Crafting With Lavender

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Crafting With Lavender

 

Using lavender in crafts is very easy because it dries so well. When

projects call for lavender buds they usually mean the dried buds of

the plant. Harvest the buds just as they are opening, before they

fully open after the morning dew has dried. Hang bunches upside down

that you've tied with twine, string or secured with a rubber band.

Hang them in a dry, fairly dark location such as a closet, attic or

shed. When they have dried hold the stems over a bowl or paper sack

and remove the buds.

 

You'll need:

Styrofoam balls in any size, or shapes such as hearts

Hot glue gun with glue sticks or craft/tacky glue

Lavender buds

Lavender essential oil (optional)

ribbon

 

Cover your work area with craft paper or newspaper. Warm the glue gun

if you are using one. Place a pile of lavender buds on your paper.

Cover half of your ball or shape with glue and gently roll and press

into the buds. When the area is covered, shake off the excess and

repeat with the other half. Repeat this with as many balls or shapes

as you are using and allow them to dry overnight.

 

Once you have this part done you can do many things with your

lavender shapes. The balls can be placed in a square of lace or

tulle, tied at the top with pretty ribbon and placed in bowls or

baskets. You can also use a stick pin to attach a piece of ribbon as

a hanger and decorate the shapes with dried flowers or a bow. Dried

rosebuds glued to the top with a raffia bow or hanger is also pretty.

To make the lavender scent strong you can drop several drop of

essential oil on to the shape as well.

 

Easy Lavender " Sticks "

 

You'll need:

8-10 stems of lavender with buds still attached

6 " piece of purple tulle

About a yard of silk ribbon per " stick "

 

Lay the tulle down on a work surface that you've covered with paper.

Usually the braided lavender sticks must be freshly picked, but this

craft can be made with dried flowers and stems that you've picked

ahead of time. Lay your bunch of lavender on top of the tulle. Center

in the middle with about an inch left at the top of the material.

Fold the tulle over the top of the stems that have the buds, so the

flowers are covered but not the bottom of the stems. Carefully roll

the lavender up in the tulle, so it's sealed in. Use the ribbon to

tie the bottom part of the rolled tulle that is open. Tie a knot with

the first third of ribbon, then use the rest to wrap around the

bottom of the tulle and stems about 2-3 inches down until the ribbon

is used and there is enough to tie it off or glue the end if you

prefer. These can be given as favors or used as gift toppers.

 

Lavender Eye Pillow

 

You'll need:

two pieces of fabric 4.5 " x9.5 "

3 cups flax seed or uncooked rice (not instant)

2-3 tbsp. lavender flowers

lavender essential oil

thread

 

In a bowl mix the flax or rice, the lavender and the essential oil.

Mix well. Sew two sides and one end of the material for the bag using

1/4 inch seam. Turn the pillow right side out, fill with the mixture.

You want the pillow to lay fairly flat so you can place it over your

eyes or on the back of your neck. Once filled hand stitch the open

side securely. You can use plain muslin for the pillow, and then out

of a printed cotton material sew a small pillow case to use on it

than can be taken out an washed. Flannel is a nice material to use

for this. The bag can be heated for about 30 seconds in the

microwave. I use mine often on my neck.

 

Lavender and Rose Potpourri

 

You'll need:

2 cups dried rose buds/petals

2 cups dried lavender buds

3 tbsp. orris root chips--or powder

10 drops lavender essential oil

 

Place the lavender and rose buds in a large glass jar. If you use

orris root chips add to the flowers, then the drops of essential oil-

seal with the lid and shake well. Shake daily for about 2 weeks,

leaving the lid on, then you can use as you would other potpourri. If

you are using orris root powder first add the essential oil to the

powder, mix well, cover, and let it sit for 2-3 days. Then, add the

flowers and shake together in the large jar as mentioned above.

Follow the remaining instructions. This is a simple but lovely

potpourri.