Posts
Today is 11-11. Very mysterious and important time in the eyes of some mystics and philosophers.
Those mystics are always in a huddle about something.
It's no mystery that we owe our veterans our thanks. Happy Veterans Day.
It's no mystery that we owe our veterans our thanks. Happy Veterans Day.
I'm posting something that is quite mysterious: Queen of the garden, the lovely rose. It is painted here in a vintage image.
Right-click to save. Hope ye enjoy.
We have a Mysterious Giveaway, too. The mystery is why I would say I had something "shiny" to give away, and then switch around and do this one first. However, it is good to do it first, because Christmas is coming and this is something especially associated with Christmas!
It's POMANDERS, the real kind! The kind made with cloves and citrus fruits!
Here is my hubby, helping out. He really got into it and finished his first.
Winner will receive a Pomander Kit, containing everything except the lemon or lime needed to make a pomander. You will get WHOLE CLOVES, SPICE MIX, POWDERED ORRIS ROOT, a bit of RIBBON, a little NAIL to poke holes (so your poor thumb doesn't get sore) and a little paper bag! Enough for two small limes to be converted to pomanders.
I use those small round limes to make my pomanders, m'dears. The wee ones.
It's easy to make pomanders. Whole cloves are studded into a small citrus fruit -- not too close, not too far apart. Then the studded fruit is put into a paper bag with a good amount of orris root powder and spices (cinnamon, etc.) in it, shaken daily, and allowed to cure and dry. In the desert, it just takes about three weeks. Where you are may take longer! But the orris root is the "magic" ingredient that keeps the fruit from rotting, and keeps the smell "fixed" for a long, long time.
Pomanders such as these were often carried at court in Europe, to ward off unpleasant smells and germs. Oh, I remember those days; back in 1559, I guess it was, I saw my first pomander.
These in the picture below are still curing. I took them from the bag to make the photograph. Brush off the excess spices when they are cured fully. They will be lightweight when dry. Don't eat them, dearies. Most of ye know that, but SOME of ye, well, I'll say no more...
Any comment enters ye and I'll draw soon so the winner can get busy.
Someone was asking about a tutorial about keeping borders off the graphics in yer main posting column...I think I went over that before, think I posted a link about where to get the instructions...ye can Google it but not all the results are legitimate...check BLOG TOOLS in the Labels, low on the right sidebar...click and see if ye can find it...it's HTML ye add right in when ye post the graphic...
We have a Mysterious Giveaway, too. The mystery is why I would say I had something "shiny" to give away, and then switch around and do this one first. However, it is good to do it first, because Christmas is coming and this is something especially associated with Christmas!
It's POMANDERS, the real kind! The kind made with cloves and citrus fruits!
Here is my hubby, helping out. He really got into it and finished his first.
Winner will receive a Pomander Kit, containing everything except the lemon or lime needed to make a pomander. You will get WHOLE CLOVES, SPICE MIX, POWDERED ORRIS ROOT, a bit of RIBBON, a little NAIL to poke holes (so your poor thumb doesn't get sore) and a little paper bag! Enough for two small limes to be converted to pomanders.
I use those small round limes to make my pomanders, m'dears. The wee ones.
It's easy to make pomanders. Whole cloves are studded into a small citrus fruit -- not too close, not too far apart. Then the studded fruit is put into a paper bag with a good amount of orris root powder and spices (cinnamon, etc.) in it, shaken daily, and allowed to cure and dry. In the desert, it just takes about three weeks. Where you are may take longer! But the orris root is the "magic" ingredient that keeps the fruit from rotting, and keeps the smell "fixed" for a long, long time.
Pomanders such as these were often carried at court in Europe, to ward off unpleasant smells and germs. Oh, I remember those days; back in 1559, I guess it was, I saw my first pomander.
These in the picture below are still curing. I took them from the bag to make the photograph. Brush off the excess spices when they are cured fully. They will be lightweight when dry. Don't eat them, dearies. Most of ye know that, but SOME of ye, well, I'll say no more...
Any comment enters ye and I'll draw soon so the winner can get busy.
Someone was asking about a tutorial about keeping borders off the graphics in yer main posting column...I think I went over that before, think I posted a link about where to get the instructions...ye can Google it but not all the results are legitimate...check BLOG TOOLS in the Labels, low on the right sidebar...click and see if ye can find it...it's HTML ye add right in when ye post the graphic...
This rose is beautiful. Sigh...
Now since I am like 5 years old I don't have any memory of these scented balls of fruit that you are giving away. I am intregued. Very. Can I tie them on the kitten to cover up his um, um, um..... gas? It seems the kitten has a side effect that was not revealed in his contract. I am hoping he grows out of it.
Hummm, very interesting. I would love to try some of these scent balls. You my dearie are very smart. Thanks for telling us how to make them. Hope you have a very good day.
Molly
Halloo dearies...it's a bit after 5 and I am gettin' ready fer that little job I got...
Julia, the gas Bingo has is because of emotional upset and change of diet. It will alleviate within a couple of weeks at most.
Halloo Molly...I know yer a busy gal...I miss yer posts...they are rare like pearls now!!!
Are you sure we can't eat them. That photo looks like giant truffles or chocolate meatballs...
Love the beautiful rose! Are Congragulations in order? I must have missed something if you're up at 5....Congratulations!
Hugs,
Dawn
My Dear Holly...This is awesome! They ward away unpleaseant smells and germs? This is magic,,,I really would love to win! Do you have any magic that would entice a certain little sweetie from hiding? Something all natural and organic that would lure a baby from hiding? No Jalina Rose...nope not yet! Hugs!
You are so nice and kind with your freebies and give aways. I remember making a pomander over 30 years ago. Wow that was another lifetime ago. Keep up the good work.
MMMM... I think I can smell it from here! Lovely:)
Ahhh...that explains it! I tried making those years ago with oranges, but I just put the cloves into the oranges and hung them up. No orris root, no spices, no bag......NO WONDER THEY ROTTED,LOL!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing this, I'll have to try them again doing it the correct way:)
I'm with Carmen C. I did them wrong before,too. Thanks for the tips and instructions. Love the rose. :)
These are most interesting....but ? where do you get orris root? Love the graphics, visit every day...
Thanks,
Faith
I haven't made pomanders in years. I'll have to dig out my orris root and get busy.
Beware of paper cuts today...blood doesn't look good on greeting cards!
Since I was small I have loved the smell of cloves in Oranges. An old woman taught me the trick when I was young... Never knew they had a name or that you could also do it to limes yet makes sense. I did not however know about the orris root or spices... I am so excited to make them now as they are a yearly tradition... Thank you so much for the heads up....
You always devise the most clever giveaways, LOL! So you remember 1559, huh? I'll have to do some cyphering after learning that tidbit! Have a wonderful 11-11 and veterans day!
I have made those before. They are greatr, and last for years if properly dried. please enter me in your drawing.
Sheila
whitjsss@aol.com
Hmmm, I've never heard of these, but they sound very interesting!
I've always wanted to make one of these - what a great idea!
We used to make these with oranges and stuck whole cloves into it - didn't know about orris root powder! TOO COOL!
Great post my dear! Happy Veteran's Day! {Remembrance Day in Canada!}
Blessings,
Sandi
Oohhh! I would love to be entered in your spicey giveaway!
And thanks for the info about the borders or lack thereof!
BLessings!
I definitely need one to carry on the subway. I made pomanders a few years ago and my thumb paid the price, but the result was great.
Oh this reminds me of my Mother..she made them every year for Christmas..I'd love to win one.
Have a day as lovely as that rose.
i have never known about the root when i heard of these studded fruits before! you are so CLEVER! i LOVE this idea and of course, your graphics! Thank you for sharing both!
oh and it's my son that works at walmart, DS (dear son). DH (dear hubby) hasn't worked all year since being laid off in feb. or march. he has resorted to cashing in his 401k to help get us through the winter... but hopefully he can find part time holiday work soon, if nothing else pops up. i LOVE your giveaways and always look forward to my visits with you! Have a GREAT day! :)
Ummm, I can almost smell it now! What a fun project for the grandkids.
Halloo m'dears. Already back from work. My ankle looks like a grapefruit. I was never meant to work, dearies...meant to be strictly decorative...*laff*...
Orris root -- I got mine from Ebay...most any herb company will sell it...just need a tablespoon or so...get the POWDER, not the "chopped."
Pomanders were traditionally apples, rosehips, and such...use of citrus is newer...I use key limes because I'm CHEAP...the whole cloves are expensive, but if you could find a very small orange, that would work quite well...
Dearest Penni, first of all let me tell you that your packet arrived this afternoon. Oh what joy I am so thrilled and delighted. Thank you so much for the cards. We do get Christmas cards but these are just so special and Made in USA ; as we say in India....so they are so much appreciated. The decorations are are so pretty. My younger sister and her two boys are coming to spend Christmas and winter hols with us, we shall put up the decorations on the tree.
Mama sends a hug & a big thank you too. It was so thoughful and kind of you. I am so proud to have you for a friend....where were you all years.....I should have met you in 1559... lol
You know wehat I always thought a pomandaer waqs a
- a scented purse
- a French hairdo
- or a powder puff box
I have read about it in novels but never really cared to unearth its meaning.
Bow you 've shown me and also how its made.
Lovely. The drying up process conmpletely changes the look of the lemon.
Bouquet garni or something called like that ( I forget the proper British name) can be bought at boutiques here. They have scented wood shavings and dried flowers.
Now I will never forget what a pomander is.
Men from India also fought in the WW. My Mom 's Dad who was a doctor was enlisted , he did travel to Europe with the Bristish army...don 't remember where.
Happy Rememberance Day to all of you.
How fun! I have never gotten off me rear and made my own.
What a wonderful giveaway! I have often wanted to try making pomanders but never took the time to actually do it! Maybe I will try it this year!!
I can smell those pomanders when I look at them rolled in the spices! What a wonderful holiday project! Thank ye Dame Penniwig!
What a brillant giveaway~~~I LOVE it!One of our mutual friends directed me over to you...she said we had alot in common:)
LOVE your blog and am now a new follower!
Blessings and Fare thee well!
~Lynn♥
~Let FREEDOM Ring!~
I bet that smells delish! I love natural scents, like fragrant flowers (I have a ginger lily blooming outside my window as we speak and they are sooooooo wonderful smelling) and I love squeezing orange peels after I eat one and spray the oils out into the air to scent the whole house...something I've learned from my Oma.
Happy Veteran's Day!
Hello there,
I remember making those when I was little.
They smell so nice and look really pretty.
Hope you are having a great day. I hope Jake's first word is gwitter.
You crack me up!
Rosemary
You are always so generous :-)
All your blog today was a new one for me. I am not familiar with that process at all. Seems you know what you are doing and doing it well.
Would you be willing to make up a few of the "kits" and then sell them please? I would be proud to purchase a kit. I wore my purple earrings today, and my Mom in law loved them.
They really are pretty.
Anyhoo...I have stuck cloves into fruit in past years, but knew nothing about orris root. I live under a rock you know....sorry about your cankles. I love it that you were meant for ornamentation only!!
My grandma and I made pomanders using oranges-the smell was so wonderful. We would completely cover the orange with cloves. I've never used the orris root-our oranges always dried right up but I bet that stuff would keep them smelling good longer.
My, my, you are well preserved for being around in the 1500's. Orris root work for that too??
Love, Debra
I've always wanted to make some of those pomanders, because I LOVE the smell of cloves! I usually just through some ground cloves in an electric tart burner, and it smells lovely!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Hello! I have just found your lovely blog. What beautiful graphics you have. I haven't made pomanders in years and was just yesterday thinking I might ~ this must be a sign to just do it! Please enter me in your drawing and thanks again for offering such pretty graphics. Blessings ~ Jenn
I love the smells of these pomanders, I usually use an orange,maybe I shall change to a lime: I have been putting them in my water lately instead of lemon.
Thanks for the idea prompt, easy to do while watching evening TV.
Smiles, Cyndi