The World of Cut Flowers

Lavender is easy to use in dried floral crafts because it dries well. The best time to harvest lavender is when they have not fully opened yet, and after the morning dew has dried. Lavender is best dried in the air dry method by hanging it upside down in a dark well ventilated area till the buds have dried.

To make Lavender Balls or shapes you will need:

·        Styrofoam balls in any size and shape

·        Hot glue gun

·        Lavender buds

·        Essential oil in lavender

·        Ribbons

Spread glue on the Styrofoam ball or shape and roll over the lavender buds using a little pressure to cover the Styrofoam with the buds. Shake off the excess and let it dry overnight. This lavender shape can be later used in to make other crafts. Place them on lace or tulle or tie a ribbon on the top and place them it a bowl or basket. You can even use them as a wall hanging. To make the lavender fragrance more powerful, add a few drops of lavender oil to the buds.

To make lavender sticks you will need:

·        8-10 stems of lavender with the buds

·        A 6’ piece of tulle

·        A yard of ribbon per stick

Lay the stems of lavender on the tulle at the center with about ½ an inch remaining at the top of the tulle. Fold the tulle to cover the buds but leave out the stems and roll over to seal it. Tie the open bottom with a third of the ribbon and use the remaining two-thirds to wrap on the tulle and stems till the ribbon reaches its end. Glue the end. These sticks can be used on gifts or as favors.

To make a lavender eye pillow you will need:

·        Two pieces of fabric (muslin) approximately 4.5” by 9”

·        3 cups of flax seed

·        2-3 tbsp lavender buds, dried

·        Lavender essential oil

·        Thread

Mix the lavender oil, the dried lavender buds and the flax seeds well. Sew three sides of the fabric on the wrong side. Turn it to the right side up and fill in with the mixture you just made. Stuff in the mixture to a fairly pillow form. Stitch the remaining open side. Now put your pillow in a cotton pillowcase. The bag can be heated for 30 seconds in a microwave and be used over the eyes and under the neck.

To make a lavender and rose potpourri you will need:

·        2 cups of dried rose buds and petals

·        2 cups of dried lavender buds

·        3 tbsp of orris root chips or powder

·        10 drops of lavender essential oil

 Mix the orris root with the essential oil and keep aside for two to three days. Place the dried flowers in a jar and mix well with orris root and the essential oil. Keep aside for two weeks and shake well occasionally. After the flowers have seasoned well they can be used like any other potpourri