Pomander Pleasures

   The grandchildren are in our safe keeping for a couple of days. Fortunately smart friends gave me entertaining ideas. I saw Susan making pomanders at our craft group on Monday.  I don't remember making pomanders, but now I am hooked: Get oranges (Susan suggested clementines for softness), a bulk supply of cloves (Costco for me) and thin ribbons if you like. I picked up gold- edged white ribbon at Ben Franklin, a bit of wire in the edges.

     After nursery school, four-year-old Erika made a pomander and then another to give away to Nancy and the beaders for helping her make a boxwood tree. I tied the bow on first, as one might wrap a package, secured in one or two places with a short ball-topped straight pin (as in shirt purchases).  I put the clementine on a folded paper towel and handed  Erika a toothpick to make preliminary holes (not needed, I think), cloves in a little saucer. Six-year-old Hannah took up the craft when she got home at three after first grade. You may want to add loops for hanging. Some roll them in spices, let them dry and after they seem no longer useful, boil them in water to make the house smell wonderful.  Google orange and clove balls for more ideas and possibilities. Click to enlarge the photos.