Orange Pomander Thanksgiving Holiday Decor! Guest Post by Grace of @Blessed_Element!

Orange Pomander

Orange Pomander: Old Craft New Techniques

Orange pomander is an old craft that is still a holiday treasured tradition.
There are several decorating versions for this craft. Recently cloves are only used to create a design on the orange while the majority of the orange is visible. However I love the old tradition of completely covering an orange with cloves.

Supplies

• Firm orange or Navel
• 2 bottles of whole cloves net wt. 1.25 oz.
• Sharp punch, nail or tooth pick
• Wire
• Ribbon
• Decorative ornament
• Wire cutters

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Orange Pomander directions are simple and using a tool to punch the holes to insert the cloves reduces the time spent making this project. Although I completely cover my orange pomander with cloves, I allow for the fact that the orange will shrink as it ages. Therefore I leave spaces between the cloves.

I keep wet wipes or a wash cloth close by due to the juice of the orange getting on my hands while putting in the cloves.

Cut a wire the desire length, fold in half and insert into the orange. Twist the wire at the bottom to keep it secure. This will be the hanger or you can skip this step and make a hanger from ribbon.

Immediately after covering the orange with cloves I put the oranges in a bag filled with cinnamon and shake them until it is completely covered.

Drying the Orange Pomander

Next I place the oranges on a wire rack out of direct sunlight and let it dry for a few weeks. This process yields better success of the orange not growing mold and lasting for years rather than a few weeks. As a result of drying, the orange will shrink in size. Then I decorate the orange with a bow and decoration. Note: I have not dried the orange yet in the photo.

Decorating the Orange Pomander

Once the orange has dried then take ribbon or lace and wrap around the pomander. I make bows with a bow maker and added an owl button in the center.

It is possible for an orange preserved to last several years. Some people have reported that these keepsakes have been handed down from grandparents that made them as children.

Grace Hodgin
Grace Hodgin has been inspiring people to be crafty for over 40+ years. She is a free lance writer and fiber arts expert residing on the edge of the Ocala National Forest. Grace shares her passion for DIY fashion projects on her site at newbluejuju and shares vegan recipes on her site at blessedelements when not guest posting for gaynycdad readers.