How to Make an Orange Studded With Cloves

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Toothpick

  • 1 1/2 tbsp. ground cinnamon

  • 1 1/2 tbsp. ground cloves

  • 1 1/2 tbsp. ground nutmeg

  • 1 1/2 tbsp. ground ginger

  • 1 1/2 tbsp. orris root powder

  • Bowl

  • Tissue paper

  • 2 feet ribbon

Turn oranges into a scented craft.

Oranges studded with cloves, also known as pomanders, make lovely holiday gifts. They create an inviting citrus-spice aroma that fills the whole house and are pleasing to the eye. Put oranges studded with cloves in closets or drawers for a fresh scent, or decorate the pomanders with ribbon to hang in a hallway. They can also be put into a basket for a beautiful centerpiece.

Advertisement

Step 1

Puncture the orange with a toothpick just enough to go through the outer rind. You do not need to puncture the fruit itself. Place a whole clove in each hole you make. Create a pattern with the whole cloves, or simply stud the entire orange with cloves.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Mix together 1 1/2 tbsp. of ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tbsp. of ground cloves, 1 1/2 tbsp. of ground nutmeg, 1 1/2 tbsp. of ground ginger and 1 1/2 tbsp. of orris root powder in a bowl. Alter the recipe if you are going to make more than one pomander.

Step 3

Place the orange studded with cloves into the spice mixture. Roll it around so it is coated evenly.

Step 4

Dry the pomander for two weeks. Wrap the pomander in tissue paper, and store it in a dry, cool area.

Advertisement

Step 5

Tie a 24-inch piece of ribbon around the orange the same way you would wrap ribbon around a gift. Place the ribbon on a hard surface, with the orange in the center of the ribbon. Pull the ribbon over the orange, and twist it so it is going in the opposite direction. Turn the pomander over and tie a bow, leaving the ribbon resting on the orange.

Tip

Create designs with your cloves, like an American flag, a lightning bolt, a person's initials, perhaps a spiral that winds all the way around the orange. Or come up with some design that's wholly original.

Make a template by dotting the orange with a marker before puncturing it. This will allow you to pre-visualize your design beforehand.

Display the clove-studded oranges in places that often have unpleasant odors -- around the cat's litter box, hanging above the sneaker rack, or in a basket next to the toilet.

Check the pomander every few days while it is drying. Turn the pomander so it dries evenly. Rewrap the pomander, if necessary.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references