Lavender Daze

It’s that time of year again when the lavender is ready to harvest.

For many years now June has meant lavender wand weaving.

******a little note (added 29 June) for the highlighted lavender wand weaving link above….

I prefer weaving with one ribbon. I tie the ribbon around the heads snugly, cutting one end short. I take a rounded needle nose plier and gently compress the stems next to the ribbon. It helps the stalks bend in the other direction without snapping/cracking.

Then I weave with the one long ribbon. If you are comfortable, you can leave your ribbon on the spool, you’ll have less waste that way.

I’ve done lots of 13 stem wands, weaving each stem individually. I also like using 21 stems, weaving 3 stems at a time. After your first row, it works up rather quickly. Tying a bow or sewing on buttons or charms all make a nice finish.*****

Oftentimes I would find myself scrambling to get the stems cut before a rain storm hit. It is important that the buds not be too open or some of the precious oils and fragrance might be lost.

I have had the pleasure, over the years, of sitting on our back porch with friends, sipping lemonade and creating lasting memories.

It is delightful and and oh so soothing. Working with the clean fresh scent along with the weaving in and out with different pretty ribbons.

Our youngest son dubbed three of my friends (Lennie, Judy and JoAnn) “the Lavender ladies” as he watched us on the back porch many years ago weaving away. That name has stuck.

The wands last for years and can be tucked into lingerie drawers or kept at your bedside. It would be Lovely to have one near the computer, I’d get to spend lots of time with it.

By gently rolling the ribbon part of the wand between your palms the lavender scent is released anew.

Can you smell it…..

Here is what I have woven thus far. There are a few more stems to be harvested.

I was inspired to do a spread in my Garden/Nature altered book. I captured some dried lavender buds under the netting in the oval frame.

The bee skep is from my Russian punch needle days.

As with most things in nature, it will be a year until the parade of lavender begins again…..so worth waiting for.

Our local altered arts group met recently and because of our heat wave, there was lavender ready for the picking. There was enough to go around and everyone got to make at least one wand, some of us couldn’t stop and made a half dozen by the time the day was over. Fun seeing everyone’s different ribbon choices and creativity.

We were all so calm and relaxed, well most of us anyway…..Alecia and Doris you must try it again some time 😉

This post is my 300th! WOWEE! I’m planning something fun to celebrate…..don’t know yet what it will be……do stay tuned.

And to the Love of my life and the father of our beautiful boys, you are my silver lining Liebling, fur immer und immer.

Happy Vati’s Tag XOXOXOXO