By Patty from E. Peoria, IL
Each spring and summer, I used to go around to my friends' gardens and pick the flower petals up from the ground (do this at mid day when dew isn't on them.) Take the flowers or petals home and lay them out on newspaper on the floor and leave to dry (about 2 weeks.) Next, get as many glass gallon jugs as you can from restaurants and place a mix of different colored flowers in each. Then place different fragrance oils (essential oils) in each jar.
Hint: For flowers that dry bright red, and don't turn brown, use red geraniums.
Keep these jars in a place with no sun and leave them sit until right before Christmas (stirring monthly.) I then put each floral blend into a different fancy clear glass jar with a matching ribbon. I sold them at my mom's work right before Christmas and at Christmas Craft Fairs.
Everyone loved them and they paid for my kids' Christmas that year!
By Cyinda
My daughters always give me odd flavored tea for gifts - hot cinnamon spice, gingerbread, and many other great smelling but not so good tasting teas. I tried putting some in a jar in my bathroom, and it worked perfect for a potpourri. The aroma fills the room, and the tea bag is not wasted!
By Denise M. from Dothan, AL
When I deadhead my herbs, I put the clippings in a nice bowl on a table, the bathroom counter, or anywhere. Then every time I walk past, I just toss them a few times with my fingertips. This releases the fragrance into the room even more and helps it to dry evenly. Usually I have only one herb per bowl, but when they are dry, you can combine them for an even more interesting fragrance and use it in a variety of ways. There's no right or wrong. Experiment.
The photo is of lemon thyme, one of my favorites. (It makes your hands smell great.)
By ~gloria from Upstate NY
I use these for potpourri sachets or to put in a room to refresh it. I normally add some fragrance to it that can be bought at Walmart for a few dollars. Since the fragrance is a concentrate it only takes a few drops. Simple, easy, and cheap.
By Gem from VA
Approximate Time: 20 minutes
* You can either buy orange slices that have already been dried, or you can dry your own. If you choose to dry your own, dry them in an oven. Place them on a baking tray that has been lined with aluminum foil. Bake them for approximately 4 hours at 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). Check the slices every 30 minutes and turn them over carefully.
By BessieBessie from Pretoria, Gauteng, SA
How can I make homemade potpourri in five days?
By Cherry1976 from Sacramento
By Flomerch08/25/2010I have dried the flowers petals and botanicals in the oven on the lowest setting laying on paper towels on top of cookie cooling racks that are setting on cookie sheets. The petals dry overnight, cool them and then add orris root (to prolong the fragrance), and essential oils of your choosing. I also add dried citrus rind or slices, small pine cones or sweet gum balls, etc. etc.
Can you make your own potpourri using gelatin and essential oil? Many thanks.
Helen xx
By Helen from U.K
By maphisx708/04/2010Sorry I was addressing another situation. Have no idea about using gelatin.
I made homemade potpourri with flowers that I dried and then adding a scent from the essential oils.
Good Luck!
Gem
I use potpourri in a big pan with water and put on top of the stove to simmer all day to keep my home smelling good. My question is can I save the water of the potpourri and add a scent the same as the potpourri then use it as a liquid potpourri?
Angie from WI
By Koposhi08/15/2010How about the Dollar Stores Perfume Mist Sprays? A quick squirt in the dryer does it here & most Softener Sheets are Scented!
I am looking for information about using a dehydrator for making potpourri.
Lynda
I sometimes make my own potpourri by using a tsp. of cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves (apple pie spices.) These make your house smell wonderful. Just put them on the stove in a small pot of water to simmer on very low heat. Everyone coming in your home will be searching for the pies. You can also use other spices of your choosing. Pumpkin smells wonderful also!
By Michelle from Lanett, AL
Just put everything in a big bowl and let it finish drying naturally for a day or two. Then sprinkle the whole mix with spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg whatever you like the smell of. Then mix with dried cranberries, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves. Use your imagination, there's really no right or wrong way to do it, I put mine in jars tied with ribbon and in those little sheer bags you can find in the wedding isle at any WalMart or craft store. I found mine at the dollar tree 4 for $1, and they're great for putting in a drawer or suitcase. You can even simmer some on the stove in a pot of water. I don't have one but I would think if you used a food dehydrator to dry the fruits you would be able to retain more of the color in the fruits, but the oven method works fine for me. Have Fun! (04/02/2007)
By bambi2003
I am looking for a recipe to make a simmering potpourri that I can heat in a small electric potpourri pot.
Bsue from Coshocton, OH
To 16 oz. water, add:
Small peelings of 1 orange, 1 tangerine, and 1 lemon with a sprinkling of each of the herb needles.
Simmer adding water when low, stirring occasionally as needed with metal spoon. Place in draft inside waterproof/fireproof container (in case of cracks, leaks, or accidental tipping), such as a clay pot drain saucer, towards rooms or in front of a poorly insulated window. Enjoy.
Come spring, watch for hyacinths, forsythia, early blooming/fragrant blossoms to begin a fresh potpourri of :
Lime, vanilla, cherry flavoring, and flower petals, to the water in similar proportions to the above, adjusting to your own sense of smell, adding a few drops of your favorite floral cologne in place of alcohol.
No one and nothing can compete with essential oils, but this recipe is one of the favorite fragrances of long ago before they were more available.
Remember to check your pot's water level before it dries out, usually once an hour or so, if tiny as you describe. I prefer to increase the portions and use a small electric skillet with the steam vent open in the lid as it simmers. God bless you. : ) (01/03/2007)
By Lynda
By pingelig
 |
 |
 |
 |
Making Your Own Potpourri