DIY Air Dry Clay Oil Diffuser

I have a huge batch of air dry clay I bought for a project over Christmas. I used it to make little stars to add to gifts but the actual project I was intending it for did not turn out how I wanted so I put my mind to other ideas. I’ve always loved little hanging things around the house, especially hanging from windows. So, I thought I might try to make some air dry clay diffuser discs.

Supplies to Make Air dry Clay Diffuser Discs

• 1 pack of Air Dry Clay. I used DAS but you can get any cheap variety from a $2 shop if you just want to fiddle about and get used to how it works
• a wire rack
• a straw
• a cookie cutter
• a dried flower or leaf
• fine grit sandpaper
• gold paint and a brush (a thin permanent metallic marker might work too)

The Process to Make Air Dry Clay Diffuser Discs

Unwrap the clay and knead it until it is soft and pliable.

Roll out the clay to an even thickness of about 3mm. To get the clay uniform put two slices of wood on either side and roll your pin along these. The image above from aprettyfix.com shows how. I used a piece of off-cut pine from the shed.

Once you have your clay rolled out, remove any bumps gently with your finger. Now press your cookie cutter into the clay to achieve your shape.

Using a straw, (or maybe a skewer) poke a hole in the top of the disc shape.

Lightly press a dried flower or leaf on the clay and roll it with your rolling pin to imprint. You could also use a lace doily or your embossed rolling pin for a nice effect. If you do this roll the print on BEFORE you cut the disc shape.

Using a straw, (or maybe a skewer) poke a hole in the top of the disc shape.

With a damp (not wet) finger smooth the edges of your disc and place on a wire rack to dry for around 24 hours. You can turn it over if you like during drying. I found as long as the air dry clay diffuser discs were thick enough they didn’t warp so did not need to be turned.

Once dry, sand all the edges and the hole lightly to give a more professional look.

Paint the inside of the flower shape and put a coat of matt varnish on the FRONT SIDE ONLY to protect your disc.

Cut a piece of string. Fold it in half and poke the loop through your hole. Then thread the ends through the loop and knot at the other end.

To Finish Off

Choose your favorite essential oil. Put two or three drops onto the BACK of the disc (where it has not been sealed). Now hang your disc.

This disc is great in a wardrobe to keep your clothes fresh or hanging in a window any place you want a nice smell. Top up the essential oil whenever you cant smell it anymore.