can you make those nice scented block things to go in cupboards??

[KarenH]

Does anyone know how to make those scented drawer and cupboard waxy-type block things?  They are a bit like soap in that they are a hard block (but definitely not soap), and they are not the sachet-things of scented powder or petals etc etc ..... I would love to be able to make something like this to put in drawers, hang in cupboards or put in the linen cupboard.

[Chelsea (Thermie Groupie)]

I am intrigued.  I have absolutely no idea what they are. 

[judydawn]

Maybe MJ can help with this one.

[Nay-nay]

You could make a hard mold with bees wax, adding your own choice of essential oils before setting? 

[meganjane]

I've seen them, but am not sure what they're made from. I have a recipe somewhere for scented blocks that you can make for the car. I'll see if I can find it.

[meganjane]

Found it on the Aussie Soap Supplies website:

Scent Stones

1 1/2 cups plain flour
1/4 cup salt
1/4 tsp cornflour
2/3 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon fragrant oil
Colour


Mix all dry ingredients
Heat water in a Pyrex cup or use direct from kettle
Add the colour to the water and then add the fragrance
Pour water mixture into flour mixture and mix well
Then knead the dough with your hands as you would bread dough
Then roll it out about a 1/2 cm to 1 cm thick
Cut into shapes or use cookie cutters
Another option is to stamp the flat shapes
Let the dough stones dry
They will harden like rocks and will last for months
These may then be displayed in a pretty dish, or something rustic to match your decor.

Of course, the method would be different if using the Thermomix.

[CreamPuff63]

thx MJ if you find it   (and then while I was posting you found it clever girl)

[KarenH]

Thanks MJ!  I had no idea what they were called.  I found them at a fair/market several years ago, Chelsea.  They were made in several different shapes (stars, hearts etc) and were solid and waxy in texture, and smelled really nice.  Some of them had holes drilled thru the top with raffia tied through it so you could hang them in your wardrobe.  I bought some, and the scent lasted for ages and ages.  They were also really expensive - like about $20 each - so if you made some for your online store MJ I am sure you could make a nice profit!

[Sonan]

yes I know what you are after ! they are very expensive to buy, but they must have a lot of essential oils.....have no idea what is in them!

[Kingsvilletess]

I made some of these tonight, as follows:

230g plain flour
60g table salt
1/4 tsp corn flour

I gave that a whiz for 5 seconds speed 5 to combine.

Next I set the TM to  and  , and while it was running poured through the lid:
2 MC (200g) of boiling water straight from the kettle
15 ml of fragrant oil
A tiny dab of gel food colouring

After about 2 minutes the colouring was mixed evenly through, and the dough that tipped out was lovely and silky.

The oil I used was just an oil burner blend from one of those shops that sells batik dresses and incense, and was $14 for 10ml.  The recipe needed 15ml so I just rinsed the bottle out with a splash of vegetable oil to make up the difference, and the mix was still very fragrant.

I rolled the dough out on baking paper and found that the thicker I rolled the easier it was to get back out of the cookie cutters without losing shape.  I also pressed some into my madeline molds for a shell shape, but time will tell if they come back out again once they dry.

[judydawn]

Well done Tess, thanks for that information.  Just missed Christmas but something we could put on our lists for next year.

[Cuilidh]

Does fragrant oil differ from essential oil?

[Cuilidh]

I think I have just found the answer to my question - my understanding is that fragrant oils have a synthetic component whereas essential oils are the pure essence.

[judydawn]

Could you still use either though Marina?

[Cuilidh]

I don't know, JD.  I only have essential oils at home just now and plan to give it a go this weekend.  I should imagine you can use both but my guess is that, whilst the essential oils should smell nicer, the scent may not be as strong or may not last as long as the synthetic ones (also my oils are a bit old now so if they have a shelf life that may be a factor).

It might just be a case of waiting to see what happens.