How to Make Christmas Incense

They say that scent is the closest sense tied to memory. If this is true, then it is no surprise that the warmth and wonder of Christmas time is only highlighted by the distinctive smells that make the holiday so wonderful. It is hard to walk through a patch of evergreen trees without thinking of Christmas and the distinctive pine scents. And who could forget the smell of warm pie or gingerbread men baking in the oven? Bring those treasured scents home to create your own custom Christmas incense. Then give these incense away as a gift this season!

Things You'll Need

• Pine
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Peppermint
• Nutmeg
• Makko powder
• Sandalwood
• Mortar and pestle
• Water
• Essential oils (optional)
• Red or green food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Grind the dry ingredients of your choice with a mortar and pestle. Some suggestions of perfect Christmas scents are listed above. They include cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—these are spices used often in holiday baking. Peppermint is distinctive of candy canes. Pine is also great to resemble the smell of a Christmas tree.

2. Combine ½ cup of the dry ingredients you have selected with 1 cup of sandalwood powder in a medium bowl.

3. Add 1 cup of Makko powder. This powder is available in most craft stores.

4. Slowly add small amounts of water until your powder becomes workable dough. Avoid adding too much water, but if you do, add more powder to compensate.

5. Add any essential oils in Christmas scents to increase the strength of your incense.

6. Add the food coloring if desired to give your incense a more festive flair. Mix well.

7. Continue to work with the dough until it can be formed in your desired stick or cone shape.

8. Let it dry completely before burning.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider tying a few sticks of these incense to Christmas gifts you give your loved ones.

• Wear gloves when adding food coloring to the dough. It may stain hands and clothing.