by Susan Hibberd

Created on: November 16, 2008   Last Updated: January 01, 2009

Ideas for do-it-yourself potpourri holder

Potpourri really add an extra dimension to your home. You might have got the decoration right. You might have got the layout right. You might even have added that certain creative something'. But if your house doesn't smell right, it will never be a perfect as you want.

Adding potpourri can be a challenge, especially if your house isn't decorated in a country style. In this instance, you will need to be creative.

BOWLS

Any bowl that is a suitable size can be used as a potpourri holder. It should be an open bowl, so that the largest amount of potpourri can be open to the air.

You could choose a vintage bowl, or any ceramic one to match your dcor. Remember that bowls can be made of many materials.

GLASS

Glass containers are beautiful when filled with petals, because you can see all the colors to the very bottom. Try using a rose bowl, which has a silver top to it.

FABRIC BOWLS

You can make your own fabric bowls from scraps of lace by soaking the lace in diluted PVA glue and letting in dry in a mold. You don't have to buy a special mold you can use any bowl of a suitable size. Line it with saran wrap first so that your fabric doesn't stick to it. Scraps of silk also look great used this way.

LEAF BOWLS

You can make leaf bowls in the same way as you make fabric bowls. Choose leaves that are already dried , otherwise they will shrink. If you can pick up any outdoors, buy skeletonised leaves from the craft store.

NIGHT LIGHT HOLDERS

If you search the stores, you can find some beautiful ceramics that are intended as night-light holders. If you can find ones that have a cut-out design they make great potpourri holders. Use them groups in sets of three around the home.

BOXES

Potpourri can also be displayed in boxes with the lid left off, but propped up against the side. Any of your favorite boxes can be used for this, but remember that potpourri sometimes has oil residue on it which might stain a fabric-covered box. Group your boxes in sets of three, five or seven for maximum effect.

You can also make your own little boxes, but covering old packaging with fabric or decoupage pictures. Cut down a large box if you don't have any small enough, and cover with fabric scraps, postage stamps, images from vintage magazines etc. Seal with a coat of diluted PVA and leave to dry thoroughly before putting it on any of your surfaces.

Vintage boxes that you pick up at antiques fairs are ready-made containers.

MUGS

I use broken mugs as storage for pens and pencils, and they would work equally as well for potpourri. If the handle gets chipped off your favorite mug, don't throw it away. Use it for potpourri with the broken bit turned to the wall.

TINS

Tins can be used for potpourri as well, although not in the bathroom, where they might rust. Choose vintage food tins for the kitchen, or old chocolate tins for the living room.

Adding potpourri to a room adds another dimension to your decorating. It is always worth finding the right container, and if you make one yourself it will fit your decor and reflect your personality perfectly. Go for it!

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