How to Make an Orange Clove Pomander

Whole oranges lend their fresh citrus scent to pomanders.

A pomander ball is a functional, yet enjoyable item made by women and older children in historical times, such as the Colonial and Victorian eras. These scented balls, made with fruit and cloves, were used as natural household deodorizers but also provided hard-working frontier women with one of life's simple pleasures. Today, pomander balls are often made around the holidays to decorate and scent the home. Orange and clove pomanders are simple to make and can be turned into a family craft.

Things You'll Need

• Orange
• Toothpicks
• Whole cloves
• Baking pan
• 1 teaspoon orris root powder
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Tissue paper
• Twine
• 1/4-inch-wide ribbon
• Ruler
• Sewing pins

Instructions

1. 

   Pre-made holes make it easier to add the cloves.

   Poke holes in the orange, wherever you want to insert cloves. Use a toothpick to poke the holes to a depth of about 1/4 inch. The more holes that are poked to accommodate cloves, the more fragrant your pomander will be.

2. Push the whole cloves into the orange, using the pre-made holes for easier insertion. Insert the small stem portion of the clove into the orange until secure.

3. 

   The spicy scent of cinnamon complements the fresh citrus scent of an orange.

   Sprinkle 1 teaspoon orris root powder and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon into a baking pan. Shake the pan back and forth to mix the two spices together. Roll the clove-covered orange in the spices until it's coated.

4. Wrap the pomander in two layers of tissue paper and tie the top closed with a piece of twine. Place the pomander in a dry location for two to three weeks until the orange has dried.

5. Unwrap the tissue paper and discard it. Cut a 9-inch length of 1/4-inch-wide ribbon to make a hanger for the pomander. Overlap the ends of the ribbon by 1 inch. Hold the overlapped ends securely on the top of the pomander and press a flat-headed sewing pin into the orange to secure the ribbon hanger.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute other spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, in place of the cinnamon to alter the fragrance of your pomander.

• Arrange several pomanders in a basket or bowl for a fragrant centerpiece.

• Pointy cloves can make your fingers sore after awhile. Wear garden gloves to cushion your fingers so they don't feel like pin cushions after poking the cloves into the orange.

References

• National Park Service: Cowpens National Battlefield: Unit 3- Backcountry Lifestyles: Early American Activities
• EPA: Safe Cleaning Alternatives: Air Fresheners
• Scholastic: Teachers: Christmas After All Discussion Guide: Student Activities