22 November 2009
A Christmas Traditional Craft - Making A Pomander
Today we’ve had a ago at making pomanders. Pomanders were used in England from the medieval period until the 18th century as a way of perfuming the air.
They are pretty fiddly when you’ve got clunky fingers like me and the cloves start hurting your thumbs after a bit, but they are good family bit of fun and are another tradition around the holiday season.
What you need
1 medium sized orange
25g organic cloves (whole)
1tsp orris root powder
1tsp organic Fairtrade cinnamon powder
Some ribbon and tape
A few pins and a cocktail stick
A paper bag or greaseproof paper
- Gently need the orange in your hands to soften the skin
- Divide the surface of the orange into 4 equal parts and pin the tape into place. This is where the ribbon will be attached later.
- Pierce the skin of the orange with the cocktail stick and set in the organic cloves. Completely cover the orange with organic cloves.
- Mix together the organic cinnamon and orris root powder and put this mix into a paper bag or on a sheet of greaseproof paper. Roll the orange in the spices mix.
- Leave the orange in the paper bag and store in a warm, dry place, or (alternatively) wrap the orange in tissue paper. An airing cupboard is ideal. Leave until the skin under the tape is dry.
- When dry, remove the tape and decorate with the ribbon and with a bow.