Holiday Light Potpourri Bowl

[ysabetwordsmith]

Today I refreshed my holiday light potpourri bowl.  I've had this thing for years, it just needs to be taken apart every 2-3 years to replace the lights and potpourri.  While some people now make these with LED lights, I should point out it won't work nearly as well.  What is normally "waste heat" from incandescent lights is the engine of this project, warming the potpourri to release its scent.  Also, when putting the lights in, I find it impossible to point them toward the outer shell unless I put a toilet paper tube down the center to coil them around.  At the end, just drop some larger pieces of potpourri down the center and carefully wiggle out the tube.  Getting the lights positioned nicely is the biggest challenge of this craft, so test it before you put the cover on, as it's usually necessary to adjust some of the lights.

You can use commercial potpourri or make your own.  This year I couldn't find potpourri but I did find a miniature version of cinnamon-infused pinecones, which I mixed with some of the old potpourri. We'll see how that works.  Most people prefer a wintery scent for this project, such as cinnamon or pine.  I think I've always used something from the cinnamon family.  If you can find a good bag of cinnamon bark chips, you can just throw in some star anise, cardamom pods, and your favorite fixative to have a nice blend.

Comments

[siliconshaman]

If you use some 12volt G4 type LED bulbs in the 4watt range, those put out enough heat that although they're warm to the touch, they don't get hot enough to present a fire risk.

They also come in some funky colours as well as warm white.

[we_are_spc]

Our family used to have jars like this and I miss those. This sounds like a fun project, though. I might see if I can find someone to do it with.

I love sented things so much.

-Fallon~

Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

These things are everywhere this time of year. Keep an ear out for classes or workshops of holiday crafts. It's not too hard to find the bowl and the lights. Ideally, the cover should be crocheted from cotton thread, but you can use something else if necessary. Potpourri was the thing I had a hard time finding this time.

Re: Well ...

[we_are_spc]

That's not a bad thought. :) Then to ask for transportation to get there... :p

-Fallon~

Re: Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Access is patchy in many places. However, if there's a class at a community center or similar place, ask if they have transportation for people with disabilities. Some places don't give a fig, but others are very inclusive.

Re: Well ...

[we_are_spc]

Ours might. I've just never looked because it's been only recently that we've taken an interest in crafts outside our own little isolated bubble circle. :d We want to try knitting (Like we mentioned to you) but haven't gotten around to those classes yet.

It's definitely worth the searcyh to find who does and doesn't have transportation though. :) If nothing els, I can go their first via some transpo service and ask someone (If there's anyone living near us) to take us back and forth after that initial meeting.

-Fallon~

Re: Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Ours might. I've just never looked because it's been only recently that we've taken an interest in crafts outside our own little isolated bubble circle. :d <<

Crafts are a great hobby for having fun and meeting people.

>> We want to try knitting (Like we mentioned to you) but haven't gotten around to those classes yet. <<

That's a good bet because many fibercrafters are seniors who may need transportation, and knitting is popular enough there could be multiple classes or clubs in different places. Ask around and you may find one that suits your needs.

By the way, it finally occurred to me to check -- Indianapolis has a Time Bank. It is not highly active, but is a place where you could try swapping things you do (such as massage) for transportation. And it's already set up, so if you find folks you can trade favors with, looping them into that would make it more functional again.

>>It's definitely worth the searcyh to find who does and doesn't have transportation though. :) If nothing els, I can go their first via some transpo service and ask someone (If there's anyone living near us) to take us back and forth after that initial meeting.<<

Plan A and Plan B, woohoo!

Re: Well ...

[we_are_spc]

Just signed us up, though I can't figure out how to add talents. Might try with Firefox tomorrow. IE seems to be hit or miss on some things.

Thank you for that resource, we'd never really even though to check for that. Might make our life here a bit easier. :d

-Fallon~

Re: Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Just signed us up, <<

Woohoo! :D

>> though I can't figure out how to add talents. Might try with Firefox tomorrow. IE seems to be hit or miss on some things.<<

Good luck with that. Also some of them have a help page or a volunteer you can ask.

>> Thank you for that resource, we'd never really even though to check for that. Might make our life here a bit easier. :d <<

I'm glad I could help. Time banks are awesome for connecting folks to share their skills. They work great with even a handful of active members. Since what you want most (driving) is an easy thing many people can do, and at least one thing you offer (massage) is scarce at professional level, it's a good bet.

[acelightning]

Where do you find "cinnamon"-infused pine cones that aren't fake? Even Whole Foods only sells scented pine cones that reek of artificial cinnamon scent, which I find revolting (and it makes me sneeze).

[fayanora]

Potpourri is too intense for me. Especially the cinnamon stuff. It makes me hiss and cough and run away.