Happy Holidays!!

Merry Christmas season, Happy Boxing Day (to my friends in Great Brittan and Canada) and lastly a warm first day of Kwanzaa* to all who observe.  Here in the US Northeast we are girding ourselves for a winter blizzard which is forecast to drop about one foot of snow across the area...so glad I'm indoors until after the new year.

This fall season, I began to come back into my normal self.  Those who follow my dealings know that I am over-busy most of the time.  In fact, it is my "normal".  But this summer, between implementing a huge expansion project at work, being a caregiver to my mentee and the usual foolishness I have going on, it was a stressful time.  More than that, it temporarily robbed me of my creativity.

SLOWLY, I have come back to myself.

So this season, I was able to complete several very fun handmade projects, many of which I was able to incorporate many Christmas gifts into the queue.  I'll be showing you some of them.

Stash Sachets

I had a little a little clothes moth scare in a segregated wool stash.  Out of fear of harm to the mother load, I did some investigating of natural moth repellents.  I detest the smell of moth balls, I have too many childhood memories of old smelly church ladies...did I ever tell you that I have an exceptionally keen nose?

Anyways, I did some research on natural materials that protect fabrics and developed these mixes.  All recipes are approximate, but feel free to replicate and adjust as desired.  I gave several cotton/wool gifts where I included a sachet.

Mint Medley

1 part dried mint (any variety is fine)
2 parts dried lavender
1.25 ounces whole cloves

In a small plastic zip bag, crush the whole cloves with a rolling pin (or whatever you've got).  Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Place mix in mini sachets.  I used some organza pouches from a craft store chain to bundle them up. 

Cedar Lavender

4 parts cedar shavings

1 part dried lavender

Mix ingredients and sachet as you see fit.

Any of these sachets can be enhanced or rejuvenated with essential oils.  I spruced up my cedar shavings with them.  Enjoy. ~ksp

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*Umoja - Unity - is the principle of the first day of Kwanzaa.  On this and every day I will strive to create and maintain unity in my family, community, nation and race.