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How to make potpourri from fresh flowers
Materials Materials needed include various oils such as rose, lavender, and orange blossom. Orrisroot is also required as a fixative that helps preserve the essential oils in the dried petals. Lastly, a brown paper bag, jars or lidded containers, and a dark closet or room are needed to create potpourri. Drying the petals Start by collecting the flowers you wish to use. Roses are a favorite flower for most, but other flowers like fragrant geraniums, carnations, tulips, daisies, and others make wonderful additions. Other ingredients like lavender, money plant, lamb's ear, and globe thistle also help in creating a potpourri with a fragrant depth. Spread out the petals on a baking sheet, newspaper, or open box and let sit to dry. Drying may take several days, so be patient. Make sure to collect a large amount of petals, because when they dry, petals tend to shrink in size, lowering the apparent quantity. Putting it all together Next, place the petals in a large bowl and add a tablespoon of the Orrisroot for every cup of petals. Add a few drops of your choice of oils such as lavender, rose, or orange blossom. Many craft stores carry a variety of these oils so feel free to experiment with them to develop your own personalized scents. Remember, these oils are concentrated, so only use a few drops at a time to avoid over-saturation. Mix well with a plastic spoon or any other easily washable utensil. Patience my friend, patience Place the potpourri in a brown paper bag and shake well. Let the mixture sit for about six weeks, shaking the bag every week. After that, add a few more drops of oils, more dried petals, or other ingredients like cinnamon. Then, shake well and distribute into smaller containers. You can make satchels, Mason jar gifts, or any other presentation that works for a suitable gift. Keep unused potpourri in sealed containers like canning jars or airtight storage containers. |
