How to make a pomander

These make great rustic Christmas ornaments and they'll last for years!

I made my first orange pomander when I was 11. It was a Christmas gift for my father. He kept it in his dresser until he passed away when I was 38. My mother couldn't bear to part with it and kept it for another nine years until she sold her country home.

Today, I make them with my grandchildren as a Christmas craft. Even a six year old is able to do a good job with some help.

Pomanders have been around for hundreds of years - originating as a mixture of aromatic spices enclosed in a bag or box as a protection against odor or infection. They were at one time worn on one's person but now are usually placed in a dresser drawer or closet or used as a Christmas decoration.

Apparently you can also use the same technique for apples, lemons, or limes (but I haven't tried it - yet).

To make one you need an orange, whole cloves (buy them in bulk not prepackaged - you'll save considerably), and a push pin, awl, or darning needle. Later you will want to put ribbon around your pomander for decoration and to be able to hang it - but that won't be for a few weeks.

Cover the orange with cloves evenly all over. It will smell heavenly! It's okay if you see some orange skin but you want pretty good coverage.

Once you are done, then you will need to let it sit in a dry place for a few weeks. Some recommend wrapping it in tissue and putting it in a box.

I've left it out on display in a basket with pine cones. The orange will shrink and dry out - preserved by the cloves.

When it's dried out, put some decorative ribbon on it. You can tie the ribbon, use a hot glue gun, or you can use pins. If you plan to hang it, make a loop of ribbon. Then enjoy it for years to come!

A great gift, a fun family craft, a timeless treat.