How to Make Pomanders With Kids

Turn an orange into a decoration that will last for years: a pomander ball.

Pomanders are sweet-smelling crafts made generally from oranges and several types of common spices. Making pomanders is a craft that is ideal for kids of all ages and leaves them with a useful, beautiful object that many people appreciate. People often place pomanders on display on counters or shelves or in drawers and closets to freshen them up. Kids often make pomanders at school or at other organized events to give to their parents as a gift, particularly for Christmas.

Things You'll Need

• Oranges or another type of fruit
• Whole cloves
• Cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves
• Sandalwood oil
• Paper bag
• Nail or skewer stick
• Ribbons

Instructions

1. Choose a piece of fruit. Oranges work best for making pomanders; however, you can also use an apple or a lemon.

2. Combine the spices and oil. Measure 1 tbsp. each of cinnamon, ground cloves and nutmeg and place in a paper bag and then add four drops of sandalwood oil to the bag and set aside.

3. Poke holes in the fruit. Using a pattern or randomly, take a nail or skewer and poke holes into the fruit, around the entire fruit. As you poke the holes, insert a whole clove into each hole as you go. Keep the holes at least ¼-inch apart. As the fruit dries, it will shrink and problems can occur if the cloves are too close. Do this until the entire fruit is covered with cloves.

4. Place the orange, or other fruit, in the bag of spices. Roll the orange around, making sure that it is covered completely with the sweet-smelling spices.

5. Let the orange dry out. It normally takes approximately four to six weeks to dry completely. During this time, leave the orange in the paper bag. Each day, check the orange and roll it in the spices to ensure that the spices are completely covering the fruit.

6. Test the orange. Check to see if it is dried out by tapping it with your finger. When it is completely dry, it should sound hollow and feel extremely light in weight.

7. Tie a ribbon around it. This can be for decorating purposes or is useful to display the pomander on a Christmas tree or on a hook somewhere in your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Periodically, add a couple drops of clove oil to the spice mix and re-roll the pomander ball.

• Many people use orris root instead of sandalwood oil; however, according to Pioneer Thinking, this substance causes allergic reactions in many people.

References

• Pioneer Thinking: How to Make Pomanders
• Snowdrift Farm: How to Make Pomanders