I fell for the marketing. I saw the commercials on TV and the ads in the magazines, and, like I sucker, I went right out and bought one of those Febreeze Luminaries. Blast those advertising geniuses!!!
They aren't that great. All the scent is in the paper of the luminary, which is super strong at first but dies after 2 days. Unfortunately, a "starter kit" of the base and two paper sleeves runs something like $15! (Blast those advertising geniuses again.)
They are awfully pretty though, and they do have a very realistic flickering candle-like light. But at $6 for replacement sleeves, I can't see myself running out to get more, even if they have a really good commercial. Determined not to have totally wasted those $15, I figured I could ditch the idea of having the luminary being a room freshener (since it wasn't a very good one anyway) and just have it live its life as a pretty light.
When I was at the store yesterday, I noticed that the ad wizards are putting out holiday versions of the the replacement sleeves with adorable holiday prints. Precious. But I ain't paying $6 for smelly scrapbook paper. Cheapy Cheaperson perked up, "Make some! It'll be easy!"
And this time, Cheapy wasn't lying.
To make replacement sleeves, you will need:
scrapbook paper
scissors or paper trimmer
craft glue
pen
The first step in making a sleeve is to cut the scrapbook paper to size. The Febreeze sleeves are 3.5" x 12.5" (the extra half inch in length is approximate since it's just for overlap). Next you will need to fold the paper every 3 inches. You will have a small amount left over after the last fold. Place a wee bit of glue on this flap, and glue it to the other end of the paper, making a square tube.
You can vary this up to match your decor, make one for every holiday, one for each day of the week... GO NUTS. I think that it would be especially pretty with some homemade paper or thick vellum.
There you are. Just dim the lights and enjoy.
And if you really want to make your house smell wonderful, bake some cookies.
