Fragrant and Festive Pomanders!

Written by Claire Tippett

Pomanders are a traditional decoration that add fragrance as well as beauty to your home or work area. They are, in essence, an orange with whole cloves stuck into them, but get creative! Here are a few techniques to use to get you started:

Materials:

• Large oranges

• Whole cloves

• Ribbons

• Lino etching tool or zester

• Toothpicks or skewers

Instructions:

- > To Etch

Etching your oranges creates beautiful patterns and is really additive!

1. Start with a plain orange.

2. Use an etching tool to take away slivers of skin to create beautiful patterns.

3. Place the orange on display in your bedroom or living area

- > Cloves 

Cloves make a pomander a pomander and add a beautiful fragrance to your creation.

1. Plan where you want your cloves to go. You can start with a plain or etched orange.

2. Use a toothpick or skewer to make a small hole where each clove will go.

3. Push a whole clove into the hole, and continue repeating this step until every hole is filled.

- >Ribbon

Add a decorative ribbon at the end for a pop of color!

1. Loop a ribbon (I suggest red) around the pomander.

2. Tie a single knot at one end and loop it back around the orange.

3. Complete your pomander with a cute bow.

Now go make pomanders! Vary designs, make cool patterns, switch up techniques. The possibilities are endless!

Bibliography:

• Davies, Caro. “How to Make a Spiced Orange Pomander by the Listed Home.” The Listed Home, The Listed Home, Published 2 December 2022, Accessed 11th December 2025.