Incense Bead Bracelet Party Kit

Everything you need to host an aromatic incense bead making party for 6, 8 or 12 friends, wherever you like and in your own time. Everyone makes their own fragrant beads by hand, and everyone takes home their own bead making kit to make more whenever they like.

It's a hens party activity the bride and her mum will both enjoy, a birthday people remember, and a slow weekend afternoon with your best friends - hands busy and the room smelling of blends that only make you smile with joy. You don't need any experience. Follow our step-by-step instructions and see how much fun it is with friends.

What you'll be making

Incense beads, known in China as He Xiang Zhu (合香珠) - harmonious-blend beads. They're made from finely powdered botanicals and worn on the wrist, where the scent lifts gently as the beads warm against your skin. Women have worn them since at least the Song dynasty, and they've always been made by hand. Read more about what incense beads are in our blog here - What Are Incense Beads?

Our bead powders are blended in our Sydney studio. Learn more about The Benefits of Incense Bead Bracelets and How to Wear Them here in this blog article.

What every guest receives

Each guest gets their own full kit to keep:

• An 18 mm acrylic bead mould
• A stainless steel bead pin, pipette, polishing foam and beading needle
• A wooden bead drying tray
• A wooden bead holder for laying out their design
• A 10 × 10 cm instruction card
• A box to carry their wet beads home
• Beading string for their bracelet
• BONUS: a mini jar of premium aromatic bead powder - enough for 12 beads each
• BONUS: spacer beads and bead caps in gold or silver
• BONUS: a string of beads to share, to add to your bracelet designs

All you'll need is a large bowl and cold water for each guest.

The scents

Each kit comes with a mix of our four bead powders, so guests can choose their scent at the table.

• Rose: gentle and sweet
• Lemongrass: fresh and clearing
• Clove: warm and spiced
• Patchouli: deep and earthy

How the party runs

Allow about two hours for making only. Longer for a slow afternoon. Everyone mixes their powder with water into a soft, fragrant paste, then rolls, presses and pierces their beads one at a time - our step-by-step instructions walk you through it. Conversation flows easily while your hands are busy, and the scent fills the room as you go.

At the end, each guest packs her beads into her box and takes them home to dry for 48 - 72 hours. Then she strings her bracelet at home, or you all meet up again to string them together.

Price

Frequently asked questions

Do we need any experience?
None at all. Each guest has an instruction card, and if a bead comes out uneven, you simply roll it again while the paste is still soft. See our step-by-step video demonstration here.

How long does it take?
Allow about two hours to make the beads, although a long afternoon with friends can easily stretch to several hours. The beads then dry at home for 48 - 72 hours before they're strung.

Is it suitable for children?
It's designed for adults. Pressing the beads in the mould takes a steady, patient hand.

How far ahead should I order?
As early as you can, and no later than two weeks before your party so it arrives in time. All our powders are hand-blended to order.

What if more friends join?
Contact us and we'll put together a custom order for larger groups.

Can guests make more beads later?
Yes. Everyone keeps their tools, so a refill of their favourite bead powder is all they need for their next bracelet.

Where can I learn more about incense beads?
Read what incense beads are and where they come from.