How to make your own rose potpourri

May 10, 2012, 4:01 pm Yahoo!7

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Fill your home with the natural perfume of fragrant rose petals.

Extend your enjoyment of fresh roses by using the petals to make potpourri. You can either keep it for yourself or fill a bought bag or jar for a thoughtful gift.

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Gather your supplies

Bunch of fresh roses

Metal or wire mesh tray

Orris root powder (fixative) or dried lavender

Rose essential oil

Preserving jar

Notes:

Use orris root if your petals will be exposed to air.

Here's How

Step 1: As roses start to wilt, but before they brown, pull petals apart and put on a mesh tray. Leave to dry completely.
Step 2: Mix 3 cups of dried petals with 1 tsp of orris root powder or 3 Tbsp of dried lavender. Add a few drops of rose essential oil.
Step 3: Put mix in jar, seal and shake. Let sit for 10 days, shaking every second day to blend. Display in a small bowl.
Step 4: If your idea of absolute heaven is sinking into a bath scented with fragrant bath salts, try this idea! Mix 1 cup of rock salt with 1 cup of Epsom salts in a metal or glass bowl. Sift in 2 Tbsp of bicarbonate of soda and stir to combine. Add 1 cup of dried rose petals and mix again. Add a few drops of rose essential oil and stir once more before spooning the mix into a decorative glass jar. Store in the bathroom out of direct sunlight. A simple ribbon tied around the jar turns it into a pretty gift.