How to Make a DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

An essential oil diffuser bracelet is a stylish, portable way to benefit from aromatherapy throughout your day. You’ve probably seen them for sale on Etsy and at wellness shops, but they’re a cinch to make yourself too—not to mention, a lot cheaper! And they make a great DIY gift!

Essential oils are associated with mood- and health-enhancing properties. Their scents are said to invigorate, relax, or uplift and are used to treat minor ailments like headaches.

You won’t need many supplies to make your DIY diffuser bracelet: just some air-dry clay, a wooden skewer, Stretch Magic (or other jewelry-making stretch cord), and beads of your choice.

You can use semi-precious gemstone beads for your bracelet, your birthstone, or whatever you like. Another option would be a gemstone associated with healing properties to complement the healing nature of essential oils.

How to Make a DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

Make bead-size balls

Pinch some of the air-dry clay and roll it until it is ball-shaped and a similar size to your beads. Repeat this process until you have as many clay beads as you would like for your bracelet.

These clay beads will absorb and diffuse your essential oils. You may want to emboss the beads or create an extra pattern by using additional clay.

Make a hole in the center

Gently make a hole in the center of the clay balls using your wooden skewer. Set aside the clay beads to dry. This should take approximately 24 hours.

String beads with Stretch Magic

Cut a length of the Stretch Magic that is about twice the circumference of your wrist. This will allow you to have enough stretchy cord to string the beads without difficulties and also to tie the knots that fasten the DIY diffuser bracelet.

Add your gemstone and clay beads onto the cord.

Knot the ends and cut the excess

When you have enough beads to cover the circumference of your wrist, you can use a surgeon’s knot to tie the two ends of the stretch cord together. Cross over the two ends, and then wrap the right-hand piece of cord over two times.

Pull the ends tight, so the beads are together. Keep this first knot tight and then repeat the process to finish off the knot, making sure to keep the knot tight. Trim the loose ends. You may like to add a little bit of glue for extra security.

An alternative way to finish off the bracelet is to use a jewelry crimp. Insert one end of the stretch cord through the crimp bead. Next, thread the other end of the stretch cord the opposite way through the crimp bead.

Pull the ends until the beads join together. Keeping the cord tight, squeeze the crimp bead with a pair of pliers. Trim the ends a little, and then allow the beads to cover the crimp bead join.

You can wear the bracelet as it is or add your favorite essential oil blend to the clay beads. Add a few drops to the outside of the clay bead. Since many essential oils shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin undiluted, you can dilute the oil in a carrier oil and apply to the part of the bead that is away from your skin.

When the scent wears off, you can reapply the essential oil or choose a new blend to try. I think this DIY diffuser bracelet would be great for outside parties in warmer weather. You could even apply essential oil blends that act as bug repellents!

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with over 20 years of experience in practice. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before using this recipe to determine what’s best for you.