Sunday, July 12, 2009

Lavender Bundles


Lavender, one of my favourite herbs, in now in bloom. Long prized for its fesh scent and medicinal properties, Queen Elizabeth I used it as a preserve and perfume. It scented linen, was made into pomander balls and was strewn on the floor to keep rooms smelling fresh. Still used today to scent all sorts of beauty products, in aromatherapy it relieves stress, tension and headaches, and aids relaxation. When placed in sachets and stored with clothes, it keeps the moths away. Place dried blooms in little cloth bags to scent your bath water. Lavender can also be used in cooking.

I made these lavender bundles years ago. The lavender has dried out and is crumbling somewhat so the ribbons have worked loose. To make them, gather together a bunch of lavender stalks. Tie the stems with a narrow ribbon then fold back the stems to enclose the lavender blooms. Weave the ribbon through the stalks from top to bottom and then tie in a bow. You can leave the bundles on display, slip them into drawers and closets, or give them away.

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