I am fairly new to essential oils (because I'm a poor starving college student, and most of the time essential oils are wicked expensive!). Does anyone know how to make an essential oil? How difficult is it to do?

Thanks!

You need a distiller.  You can either buy one or there are sites on the internet that tell you how to make your own.  I haven't tried either a home-made one or a manufactured distiller yet.  I wouldn't mind some feedback if someone else has tried one, (store bought or homemade).  
There are wholesale places out there that offer essential oils at a cheaper rate.  They're still expensive but if you order a bunch at once, it saves some money.

Perhaps you can go in with friends and buy a larger quantity bottle and then split it into smaller bottles?  I've never done that but I imagine it might work.

Some people actually don't use essential oils but will infuse herbs with oils to get the same magickal effect.  It doesn't smell as "nice", but it is less expensive and you are still using an oil to anoint.

if u factor in that you only use so many drops at a time they work out quite good.not sure where u are from but in UK we have store called holland and barrett and they usually do 3for2 offers on essential oils.  i would start with basics such as lavender, geranium sandalwood etc as they are cheaper and give u a feel for the oils, buy a book such as  valerie williamson and read up on what u want to use them for (this book is for everyday use) and then only buy ones u need. hope this helps as it is a lovely thing to use!

Thank you all for your responses!

Marigold- I will try to make my own distiller/buy a distiller. Making essential oils seems like a better option for me. I know it would be easier just to buy them but I try to make all of my own products/tools.

Seamonster- I have used infused oils before (because I know how to make those lol!) The idea of going in with a friend is a great one but all of my friends are poor college students too. I will definitely ask around and see who wants to save and splurge some money!

Luckypawprints- I have heard of Williamson's book before and I'm waiting to try and find it on sale; I've heard it's really good. I live in the US and I would have to order online if I bought any essential oils (there isn't any new age type of store around) which is another reason I would love to make my own if possible.

A Link on how to make essential oils:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Essential-Oils

I wouldn't recommend it.

Start with fragrance oils and see what and how you are affected by them. Essential oils are medicines...they need to be treated with respect.

If you are making magickal oils, stick with fragrances until you are ocmpletely sure that is the blend you desire. Some fragrances are not even available in essential oils......musk, ambergris, civet, wisteria, plumeria, and a few others come to mind....

try www.saveonscents.com...they have good priceson the basic essential oils you will need for medicinal and magickal purposes, as wellas over 1500 fragrances that you can purchase quite inexpensively. I use them for some of my incense business products.

Thank you Lady Elaine. I want to make essential oils for both medicinal and magickal uses. I will definitely check out the link!

Lina, you are a far far far braver soul than I!!  

I don't know about braver... maybe more naive lol. We'll see! I just really enjoy making tools and products and being there every step of the way. Then I'm all proud of my finished project... even if it doesn't always turn out the way I want

(PS: I hope everyone had a safe and blessed Samhain!)