2 tbsp crumbled dried chamomile flowers 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tbsp orrisroot ( I get mine at the health food store) 1/2 tsp alum

Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Sift and store in powder shaker. Use to keep baby's skin soft and dry.