Having done the research into the spiritual and medicinal qualities of your herbs - think about what you want the Kinnikinnick mix for and what would best represent this.  

Gather together all your herbs and tobaccos and mixing tools.

Smudge and purify yourself and your place of preparation. Let the smell of your smudging herbs dissipate so that it does not interfere with your smell sense.

Whenever you open each packet of herbs or tobaccos, smell deeply. Let your first impressions dictate your choice.

Mix up your tobacco mix - this is the primary base of your Kinnikinnick.

Start blending by very small amounts of each herb.  Mix thoroughly but gently. Smell again after each mixing and let the overall impression decide your next step.

Once you have completed the blend and before smoking, check the overall aroma as well as how it makes you feel and what impressions you get. When you feel it's right - then it's right.

When packing your pipe - take a small pinch at a time, saying a short prayer. There are usually seven pinches to be added to the pipe for the seven directions. So you will need to gauge the amount to the size of your pipe bowl; and if smoking alone - how much you will have to smoke before the pipe is finished. It is better to smoke half a bowl then to leave some prayers unsmoked.

Pack your pipe bowl evenly, tampering each pinch gently down into the bowl - so that it remains springy. Too tight and the pipe will keep going out. Too loose and the mix will burn to fast and too hot.

Try out your blend - not even necessarily in a pipe ceremony. Think of the impressions, feelings, taste and aroma you get when you smoke. Also see how it smokes - too hot, too wet, goes out too much etc.? Experiment until you have decided which is the best one for your main ceremony.

Remember to clean out both bowl and stem. After each smoke. This is not only for purification and hygiene - but also because the Kinnikinnick aroma and juices remain in the pipe and affect the next smoke.

Use sage to smudge after you have finished.

Our mixes can also be used as smudging incense instead of smoking.  

NOTES:
1. If you are allergic to any of the herbs DO NOT SMOKE. Put aside and use as a smudge.
2. Don't forget you can add but not take away.
3. When it's right, you get a tingle running through you!
4. I have found that the first four pinches fill up the pipe bowl. Press down to half way then add two more pinches to fill it up again. Press down and add the last pinch to fill it up again. Hence 7 pinches will fill your pipe bowl.