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.

Lavender Balls or Shapes

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:

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:

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.