Purple Coneflower and Bluebonnet Potpourri 

SUPPLIES

• Gloves
• Scissors
• Flowers
• Window screen or materials to hang dry, such as twine, rubber band, clothespin, hanger, etc.
• Sealable containers
• Fixative (See Below)
• Essential oil 

Fixative                                                                                                                                                         A fixative is a material that is used to lengthen the fragrance life. Some commonly used fixatives are mulch, pine cones, citrus peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla beans, nutmeg, coriander seeds, bay leaves, dried rosemary, or thyme. Fixatives such as oakmoss (woodsy scent), cellulose fiber (corn cob bits), and the cut varieties of orris (violet-like scent) and calamus root(nutty scent)  are attainable from herb specialists and hobby stores.

Essential Oils                                                                                                                                   Essential oils come in a variety of floral, herbal, fruity and spicy scents.  These oils come in small concentrated bottles and can be purchased at nutrition and craft stores. 

Make your own Potpourri

Harvest

Pick your flowers! The key to successful potpourri is choosing dry, healthy plants that are free of disease and pests. Flowers shrink when drying, so fill up your basket! Some flowers dry prettier than others, so experiment until you find what you like the best.

Dry flowers by one of the following methods:

A. Remove stems and place flowers on a window screen to dry in a warm, dry, ventilated location; away from sunlight.

B. Hang small bunches of flowers by the stem upside down. Same conditions apply as with screen method.

The temperature and humidity of your location will determine required drying time. Once thoroughly dry, plant material will be slightly brittle and free of moisture.

SCREEN METHOD

                                      HANG-DRY METHOD

Once completely dry, place dried flowers in air tight containers or plastic bag. Place containers in a cool, dark place, until ready to use. If you find that there is moisture build up inside the container, remove plant material and continue the drying process.

Fixative / Essential Oil 

Select the fixative and oil (s) of your choice. You will need at least 2 Tbsp. fixative per quart of blossoms. Place the fixative into a large glass container and add 15-20 drops of oil. Mix well, then close jar with air tight lid and set in a cool, dry place. Let sit for a few days, then check to see if you like the fragrance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with fixatives and oils to acquire a fragrance that is perfect for you.

Finishing

Add dried flowers to fixative / oil mixture, and mix well. Put lid on jar and leave in cool dark place for several weeks; shaking gently every few days. Potpourri will be ready in 4-6 weeks. When your potpourri begins to lose its fragrance, add a few more drops of oil. Display 

Display

Anything goes when it comes to showing off your creativity.  Put your potpourri in a basket, candy dish, flower pot, or even a teapot – whatever compliments your decor. If you want the fragrance to last longer, use a container with a lid, and take the lid off only when you want to scent the room. Enjoy!

By Laurie Cervantez