Decorative Fun with Dried Lavender

Lots of fun and decorative projects can be done with dried lavender. Dried lavender is not only pretty, but it gives off a soothing scent. The smell of lavender has long been used to ease tension and relieve depression.

Dried lavender doesn't have to be purchased; it can be created at home. The traditional method for drying flowers is to secure the stems of freshly cut blooms and hang them upside down in a cool, dark area.

If you don't have time to wait, this process can be speeded up by placing pans of flowers in a 200 degree (Fahrenheit) oven for several hours. Warning, this may change the color.

If you're crammed for time, you can use the microwave. Most craft store sell desiccant, a material that can help dry flowers in the microwave. However, cheap cat litter, paper towels, paper bags, or towels can also be used. You will have to do some experimenting on how long the lavender needs to "cook" as the wattage and settings of a microwave varies.

Now that you have your dried lavender, it's time to have some fun with it. Lavender is pretty enough to be displayed on its own. If you want something a little bit nicer, you can try one of these projects. Both projects can be completed in less than fifteen minutes.

Ribboned Wands

Ribboned wands of lavender can be used as place-setting decoration, handed out as favors, placed in a jar or basket, or be hung in closets and bathrooms. For this project, you need dried lavender stalks with flower heads. Plan on using about 20 for each wand you create. However, you can create larger wands if you desire. You will also need floral wire and ribbon.

Arrange about twenty stems of dried lavender in your hand until they are in a nice bouquet. Then, wrap floral wire tightly around the stems. Cover the wire by weaving ribbon around the stems. Tie the ribbon in a bow at the base of the stems.

Holiday Lavender Holders

Holiday lavender holders look great when hung from the fireplace or used as place-setting decoration. They are quick and easy to make. All you need are some gold doilies and tissue paper, dried lavender and cedar, some holiday ribbon about 1/4 inch wide and a hot glue gun. Fold each doily so that they form a cone shape and secure with a bit of hot glue. Use ribbon to form a hanger by attaching each end to one side of the doily with glue. Tie and attach two small bows to disguise where the ribbon is glued to the doily.

Next, position the gold tissue paper inside the doily. Be sure to tuck the edges down inside the holder. Use additional ribbon to attach a large bow to the front of the hanger. Secure the bow in place with hot glue. Fill the holder with lavender and cedar and you're done.