Each holiday season I get more and more into crafting presents instead of buying presents. I also get more into gifting things that can be used up and made useful. These are a few crafts that, if you have the materials, are quick and easy to make and gift.
Cuticle Oil
Supplies:
- small glass vials with roller applicator
- Argon oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Geranium essential oil
- Vanilla essential oil
- Dried chamomile and lavender flowers
I just mixed these up in the individual vials. You will only need a couple drops of each essential oil. Next, you will drop in some flowers; you don’t need many. This is really for visual interest. Then fill the vial a little over 1/3 full with the sweet almond oil. Top off the vial with argon oil and cap with the roller ball applicator. Voila!
Relaxing Bath Salts
Supplies:
- small organza bags
- bath salts
- dried lavender flowers
- dried camomile flowers
- lavender essential oil (optional)
If you are making many, then mixing up the salts, dried flowers and essential oil in a large bowl might be worthwhile, otherwise you can just spoon the ingredients directly into the baggies. I use one or two drops of essential oil per baggie and then tie the bags tightly closed by knotting the drawstring ribbons. These ribbons can serve as a way to hang the bag on the tub faucet so the water will run through. The only hiccough I ran into with gifting these is that not many of my friends ever take baths.
Wax Sachets
Supplies:
- Soy based candle wax
- A mold of some kind
- Whole spices: clove, star anise, dried orange wheels, lavender flowers, broken cinnamon stick
- Ribbon
- A container and pot to melt the wax
- Essential oils: lavender, clove, cinnamon, orange
First, put water in your pan and put your container for melting wax over/in the water. Some people use a large measuring jug as their container, I just set a pot inside of another pot. You will want to use equipment dedicated to candle/soap/lotion making. I do not suggest using the same pots and containers that you use for cooking. Bring the water (in the outside container) to a simmer and allow your wax to melt.
While the wax is melting, pre-mix your essential oils to get the right balance. I used lavender, clove, cinnamon, and orange because that is the same combination I use for my room freshening spray in fall/winter. You can use anything that seems the nicest and most festive to you. You will also want to place some of your whole dried spices in your molds. I didn’t have anything fancy, so I wrapped old cardboard jewelry boxes in foil.
When the wax is melted pour it into your molds. You may want to place some additional spices after pouring, like the star anise and the orange wheel. I had placed all my spices in first, pouring the wax over-top, and some of them kind of got lost in the wax. Once the wax has hardened, heat up the end of a metal metal skewer to punch a hole for the ribbon (be sure you are using an oven mitt or pot holder to hold the skewer).
Simmering Potpourri
Supplies:
- Whole spices: allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, dried orange wheels, clove buds, star anise, dried ginger, dried apple slices
- Bottle or jar
This is supper simple! Just toss the tried spices together in a bowl. If your bottle are jar is a little on the small side then you may want to break up some of the orange wheels, cinnamon sticks, and apple slices. If the jar is big, you don’t have to worry about it. Divvy up the mix among your containers. When you gift this, I suggest including instructions: “Combine potpourri mix with water in a sauce pot. Place on the stove and bring to a simmer. Enjoy the smells!”