Potpourr-ez: Simple Steps to Create Your Own Potpourri Creation

   Potpourri mixes used to be stored in ceramic jars.  Set near a heat source, when a gathering entered a room, the jar lid was removed and the fragrance spread throughout the room.  Use potpourri in place of aerosol sprays and eliminate another source of chemical pollution in your life.  In addition to being better for your health, you will save money since you can create potpourri mixes for essentially free.

Ingredients

   Potpourri consists of four main ingredients:  flowers and leaves, essential oils, spices and herbs, and a fixative.  A fixative absorbs and retains volatile oils so that the potpourri lasts much longer.  The actual potpourri scent comes from the flowers and leaves.  Essential oils reinforce the natural perfumes and boost the fragrance.  You can have a stronger scent by adding complementary fragrances and essential oils.

   In creating potpourri, imagination is the key.  There really is no wrong combination.  Common ingredients include, but not limited to:  lavender, rose buds, flax seeds, chamomile flowers, dried citrus peel, pinecones, allspice, angel wings, star anise, bay leaves, sea shells, pods, pussywillows, bark, and leaves.  Collect your fresh ingredients in the morning, after the dew has evaporated.  You also can ask your local florist for their discards.  Handle your ingredients gentley to avoid bruising, which can diminish their fragrance.

Technique

   Potpourri begins with a fixative.  Orris root (sweet violet scent, 1-2 Tablespoons per 1 cup of dried potpourri mix) is the most popular.  Others include gum benzoin (sweet vanilla scent, 1/2 oz per 4-6 cups of mix) and oatmoss.

   Add approximately 6 drops of essential oil to the fixative and mix well.  Store in an airtight container for 1-7 days.  Longer = Stronger (scent).

   Add the fixative mixture with your potpourri ingredients.  Place in an airtight container and leave in a dark place for 4-6 weeks.  Shake the container daily to avoid clumping. 

   Transfer to your favorite container or sachet.

Additional Tips

    Keep your potpourri ingredients (plants, herbs, etc) in your freezer to prevent attracting bugs until you are ready to use them.

   Create sachets and place in lingerie drawers, linen closets, tie to hangers and hang in closets, and place in purses or cars.  Spread potpourri out on a decorative tray and place rustic candles among them.  Create a holiday mix, place in muslin bags, and put up around your home for a festive atmosphere.  Create party favors.  Tie off the muslin bags with charms appropriate to the theme of the party. 

Barbara Eyre is the owner of Moonlight Delights, a store and website dedicated to re-introducing the world back to a more natural lifestyle.  The site is continuously growing, so stop by often to see new features, articles, information, and products.