It’s crazy hot here in Florida right now, and the mosquitoes are pretty brutal. After surfing, I like to garden and chillax outside, but the skeeters find me after about a hot second. Jellyfish stings don’t seem to bother me, but mutant Florida mosquito bites can itch seemingly forever.
I saw this post on The Renegade Seamstress showing how to make a pretty bracelet soaked in an essential oil mix to make a smelly deterrent for outdoor pests. Since I’m usually in boardshorts most days during the Summer , the critters bite me low around my feet and legs since they are also getting out of the breeze created by the patio fan. Really, the best place for a mosquito repellent for me is on my ankle.
I hate using hemp for macrame normally since it becomes featureless over time. But, it’s great for this purpose. Mid weight hemp twine (NO JUTE- that freakin’ hurts to wear on your skin) can be pretty absorbent. You can pick up a ball of hemp twine at most craft stores- even Wal-Mart carries this stuff cheap.
I made a simple square knot sinnet (check out my post about macrame), with a toggle I made from FIMO clay:
The Renegade Seamstress’ post has a recipe for the essential oil mix, but since I need a Nuclear Option, I filled a standard empty reusable prescription bottle and filled it with:
- 3/4 full of Vodka (or, fill it full and drain off a bit…hehe)
- Rest of the 1/4 with citrusy Essential Oils: Citronella, Lemongrass, Grapefruit blend
Initially, I soaked it for a hour fully submerged, then took it out of the solution, shook it off, and put it on. It worked very well in my gardening space, and smelled nice to me, at least.
Once it’s out of the solution, it will dry pretty quickly, but will retain the smell well for about 45-60 minutes. When you come in, throw it back into the bottle again for the next use, even keep the whole thing in the car on the go. Reload as needed.
Floridian Tip:
Reload yourself with vodka as needed until the height of Hurricane Season. Then reload with rum and grilled food until Christmas.
I love that anklet and the fact you can DIY it is even better!
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You are so crafty!!!
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Thanks! ๐
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Love it! Pretty and practical!! ๐
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Thank you! ๐
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Does it work well? I’m like a flipping mosquito magnet ๐
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Yes! And the thicker you make the anklet, the more scent it soaks up. The scent recipe works well as a body spray too ๐๐
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Thank you! I’m definitely going to try it!
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