Learn how to make pomander balls with whole spices for long lasting fragrance that will make your home look and smell great.
Traditionally, pomander balls are made from oranges and cloves placed in a pretty pattern and displayed on the table during the Christmas holidays. Orange pomanders are 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 longer lasting fragrant grouping for the table?
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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.
Making Pomander Balls with Spices
Step 1. 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.
Step 2. Using cloves is super easy because you can easily stick them directly into the foam ball. You don't need to use any glue.
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It really wasn't too hard to fit them tightly together. And, because this ball was painted brown you can't see any white.
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.
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
Coriander Seeds
Mustard Seeds
Black Peppercorns
White Peppercorns
Set them out in a bowl as pretty decorations that double as an air freshener or use them as a sachet in drawers or closets.
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. Wouldn't they make a nice gift?
More Fragrant Fall Projects
Pomander Balls - Full of Spice and Everything Nice
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.
- 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. Fill in if needed.
- Place your pomander balls in a pretty bowl and enjoy the fragrance!
Notes
Susan Corbin
I plan on using the rainbow peppercorns for a Christmas pomander. Love this idea!
Patti Estep
Susan that's a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Maureen
Oh, I love this idea!
Patti Estep
Thanks Maureen!
Julie Briones
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!
Patti Estep
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.
Carole West
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.
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. That's a great idea!
MrsSW
What a great idea! Thanks, Patti - pinned.
Sheila
Michelle James
I imagine these smell wonderful. I love them and they look so good in the wooden bowl. I pinned them to try later. Thanks.
Patti Estep
Thanks Michelle. I have you have a chance to make some for yourself.
Angie @ Postcards from the Riddge
These are so pretty and your tutorial makes them look easy to make. You're so creative!
Patti Estep
Thanks Angie. I love getting my hands on an easy project during this busy time of year.
Patti Estep
Thanks Sheila. Glad to hear you like them.