How to Make Crystallized Potpourri

Crystallized potpourri is attractive to one's eyes as well as to one's nose.

Crystallized potpourri is simple to make and will fill the rooms of your home with your favorite fragrances. Crystallized potpourri is made from rock salt crystals that can be dyed to match the decor of each room. Mix and match colors to create a rainbow of fragrance that is attractive to the nose and the eye. Crystallized potpourri can be stored in decorative containers for added flair. Once the potpourri's scent becomes weak, simply add more of your favorite essential oil to refresh.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic wrap or cardboard
• Apron
• Gloves
• 1 lb. rock salt crystals
• Water
• Bath towel
• Spray bottle
• 4 oz. rubbing alcohol
• 5 drops food coloring
• 1 gal. plastic zipper bag
• 2 tbsp. dendritic salt
• 2 tsp. essential oil
• Cinnamon bark, cloves, peppermint leaves and orange rinds (optional)

Instructions

1. Wear an apron and gloves to protect your clothing and skin. Rinse one pound of rock salt crystals in water, and spread them evenly over a bath towel. Once dry, the crystals will take on a glass-like appearance. Allow the crystals time to air dry.

2. Cover a flat working surface with plastic wrap or cardboard. Transfer the dry rock salt crystals from the bath towel onto the working surface. Spread them out evenly. Fill a spray bottle with 4 ounces of rubbing alcohol and 5 drops of any color of food coloring. Screw the lid on and gently shake to mix the dye solution. Spray the solution over the surface of the rock salt crystals until they are evenly and fully covered. Allow the crystals to sit and dry. Respray the crystals up to four times until the desired color is achieved. Let the crystals dry completely.

3. Scoop up the dyed crystals and add them to a one-gallon plastic zipper bag. Add 2 tablespoons dendritic salt and 2 teaspoons essential fragrance oil. If desired, add extra scented and decorative ingredients such as cinnamon bark, cloves, peppermint leaves and orange rinds to the mixture. Seal the plastic bag, and mix the ingredients together by massaging the bag gently. Allow the crystals to remain in the bag for 12 to 18 hours to soak up the scent.

4. Pour the crystallized potpourri into a decorative, open glass jar or bowl, and set in a room of your home to allow the scent to permeate the air. The potpourri scent will last 4 to 6 weeks. Return the rock salt crystals to a plastic zipper bag, add essential oil and mix to re-scent the potpourri.

Tips & Warnings

• Try mixing different colored crystals together before adding the scent to create a potpourri with multiple coordinating colors.

References

• Scentimental Gifts, Etc.: Crystal Potpourri
• Salt Works: Salt Information
• Easy Aromatherapy Recipes: Yummy Citrus 'n Cinnamon Aromatherapy Potpourri

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish