Friday, December 10, 2010

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.

5 comments:

  1. I can almost smell your house. What fun. Cloves are now on my shopping list. Bob had asked twice what I was going to do with "all those clementines." We made pomanders as a fifth grade art project--only we made the clover covering solid. I haven't tried since then. This looks like I can manage it. Thanks. I'm spending the morning making Rudolph cookies. I'll post a picture.

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  2. This DOES look like fun; a great craft for my two CA grandkids that two weeks from today we will be visiting! They are really pretty, and I can just imagine how they smell. I CAN remember making these with our kids at Xmas, only used oranges, of course, which can take a long time to cover!

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  3. Can't wait to do this with Zac & Claire. Thanks for including the details about oranges, cloves, ribbon, etc. Love the pictures, especially Hannah's shy smile with the missing tooth.

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  4. This looks easy and fun. I remember pomanders from my childhood. Your grands rather steal the show!

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  5. Erika and Hannah have such a good time with you. These Christmas crafts make them - and you - happy, I'm sure. The pomanders make everybody happy, such delicious smells they offer.

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