These are good to make and keep around the house. They can also make good gifts. Really nice for the holiday's.


  Apple Potpourri

 1 c. dried apple slices
2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 c. whole allspice berries
10 (2") cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp. whole cloves
10 sm. pinecones
7 drops cinnamon oil

 Combine all ingredients and place in a tight jar or tin.  Shake every few days.  Cinnamon oil has an extremely strong scent that intensifies as it is absorbed.  Add additional oil if needed.  The red sumac berries that grow wild can be used dried as a stablizer for potpourri (in other recipes it takes the place of orris root which is very expensive).   



   Simmering Potpourri

 1 oz. can cinnamon sticks, broken into
   small pieces
1 (1.12 oz.) can whole cloves
1 (1.25 oz.) can whole allspice
 Combine all ingredients.  Place 1 heaping teaspoon and 1/2 cup of water in simmer pot and heat.  I also dry orange peels and add these to the mixture. 


   Scented Cinnamon Cutouts
 Place these anywhere, they are like potpourri. 10 tbsp. hot applesauce
5 oz. cinnamon

 I've used other spices too (ginger, allspice, etc.), or combined them.  Mix together, if dry add more sauce.  If wet, add more spice.  Makes a great non-sticky dough.  Very workable.  Sprinkle work area with spice and rolling pin.  Roll dough 1/4" thick.  Cut into desired shapes.  Holiday shapes, houses, ginger people, apples, bears, hearts, etc.  For Ornaments:  Cut out with a straw a little hole on top.  Place cut outs on a screen.  Let dry 6 to 7 days.  Almost feels like driftwood.  Paint if you wish.  Be creative.  Example:  Ginger people.  I use white dimentional paint, looks like icing.    Glue ribbon to them, hang them up in a favorite spot.  Glue magnets on back.  Personalize ornaments.  Use mini cutters, make gift tags. 


  Spicy Pomanders

 Orange
Whole cloves
Ribbon

 Push whole cloves into orange.  Sprinkle cinnamon on the orange and wrap it in wax paper.  Wait one week.  Fold picture frame wire in half and push it through the orange.  Bend back the two ends and push them into the orange like a hanger.  Tie ribbon on top of orange on wire. 



  Homeade Candles

 Commercial wicks - from some hardware
   or craft shop
String can be used or wicks from old
   candles
Beeswax
Paraffin
Old candles, melted down
Old crayon for color
Scents and wax colors can be
   purchased at some craft supply
stores
Molds - or containers
 Beeswax can be cut with a knife if the knife is warmed first.  Wrap desired amount around wicks to form long tapers or cone shaped candles.  To melt the paraffin you'll need a double boiler and be real careful about how hot you get it as it is volatile. Old candles can be melted down in the same manner and crayon pieces added for desired color.  Yogurt or butter tubs will make good molds for your candles or pour melted wax over crushed ice in a square milk carton and add glitter - wow!  Or you can dip the wicks repeatedly into melted wax in double boiler and let harden between dippings for tapers. 


   Spring Potpourri

 4 oz. rosebuds
2 oz. lavender flowers
2 oz. peppermint
1 oz. marigold flowers
1 oz. peony flowers
1 oz. bay leaves
you can also take the seed out of a peach and let it dry out and add it too.
(add your favorite scented oil)


 Mix all dry ingredients, then add the essential oils, which have also been pre-mixed.  Mix and store away from direct sunlight.  Store in cool dry place.  Use only glass, wooden or ceramic container and utensils.  Add oils with an atomizer or spritzer or eye dropper.  Age in airtight container for a few days to a few weeks - gently stirring once or twice a week.