Fireside potpourri

[Lina]

Fireside potpourri

This is not your average potpourri.Toss a handful on the fire; the potpourri fragrance intensifies while it turns the flames violet.

To make eight cups gather:
3 cups evergreen clippings
2 cups broken cinnamon sticks
1 cup each holly berries, dried orange pieces, and wood shavings
2 tablespoons whole cloves
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
several tiny pinecones
4 ounces copper sulfate (This is available at pharmacies, I always take my recipe with me so they don't think I am making something strange, LOL but in 20 years I have never been questioned and I make it at least twice a year you can also find it on the Internet)

Mix the ingredients and store in an airtight container until ready to use. Package the potpourri in cellophane gift bags if giving as gifts...during the winter when I am using it I keep it on the hearth in a cute little terra cotta bowl, that fits just a few hand full's at a time.

I also have been making fire starter pine-cones for twenty years if some one wants that...

I just want everyone to know as I see so many viewing this that this has a copy write...You can make it for yourself and gifts, but if you want to sell, please PM me...

[Sassafrass]

Lina, this sounds wonderful! Wish I had a fire place. Do you think grinding this up and placing it over a charcoal disk (like incense) would work to create the fragrance? Is the copper sulfate what causes the purple color?

The only Christmas fragrance I go out of my way to create is one of orange slices simmering in a pot of water with crushed cinnamon sticks and cloves! This smells wonderful as it reduces.

I want to create a few versions of "Christmas Tea" this year. I have learned that some of the most wonderful gifts are savored through the senses of taste and smell...anything that you can enjoy in the memory of the person who gave it to you!

[Lina]

Sas, I don't know...It worth a try...and the left over you can give as a gift...we have even taken this camping with us. Yes its the copper sulfate that gives it it's violet color. I also have a recipe some where for other colors that are for pinecones that I am going to try to add to this. It's somewhere in storage so it might not be till next season I will be able to try.

[Denirae]

Yes Lina, dig out the recipes, you know we want it. LOL Thanks for sharing. Love all your post, keep them coming.

[Lina]

Will do, I will pull it out tonight and post it, Damon and I took an hour walk today to find some nice pinecones, found about a half a bag, so will have to go again...LOL I even want my pinecones to look nice. Steve is going to take us up this week-end so I can gather some lodge pole cones...they are much smaller but oh so pretty...and it's also time for Tamarack (larch) to give me their little pinecones for potpourri. Made some huckleberry syrup today too...I love having two phone lines, (don't know why I thought of this) I keep my computer on all day unless I leave, just in case one of my friends or sisters want to talk, none of them live here in Montana...just Heather and two nieces...I love my computer, I am so glad Steve got it for me, I feel so in touch with the world.

[Denirae]

Lina, amen to the computer. I got mine new one 2 years ago and just love it. I have a brother and his family in Africa (missonaries) so it's our live line. And visiting here is the highlight of my day. Look forward to more recipes. ;)

[fancyfree]

Lina, that's a great recipe, i'll have to try it. I did'nt know you could just throw it into the fireplace. Listen, do you have any idea's of what i could do with old window shutters? I have quite a few , but don't know what to do with them. Please, help!!!!!! Thank,s Dianne-AR

[Denirae]

Hi Dainne, take 4 of them and put them together to form a box shape with hinges. Place glass top on it to make a table. Also do the same thing and put shelves inside, leaving one side open to make the door. You can also use them as a message board, just stick notes and things in the slates. For a cottage look mount on the inside as window shutters. Or even around a mirror. Would love to hear what you do. ;)

[Lina]

Denirae, such wonderful ideas, I couldn't come up with any...Way to go!

[Rae]

Dear Lina,
I would love to have your pinecone firestarter information. The fireplace potpourri sounds great I can't wait to try it.
Thanks Rae

[fancyfree]

Lina, thank you so much for the fireside potpourri. I will have to try that. Sorry i haven't been on the board in months, been having alot of problems at home. Husband has'nt been feeling to well.
Been pretty upset cause we won't be having christmas this year, no money or work. He has been having some tinging down his leg and numbing. After his back surgery, it has been worse it seems like.
So i've been trying to keep the faith for christmas and all. Could use alot of yall's prayers please. Thank you, and have a sunshiney day.

[Denirae]

Dianne sorry to hear about your dh. I'll say a little prayer for him and you too. Take care of yourself. Keep us posted.

[Lina]

Rae, I was meaning to post it and forgot. I will look for it this week-end a post it, (Made a note of it on my list of things to do) The Fireplace potpourri is wonderful, I always like to have some one hand from autumn through winter.

Dianne, I as so sorry to hear of your troubles, keep up your sprits please, I will keep you all in my prayers. Please keep us posted on how your DH is coming along. Sending bunches of hugs...

[Lee]

Lina,
Please send me the fire starter pincone recipe. My e-mail is . Thank you

Merry Christmas everyone.

[Denirae]

Hey Lee, glad to see you back on the boards. How've you been?

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. ;)

[Lee]

Denirae,
Hi There, Have missed you and the other ladies of the forum. How do I send a person a private message?

[Lina]

Lee, right under the post of the person there will be a button that says PM just click on that.

[Lee]

Lina,
Thank You

[Diane]

Hi Dianne, My name is Diane too, but with 1 n. Sorry to hear about your husbands health. Sure hope he is up and about soon. Sorry to hear about your other circumstances, will say a prayer for you tonight. Hopes and prayers that the New Year will bring you and yours a happier one.