How to make pomanders?

Amber apple, also known as pomander, is a pretty Christmas decoration as well as a natural fragrance diffuser for the home and a lovely alternative to incense and electric diffusers that can sometimes be harmful. Also a creative, olfactory activity very easy to do yourself or with family, especially with children during short winter days. In our tutorial we explain how to make pomanders to scent and decorate your interior.

1- What do I need?

Here is what you will need to easily make pomanders:

• Oranges
• Cloves
• String or ribbon
• A knife or zester

To make a spice powder (facultative):

• Cinnamon powder
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Iris root powder
• Absorbent paper

For decoration (facultative):

• Cinnamon sticks
• Candle
• Pine cones
• Fir branch

2- How to make a pomander?

• With a knife or zester, you can make patterns by sculpting the bark of the orange;

• Pierce your orange with cloves. Tip: if orange bark is too hard, you can pre-pierce with a metal nail, then insert clove. It is also easier to pierce where bark has been removed;

• Wrap your citrus trees with a pretty ribbon or natural string;
• Ready! You can hang your amber apples directly on branches of your Christmas tree. You can also place them in a pretty bowl as a centrepiece with pine cones, some fir branch and cinnamon sticks as an ambient diffuser. Known as a natural repellent, they can also be hung in a wardrobe where they will scent clothes and keep moths away.

Easy to make for children, pomanders are beautiful scented decorations

3- Facultative: spiced pomanders

To boost scent of your citrus tree, you can also roll the orange in a spice powder. This technique is not obligatory and requires a long drying time. If you want to try, here is what to do:

• In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of several powdered spices to taste. For example, use cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg.
• You can also add Iris root powder which is reputed to improve holding of spices and increase fragrance. Keep Iris powder out of reach of children.
• Roll your orange in the mixture.
• Wrap your orange in absorbent paper and leave to dry for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dry place.

4- Make a scented candle with a pomander

To create scented candles:

• Cut a circle the size of a tealight on top of your orange;
• Scoop out just the top so you can insert the candle;
• Nestle your orange in a pretty bowl to prevent wax from spilling, or on a ceramic saucer;
• Your candles will amplify pleasant orange fragrance in the air and help create a natural atmosphere.

To go further:

• Still with a natural ambience, find Virginie's tutorial to make a beautiful Christmas wreath
• Also discover our tutorial to make a wreath with hips.
• Discover our tutorial to create an outdoor ice decoration