Making Fragrant Pomanders
Enjoy the Refreshing Scents from Lemon Pomanders.
When the cool weather begins, I can’t help but to plan time to make pomanders. Creating these scented wonders are a tradition for me. I love placing them all over the house and I enjoy giving them to friends. For those of you who may not be familiar with pomanders and their origins - let me help! The word Pomander is from the French word pomme d’ambre (apple of amber) is simply a ball made of perfumes. In medieval times it was worn or carried and thought to guard against infection in times of pestilence. Typically today pomanders are commonly made with oranges (or even apples) studded in cloves but, I have chosen to make my pomanders out of lemons. I love the clean refreshing scent of the lemon interacting with the spicy musk-like smell of the whole cloves. Although I associate Pomanders with the sights and scents of the Holidays, you can make them anytime for a simple delightful craft.
Creating pomanders just may be the perfect craft! Not only are they simple to make but, they require very few supplies and costs pennies to make. Yay! We all can appreciate that. In addition, the design and style of the pomander is absolutely up to you. There is not “right” or “wrong” way to do it and, as a result, makes a fun craft for people of all ages.
Here is what you will need to get started.
your choice of fruit (oranges, apples, lemons, etc…)
whole cloves
nail (s)
ribbon (optional for decorating or hanging)
glue gun or decorative pins (optional with use of ribbon)
Step 1
Start by setting up your work space and removing any labels from the fruit.
Step 2
Decide how you would like your pomander to look. You may choose to sketch out your design on a piece of paper or directly on the fruit OR you may “free-form” a design as you go! I choose to design as I go. Don’t forget…there is no right or wrong way to make design them. Have plenty of fruit and cloves on hand so that you can continue to create.
Step 3
Use a nail to pierce the fruit along your pattern so that you can easily insert a clove at each puncture. I used a medium size trim nail. (refer to the picture below to guide you.)
Step 4
Continue to pieces the skin of the fruit and insert whole cloves until your design is complete.
Step 5
Decorate and display your pomander! If you would like to hang your pomander, wrap the fruit in ribbon and make a loop for hanging. Add a cinnamon stick or tassel. If needed, use hot glue or decorative pins to secure your ribbon. You may also chose to leave your pomander simple and unadorned. The look is completely up to you.
I enjoy tucking my pomander in the branches of my Christmas tree and nestled in my garland. They also look and smell wonderful perched in a wreath, hanging from a door knob, or resting on the window sill. Whether you chose to make one or several pomanders, this project promises to be easy, fun and fragrant all season long.
Enjoy!
Pomanders make a delightful hostess gift or for anyone who stops by this holiday season.
