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How to Make Potpourri From Dried Flowers

Potpourri made from dried flowers makes any room smell beautifully scented. Making your own potpourri saves money on expensive store-bought potpourri and is a simple and fun craft for anyone. Flowers that are brittle and dry are mixed with ingredients and placed in open containers around a room. Along with dried flowers from a bouquet or garden, a few simple items such as oils, wood shavings and spices are needed to make potpourri.

Things You'll Need

  • Dried flowers
  • Oils or spices
  • Eyedropper
  • Jars and containers
  • Sheets or racks
  • Wood shavings
  • Orris root, a fixative
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread flower petals in a thin sheet on wide rack or screen with absorbent paper underneath. Place the flowers in a hot and dry room, not in direct sunlight, and one that allows for airflow. Turn the flower petals several times a day and check for tell-tale signs of mold. Remove moldy flower petals immediately.

    • 2

      Dry the flowers for several days. Once dry, the petals should be brittle and crisp to the touch with no remaining traces of moisture.

    • 3

      In a large container, combine the dried flowers with the orris root fixative. For every 4 cups of petals, add 1 tbsp. of orris root fixative. Add wood shavings. For essential oils, use an eyedropper to place a few drops in the potpourri mix. Use the oils sparingly. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands.

    • 4

      Place the mixture in tightly sealed jars for six weeks to cure. After curing, place the mixture in open containers. If you are using a porous container such as a basket, line the container with absorbent cloth or paper. Display the containers of potpourri out of direct sunlight and away from heat and air conditioning vents. Stir the mix every week to renew the scent.