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Incense
Leaves
At the turn of this century, incense papers were burned more often
than the usual incense product, and they were used by the populace in general.
The most ordinary homemakers were aware of the little papers' ability to fill
the air with sweetness, overpowering the
Victorian mustiness that was a product of the times.This is a recipe to re-create
the burning papers of those Victorian times, and I like to call them Incense Leaves,
for they are most attractive if the paper is cut into leaf-like replicas before
saturation. Also, if you plan to use these as a gift, you can write the instructions
for their use right on the leaf, but do that AFTER the saturation/drying process.
Directions:
Begin
by dissolving three (3) tablespoons saltpetre in three (3) cups
boiling water. Cool this mixture and add 20 to 24 drops of the Essential
oil you desire. Mix slowly, using only steel or glass to stir. (Wood,
aluminum or plastic will tend to soak up the scent). Cut a large
sheet of blotter paper into pieces of a size no larger than a business-sized
envelope. (I suggest you
start with plain white. If you are determined to use a colored paper,
test a bit of it in the scent mixture first, to be sure it will
hold its color when immersed in the liquid.) Now
you may cut it into leaf shapes, or flower shapes, hearts, or any
other shape you like. Simple rectangles will also work. For a natural
looking edge, you might want to tear the paper rather than cut with
scissors. Even if you choose a leaf shape, cut it a little larger
than you want it to be, then tear away a little at a time, until
all the edges are softened this way. Dip the papers, shaped or not,
into the scented water, until it is thoroughly wetted. Set the pieces
aside to dry. I like to clip-clothespins them on a string to let
them dry on both sides at once, over the scented water, or over
a sink or tub. When the papers are completely dried, you may write
the instructions for their use on the leaf, or on the envelope that
you will put them in. If you are making more than one scent in a
day, you will want to write the scent name on the leaf, to make
things easier.
Instructions
for Use:
You
may write a wish on the leaf before you burn it, if you desire.
Then lay the paper, or a portion of it, on a non-flammable surface,
and light one corner. As with any incense, as soon as it has `caught',
extinguish the flame and allow the leaf to smolder. Your wish will
become part of the smoke which rises up to the heavens.
Other Articles:
Overview
Making Incense Cones and Sticks
Making Loose Incense
Order
Incense Making Supplies | Incense
Tips
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