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    Home » Decorate

    Pomander Balls You Can Make at Home

    October 19, 2021 by Patti Estep 14 Comments

    Jump to How-to Card
    Bowl of pomander balls in different spices such as peppercorn, cloves and allspice.
    Different colored spice pomander balls in a wooden bowl.

    These pomander balls are simple to put together and make a beautiful decorative and fragrant statement for your home. Make them for the fall and keep them out all through the winter months.

    Multi spice pomander balls

    Traditionally, pomander balls are made from oranges and cloves placed in a pretty pattern and displayed on the table during the holidays. They're so pretty and I really love the way they look and smell. However, I thought why not try making some with foam balls and use different spices to make a wonderful fragrant grouping for the table.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Dusky bowl of pomander balls.

    One of my favorite body washes is Pink Pepperpod from Molton Brown. So, pink peppercorns were the first spice that came to mind when making these fragrant orbs. I also used green peppercorns, cloves, allspice, and juniper berries.

    Supplies

    • 1.5 inch Styrofoam Balls
    • 3 inch Styrofoam Balls
    • Brown Craft Paint
    • Whole Cloves
    • Allspice Berries
    • Juniper Berries
    • Pink Peppercorns
    • Green Peppercorns
    Painted styrofoam balls

    If you have the time it's a good idea to paint the styrofoam brown first. This way any small spots that are not covered will not be noticeable.

    However, if you look closely you'll see that I was in a hurry and made some of them without painting them first. I'm okay with it, but if you have the time I think it's worth it.

    Cloves in styrofoam balls

    Using cloves is super easy because you can easily stick them directly into the foam ball. You don't need to use any glue.

    Clove pomander ball

    It really wasn't too hard to fit them tightly together. And, because this ball was painted brown you can't see any white.

    Allspice berries on painted ball

    Since the other spices I used were all round-shaped I couldn't stick them into the balls so I went with low temp hot glue. Working in small areas at a time place the spices as tightly as you can until the ball is covered.

    Pomander balls in different spices

    For the smaller spices like the peppercorns, I would put a little glue on the ball and then press it into a shallow dish of the peppercorns.

    Then mold it with my palm to cover the area. You can then go back and fill in spots if needed later.

    Other Spices for Pomander Balls

    Star Anise
    Coriander Seeds
    Mustard Seeds
    Black Peppercorns
    White Peppercorns

    Bowl of spice covered pomander balls

    This project is a little messy and a bit tedious but the wonderful fragrance you get while working, and afterward, makes it worth the time and effort.

    Patti signature

    More Fragrant Fall Projects

    • Scented Waxed Pinecones
    • Dried Apple & Orange Potpourri
    • Simmering Potpourri
    • Fabric Scented Pumpkins
    Multi spice pomander balls
    Print
    4 from 1 vote

    Pomander Balls - Full of Spice and Everything Nice

    Use foam balls and different spices to make a wonderful fragrant grouping of pomander balls for your table, mantel or anywhere you want a beautiful fragrance!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Active Time15 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Crafts
    Yield: 1 Pomander Ball
    Author: Patti Estep
    Cost: $10-$15

    Equipment

    • Hot glue gun

    Materials

    • 1.5 inch Styrofoam Balls
    • 3 inch Styrofoam Balls
    • Brown Craft Paint
    • Whole Cloves
    • Allspice Berries
    • Juniper Berries
    • Pink Peppercorns
    • Green Peppercorns

    Instructions

    • Paint the styrofoam brown.
    • Stick cloves directly into the foam ball.
    • Working in small areas, use a low temp hot glue gun to place the spices onto the foam ball as tightly as you can until it's covered.
    • For the smaller spices like the peppercorns, put a little glue on the ball, then press it into a shallow dish of the peppercorns.
    • Mold it with your hand.
    • Place your pomander balls in a pretty bowl and enjoy the fragrance!

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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Susan Corbin

      October 29, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      I plan on using the rainbow peppercorns for a Christmas pomander. Love this idea!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 30, 2021 at 7:38 am

        Susan that's a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    2. Maureen

      November 12, 2018 at 12:35 pm

      Oh, I love this idea!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 12, 2018 at 2:40 pm

        Thanks Maureen!

        Reply
    3. Julie Briones

      November 12, 2018 at 11:41 am

      The color variations of your spiced pomander balls are lovely! It's really special that it is the natural color! LOVE! Pinning to FOUR boards!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 12, 2018 at 2:40 pm

        Thanks Julie. I'm so happy to hear how much you like them. They were easy to make and I got to enjoy their fragrance as I worked.

        Reply
    4. Carole West

      November 12, 2018 at 9:59 am

      Another great project - I love these - they would look neat sitting in a jar too after their scent is gone. Simple and sweet and they will look pretty over the holidays too.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 12, 2018 at 2:38 pm

        Thanks Carole. That's a great idea!

        Reply
    5. MrsSW

      November 12, 2018 at 9:28 am

      What a great idea! Thanks, Patti - pinned.

      Sheila

      Reply
    6. Michelle James

      November 12, 2018 at 7:06 am

      I imagine these smell wonderful. I love them and they look so good in the wooden bowl. I pinned them to try later. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 12, 2018 at 7:19 am

        Thanks Michelle. I have you have a chance to make some for yourself.

        Reply
    7. Angie @ Postcards from the Riddge

      November 12, 2018 at 6:25 am

      These are so pretty and your tutorial makes them look easy to make. You're so creative!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 12, 2018 at 7:20 am

        Thanks Angie. I love getting my hands on an easy project during this busy time of year.

        Reply
        • Patti Estep

          November 12, 2018 at 2:39 pm

          Thanks Sheila. Glad to hear you like them.

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