| |
|
|
Home Fragrances
Room Freshener
Dilute an essential oil using the ratio of 10 drops of
oil to 7 tablespoons of water and use it in a metal or
ceramic sprayer as the oils will deteriorate if stored
in plastic.
Citrus-Mint Room Mist
Mix the essential oils in a small glass bottle, shake, and store in a cool, dark place. Add 6 drops to one cup of water
and spritz the liquid into the air. Another fragrant idea is to place a few drops on a cotton ball and tuck into your
dresser drawer, or closet shelf.
Lavender Sachet Bags
The most traditional of all scented bags, the lavender
bag has enjoyed such enduring popularity because it is
deliciously fragrant and keeps moths at bay.
Makes 5 bags
3 oz. lavender
1 oz. ground orris root
25 drops lavender oil
Divide the filling equally between fabric bags and fasten
each bag with a tie, ribbon or cord.
Furniture Polish
This is a simple polish to make, and the addition of
wood oils will give it an attractive resiny fragrance.
Makes 1 cup
3-oz. natural beeswax
3/4 cup pure turpentine
20 drops cedarwood oil
10 drops sandalwood oil
Step 1
Grate the beeswax coarsely and place in a screw-top jar.
Step 2
Pour on the turpentine, screw on the lid and let sit
for one week, stirring occasionally until the mixture
becomes a smooth cream. Add the essential oils and mix
well. The polish is then ready to use.
Pomanders
Popular since Tudor times a pomander will give off
its scent for years. The Victorians hung pomanders in their closets to ward off moths.
Makes 6 pomanders
4 oz. ground cinnamon
2 oz. ground cloves
1/2 oz. ground allspice
1/2 oz. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 oz. ground coriander
1 oz. ground orris root (this, along with the spices act as a preservative)
6 Seville oranges (select firm, unblemished ones) or lemons or limes may be used instead
4 oz. whole cloves
Mix all the ground spices and orris root thoroughly
in a lidded earthenware dish large enough to hold all the
oranges. Stud the oranges with cloves, using a toothpick
or large needle to make the holes. Roll the oranges in
the spice mixture and leave them to cure. Cover the
dish and stand in a warm place for at least four weeks.
Turn the pomanders daily. If the spice mix feels damp,
leave the lid at an angle to allow the moisture to
evaporate. After four weeks the oranges will have
shrunk and hardened. Tie with a ribbon if desired and hang in wardrobes, cupboards, Christmas tree or display in a bowl.
A pomander's scent usually lasts for several years, yet may be refreshed by dipping the pomander in warm water, then rolling it in fresh spices to which a drop or two of cinnamon or clove oil has been added. Leave the pomander in the mixture for a few days then use as before.
Herb Spheres
Use your creativity to create beautifully scented spheres.
1 Styrofoam Ball (size may very)
1 Cup dried herbs or potpourri, dried rose petals or dried small flowers
for a 6" size ball
White Glue
Twine or Ribbon
Pour herbs mixture into a bowl. You may chose to ground leaves or petals in a coffee grinder or food processor or glue them on separately. Cover an area of the ball with glue and roll ball through mixture, covering an area at a time.
Cloves may be glued on separately. Cover ball with waxed paper and firmly press. Allow to dry completely before adding ribbon.
Door Sachets
Make small fabric bags and fill them with potpourri
or cotton balls impregnated with essential oil (ensure
that the oil is at the center of the cotton or it may
stain the fabric). Fasten the sachets with ribbon or
cord and hang them on door handles. As the door is
opened and closed it will waft the fragrance around the
room.
|
|
