For me it was when I was in Brownies. So, maybe ten years ago? Or more 🙂
They are SUPER simple to make.
How To Make Cloved Oranges
All you need is a can of cloves (found in the spice aisle of the grocery store),
some oranges and a wooden skewer.
I planned out an elaborate design for each orange, and then realized that oranges are round and it's hard to make straight lines on a round item. So I opted for more simple designs.
Really, you should have seen my depiction of The Last Supper that I was going to make on the oranges.
Just poke a hole in the orange and then push in a clove.
Cloves are pointy by nature, so you wouldn't have to use a skewer to make a hole, it just saves you a little time to poke a hole first.
The smell of the clove mixed with the juice of the orange is heavenly.
Cloved oranges only take about five minutes each to make and the cost of three oranges and a can of cloves is around $5.00.
Those Brownies know something about making easy and classic crafts.
Edited To Add - I was wondering why cloved oranges don't mold or attract gnats or anything like that, because I swear my mom used to keep hers for years. It appears the cloves help preserve the orange as it dries and acts as an anti-microbial. Cloves are one of the spices the Egyptians used for embalming, so I guess it makes total sense now.
Looking for more winter and Christmas ideas? Some of my favorite holiday ideas:
Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms
This is always an excellent craft activity for kids to do. My daughter made one two years ago and it's still going strong! There is a danger that they can turn mouldy and so the advice is, I believe, to pop the newly cloved orange into a paper bag and put it in a dry warm place for a few days to dry out and bob's yer uncle. xx
hron
Oh, Thank you for the tip on how to dry the cloved oranges! How fun! Going to make these with my grand girls.;)
Olive Cooper
You Brownies are clever girls. I remember the wonderful scent back when I was a dinosaur.
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting
That looks sooooo pretty!!
TARYTERRE
As a former Girl Scout, way back when... I admit to making this too. Thank you for reminding me that simple things can be more festive, than something you spend alot of money on. If I remember, the smell is heavenly. Take care.
Tricia
This is such a cute idea. I was just thinking about it yesterday, that's so funny that you posted this. I wonder if it would work with little clemintines?
Debra
Tangerines' skins are pretty thin and tear easily - the orange works better .
Marigene
I haven't made any of the cloved oranges in years...sounds like this is the year to do them again!
Debby
I would make these with my mom. The funny thing is, I can't remember anything else that we made together. We would cover the orange and my fingers would hurt. Like your idea to poke them first. I can smell them through the computer.
JunqueMagnet
I remember my mom doing these one year at the holidays. Love that smell. Thinking a trip to Kroger is in order this afternoon! Enjoy.
Debbie refresh restyle
OK, I've never done this before, but I've always loved smelling and looking at them! Maybe this year I'll do it! Thanks for inspiring me! Where did you put the Last Supper one, I don't see it 😉
Debbie
Crystal Rose Cottage
When I was first married years ago and lived on base housing, I remember making some and sitting them in the bathroom to make the bathroom smell good. It worked! I love the smell of oranges and cloves together!~Hugs, Patti
Heather
I haven't made one of those in years!! Ooh, they must smell so lovely.
MamaMonki
I need to go check Aldi's for oranges. I think I have some cloves already. Perfect Saturday project for WeeMan and I.
[email protected]en
I love cloved oranges! We used to make one every year at Christmas time when I was growing up, but it's been years since we made one. We used to attach some ribbon loops to the top and make it kind of like a kissing ball, so it could hang. My mom would hang it in a doorway, with a little bit of greenery so you could smell it when you walked into the room.
marty (A Stroll Thru Life)
Oh I had forgotten about those, but they smell so good. I really need to make some. Yours look so pretty and are beautifully displayed. Thanks for reminding me. Thanks also for the comments about the old fashioned tree. I can't wait to see yours. I love to see all the wonderful vintage and collected ornaments everyone has. Hugs, Marty
~Lavender Dreamer~
I can imagine the wonderful scent just looking at your photos! It's been years since I've seen that done but it's just about time to go to the orchards here in Florida for fresh oranges! ♥
Pamela
I wanna see your take on The Last Supper lol!!!
These look great. Too bad I quit Brownies or else I too would know how to make them!
I love your new banner Pam. I sure do miss my red cardinals. They don't have them here 🙁 !
Hope to do a post soon...if they ever let me out of work!
Kim K.
You totally crack me up. This post is just what I needed tonight. I haven't thought about clove oranges in a million years. Such a fun memory. Your new blog header is divine. Beautiful images.
Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal
I did this last year and loved it. Thanks for the reminder to pick up some oranges. And I live in FL 😉
Carol A.Bender
Thanks for reminding me. I did these a few years ago. I can practically smell them from your awesome pictures. It's my granddaughter's turn for a sleepover tomorrow. This would be a fun project for us.
[email protected] Sentimental Life
so simple, so pretty. I have a bowl just like that sitting on my kitchen table...what a great idea!
magie
Great idea..I have some cloves and some oranges..so now I know what I am going to do with them 🙂
Red Rose Alley
I love the smell of orange and clove, and the pine needles look so pretty next to them. I used to go to my sister's house, and she would always have the smell of orange and clove in her kitchen. Made me feel so welcome.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
andrea
Amazing. This is something I see every Christmas yet have never done. I guess I'm always nervous a dog will eat them or something. I do love the orange with the brown as a tropical Christmas color scheme. [email protected]
Blessed Serendipity
Mmmm I love that smell of the cloves and oranges. I may have to do some of those before Christmas. Thanks so much for your visit today.
blessings,
Danielle
LizlovesVintage
Me too!!! I can smell them all the way here, in NY. Great project.
Have a great Sunday.
xxx Liz
Geneva
I have oranges set aside to make mine today... Yours are simply beautiful, and I love the way you've displayed them. Very Nice Post!
Kelly
I've put the whole cloves in the peels and boiled them for the smell, but I've never done this. It's much prettier! Definitely going to try it! 🙂
Kelly
Karena
Isabella and I will do this over the weekend I remember as a little girl always having cloved oranges, The scent amazing!!
Please Come and enter in My 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways. There are so many exciting & special Gifts! Tis the Season!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing
These are so popular this year and I adore the look. I have to go see if I have some oranges...I love this idea!
Aurelia (A Pretty Life)
beautiful idea, look pretty, I never did, but it's never too late....
I never did, but never too late.I'm going to try.
http://aprettylife13.blogspot.com/
Anonymous
I'm very excited to try this. thanks.
Debbiedoos
Mmm...so pretty, festive and smells great from here Pam!
[email protected]
They had oranges way back then?! Ha! Well, I guess so, you did say it was only 10 years ago.
Only thing I remember from Brownies was someone taught me the wrong words to The Ants Go Marching 1 by 1. During our program everyone got quiet and I sang out to KISS HIS BEHIND on they go marching 9 by 9. I'm still scarred by that.
I've never made these but I plan too now...I remember the wonderful smell. Do you remember the Brownie promise? Post the sketch for your Lord's Supper.
Lisa Natcharian
What a great traditional craft! If you have a minute, come on over and link it up at the Everyday Vintage party at Helene's Legacy. Your style is the perfect fit 🙂
http://heleneslegacy.blogspot.com/2013/11/everyday-vintage-link-party_22.html
Thanks,
Lisa
Irishnana
The cloves may be pointy - but the skewer saves your fingers! Also, makes it easier to do w/ little ones -- I poke w/ the skewer & they put the clove in so much more easily. OR they poke w/ both skewer and clove! If making a design, it's easier to lightly draw a design (simple or ornate) w/ pencil and use it as a guide (for yourself or for child).
Babs Richman
I love to make orange pomanders for Christmas. I remember making them in elementary school. And, you're right. It's easier to make simple designs, and use a skewer to make the holes. I make them almost every year. Love the fragrance. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.
Heather - New House New Home
We used to make these every year. Thanks for reminding me that this is just a great project for the holidays.
Pamela Groppe
I was just thinking of making orange cleaner, you know, with vinegar and orange peels. Anyways I wonder if adding the cloves to it would work too. I guess I shall have to experiment and see.
Dee Sewell
Beautiful illustrations and can almost smell their aroma. Will be hanging them around my home this Christmas, thanks for the reminder 🙂
Cheri
Thanks for the idea. My husband decided he wanted to make one of these this year. I was out looking for directions and noticed I had pinned your post to my Christmas board - good timing.
Bethie
Howz about the, “Mona Lisa” alá Cloves?
About to create some now!
I’ve read you can put a rubber band on the orange to use a guide for
straight lines*lines*around the middle
These beauties are one of nature’s perfect delights!
OMG!!!...I was THERE when you sang that lyric, man!
It scarred me too!!