Orange Pomander Craft

An old-fashioned craft to make during the holiday season is orange pomanders.  To make this craft, you'll need the following ingredients:

1/4 cup Ground Cinnamon
1/4 cup Ground Cloves
4 tbsp. Ground Nutmeg
4 tbsp. Ground Allspice
1/4 cup Powdered Orris Root
1/2 pound of Whole Cloves (buy them in bulk for the best price)
6 Fresh Oranges
Round toothpicks or large sewing needle
Large bowl

This project is very simple:  begin by making a small hole into the fruit using the sewing needle or tooth pick, then insert one whole clove, narrow end first (the star shaped end remains on the outside of the fruit).  You may create a design as you go along, or some people prefer to cover the entire fruit with the cloves.

Once the design, or the entire fruit, is covered in whole clove studs, roll the fruit in the spice mixture.  Then continue with the next fruit until all are completed.  Once the fruits are decorated, roll them in the ground spice mixture, then leave them in the bowl with the spices in a cool, dry place.  It will take up to three weeks for the pomander balls to cure.

Once they are dry, remove them from the spice mixture, dust them off and display them.  They look pretty in a decorative bowl or attach a ribbon to them and hang in a closet, doorway, or even from a Christmas tree!  Their citrus-spice scent is a welcome addition to any home.

This project also works well with other citrus fruits, such as lemons or kumquats.

Learn more about Christmas traditions at MerryChristmas4You.com!