Preparing the Incense:
Step 1: Put on your gloves.
Step 2: Put 1 tsp. gum arabic in about 8 oz. warm water and mix thoroughly. This is the mucilage. It should absorb enough water to become a thick paste. If it's too dry, add more water a little at a time.
Step 3: Note that if you plan on making incense sticks, the consistency should be like oatmeal. For cones, it should be a bit thicker, like pudding.
Step 4: Cover the mucilage with a hot, wet dishcloth and set it aside.
Step 5: Make the incense base by blending 6 tbsp. powdered sandalwood, 2 tbsp. ground benzoin, and 1 tbsp. ground orris root.
Step 6: Use an eyedropper to add 6 drops of the essential oil(s) of your choice in any combination.
Step 7: Mix the oils in thoroughly with your hands.
Step 8: Add 1 1/2 tbsp. myrrh, 2 tbsp. sandalwood, 1/2 tbsp. eucalyptus and 3 drops lemon oil to form a fine, powdery mixture.
Step 9: Use a kitchen scale to weigh the incense.
Step 10: Add 10 percent of that weight in saltpeter (potassium nitrate). For example, if you have 10 oz. incense, add 1 oz. saltpeter.
Step 11: Mix the saltpeter in completely.
Step 12: Check the mucilage. It may have thickened as it sat. If that's the case, stir in a little bit of water.
Step 13: Add the mucilage a little at a time. Keep adding it until the powder is thoroughly dampened.
Making Cones:
Step 1: Realize that the texture should be dough-like for cone incense. If it's too thick, it will take too long to dry. If it's too thin, the cones won't hold their shape.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into cones on a piece of waxed paper.
Step 3: Let your incense dry for at least five days in a warm, dry place.
Making Sticks:
Step 1: Add thinner mucilage to make stick incense. The mixture should be thin enough to dip, but thick enough to keep a stick dipped into it standing.
Step 2: Dip the sticks into the mixture. It will take several dippings to get the right thickness. You'll need to let each layer dry a few minutes before adding the next one.
Step 3: Poke the ends of the sticks into a Styrofoam block to hold them upright.
Step 4: Let your incense dry for at least five days in a warm, dry place.
Credit is given to Wise Witches Society