DIY Pomander Balls

Traditional pomander balls are a fun and classic craft. This craft has been made for generations, and is a wonderful way to add a lovely scent to your home for the holidays.

Materials Needed

Firm, fresh oranges
Whole cloves
Skewers or toothpicks
Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
Optional: orris root powder to help preserve the pomander ball
Ribbon for hanging

Prepare the Orange

Wash and dry your orange.

Decide on a pattern for your design, which you can mark with a pencil if desired.

Add the Cloves

Use a toothpick or skewer to poke small holes where you want the cloves to go.

This makes inserting them easier and prevents splitting the orange.

Push the cloves in one by one, spacing them evenly or grouping them to create your chosen design.

The more cloves you use, the longer-lasting and more fragrant your pomander will be.

Coat with Spices

For a stronger scent and improved preservation, gently roll or dust the finished pomander in a mixture of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

This helps the orange dry out slowly and boosts the aroma.

Let It Cure

Place the pomander in a cool, dry area to cure for several days to a week.

Rotate it occasionally to ensure even drying.

As the orange dries, it will become lighter, harder, and more aromatic.

Display

Once cured, your pomander ball can be placed in bowls, tucked into drawers or closets, hung with ribbon, or given as a beautifully fragrant homemade gift. They can last for weeks or even months when properly dried.