Lavender Lady

12/31/2025

A Pin by Rana Kawaii Doll

12/30/2025

DIY GRAIN SACK SCENTED HEART SACHETS
By
Ann Drake
On
January 24, 2025

Learn how to make charming DIY grain sack scented heart sachets with these easy tips and directions. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day, or as festive decor.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make these DIY grain sack heart scented sachets. They make a lovely gift…for someone else or for yourself. They do require a little bit of sewing, but if you don’t have a machine, hand-stitching will work just as well.

For this project, I used part of one antique grain sack, and two different antique tea towels. If you are wondering about the “AD,” the vintage tea towels came with the initials already embroidered. Sometimes, if you are patient and incredibly lucky, you can find vintage linens with embroidered initials that match your own. These tea towels were gifted to me by a friend who owns an Etsy shop, and they are treasures for sure.

THE METHOD
My method for making heart sachets uses one cut-out heart, and one bigger piece of backing fabric. It took me a few years to perfect this method, and it’s definitely much easier than trying to sew together two hearts that are exactly the same size. It eliminates the need to line the front and back up perfectly, and makes the job go so much faster. This is the same method I use to make these little heart Christmas tree ornaments.

SUPPLIES NEEDED
* Grain sack fabric for the top of the heart
* Backing fabric (scrap fabric or the plain part of the grain sack)
* Heart template: SMALL or LARGE
* Fresh lavender buds
* Cording or ribbon for hangers: 3 – 4 inches long
* Scissors
* Marking pen

TIPS + TRICKS
* Sometimes, antique grain sacks can be found with the ties still attached. More often than not, the ties are missing or too worn to use. If the ties are there, and still in good condition, they make perfect hanger loops for the heart sachets. I was fresh out of antique ties, so the hangers shown in these photos were made from tiny braided cording.
* The directions below are for one sachet made from grain sack. You can, of course, use any sort of fabric you like or have on hand. Some good choices in addition to the authentic grain sacks are tea towels, drop cloth, cloth napkins, etc.
* If you plan to make more than one sachet, use the assembly-line method. For example, trace all your hearts at once…then cut them all out…etc.
* When I don’t have these hearts on display in our home, they are stored in a plastic container with a tight lid. They look as perfect today as they did the day I made them. To refresh the lavender scent, simply add a drop of lavender essential oilto the back of a few hearts. In addition to using these hearts for Valentine’s Day decor, they can be used as Christmas tree ornaments.

HOW TO MAKE A HEART SACHET
* Iron your grain sack fabric.
* Make a heart template out of heavy cardstock or cardboard. Using cardboard makes it much easier to trace.
* Being mindful of the grain sack stripes, trace a heart on your fabric, and cut it out. Cut insidethe marking line so it doesn’t show on the finished heart.
* Cut a piece of backing fabric. The shape doesn’t matter, it just needs to be bigger than the heart.
* With WRONG sides together, sew the heart to the backing fabric. You can sew the heart by hand or use a sewing machine. If desired, insert a piece of cording into the “V” of the heart to use as a hanger. Leave an unstitched space on the side of the heart. This space should be about the width of a spoon.
* Using a spoon, fill the heart with lavender buds. (The big hearts take about 2 cups of lavender and the small hearts take about 3/4 cup.)
* After filling the heart sachets, sew up the unstitched space.
* Carefully cut out the back side of the heart.

Years ago, when I was sewing for my now-closed Etsy shop, I made hundreds of grain sack hearts. Some were sachets filled were lavender, some were Christmas tree ornaments filled with stuffing. Some had blue stripes and some had red. I wish I knew exactly how many I made, but I didn’t keep track. Of all those hundreds of hearts, I didn’t save even one for myself. How that happened, I will never know! I have wanted to share this project for a long time, but more than that, I wanted to make some hearts that I could keep.

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. I loved the sewing, the photography, and writing the tutorial. These heart sachets take a little time to make, but it’s definitely time well spent, and the end result is totally worth it. If stored properly, these heart sachets can be used for many years. Hearts are classic, and always easy to add to your decor, no matter what the style.

onsuttonplace.com

Note from Lavender Lady: if you do not have grain sacks and are using a fabric that frays, be sure to use pinking shears or some other method to prevent fraying.

12/30/2025

So cute! These are just rectangles but you could leave the top open and fold it over a plastic ring, tie a ribbon around it to secure it closed and come up with something similar to the previous post. Love all the options!

Discover even more ideas for you

12/30/2025

So many ways to make lavender sachets! You can use these to scent your clothes in drawers, hang in closets, throw them in your dryer or tuck them into your pillowcase for a pleasant night’s sleep. For an easy sachet, fill the toe of a clean sock and tie it shut. Toss it in the dryer to scent your laundry. Bonus-lavender can help repel insect pests such as mosquitoes, moths and ticks.

12/28/2025

Lavender Tincture

Ashley Adamant

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a well-known herb for its calming, relaxing, and soothing properties. Lavender tincture is an excellent way to harness the therapeutic benefits of this fragrant flower, whether you're looking to ease anxiety, promote better sleep, or help relieve minor skin irritations.

PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOK TIME
20 minutes
ADDITIONAL TIME
60 days
TOTAL TIME
60 days 30 minutes

SERVINGS
1 pint

EQUIPMENT

* Pint Mason Jar (Wide Mouth)
* Small Tincture Funnel
* Cheesecloth, Fine Mesh (90 grade)
* Amber Glass Tincture Bottles (with droppers)
* Adhesive label or masking tape (for labelling tincture)

INGREDIENTS

* Fresh or dried lavender flowers
* Vodka or other high-proof alcohol*see notes for making a glycerite tincture

INSTRUCTIONS

* If using fresh lavender, carefully harvest the flowers and gently remove any leaves or stems. For dried lavender, you can either buy it from an herbal supply shop or dry your own by hanging small bundles of flowers in a warm, dry place. For best results, use lavender buds rather than whole sprigs, as the flowers contain the most beneficial compounds. Aim to fill your mason jar about halfway with the lavender flowers, either fresh or dried.�
* Pour your chosen alcohol (vodka is most common, but brandy or rum can add a unique flavor profile) over the lavender flowers until they are fully submerged. It’s essential that the plant material is completely covered, as this prevents mold growth and ensures proper extraction of the medicinal properties.

* Once the lavender is fully covered with alcohol, screw the lid tightly onto the jar and give it a gentle shake. This helps to mix the plant material with the alcohol and ensures everything is well incorporated. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks, allowing the lavender to infuse.

* During the steeping period, shake the jar gently every couple of days. This helps keep the lavender submerged and encourages the alcohol to extract the beneficial compounds from the flowers.

* After 4 to 6 weeks, it’s time to strain the tincture. Line a funnel with cheesecloth or use a fine-mesh strainer to pour the tincture into a clean glass bottle. Press down on the lavender flowers to extract as much liquid as possible. If needed, strain the tincture a second time to remove any remaining particles.

* Transfer the strained tincture into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light. Label the bottle with the date, ingredients, and dosage instructions. Store your lavender tincture in a cool, dark place, and it should remain potent for up to two years.

NOTES

While vodka is commonly used due to its neutral flavor, brandy or rum can add an extra layer of complexity to the tincture’s flavor profile. Lavender tincture is one of the best-tasting homemade herbal tinctures, and I’ll often combine it with less tasty herbs to cover their taste. It works especially well to complement the relaxing therapeutic benefits of valerian and passionflower and cover the taste of those stronger herbs.

When working with lavender tincture on its own, I use vodka or brandy, both of which work well with it’s lovely floral flavor profile.

Usage and Dosage
Lavender tincture is an incredibly versatile herbal remedy with many uses, both internally and externally. Here are a few ways you can use it:

For Anxiety and Stress: Lavender is well-known for its calming effects. To ease anxiety or stress, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of tincture up to three times per day. It can also be added to a cup of tea for an additional calming effect.

For Sleep: Lavender tincture is a wonderful remedy for insomnia. Take 1 teaspoon of tincture about 30 minutes before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

For Skin Irritations: Lavender has natural antiseptic and soothing properties, making it an excellent remedy for minor burns, cuts, or insect bites. You can apply a small amount of diluted lavender tincture directly to the affected area.

Alcohol-Free Option: Glycerite Tincture
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can make a lavender glycerite tincture. Simply substitute vegetable glycerin for alcohol, using a 3:1 ratio of glycerin to distilled water if using dried lavender. For fresh lavender, you can use 100% vegetable glycerin and skip the water. Follow the same steps for extraction, shaking the jar every day and allowing the infusion to steep for 4 to 6 weeks.

Yield and Storage
The amount of tincture you’ll end up with depends on how tightly you pack your jar with lavender and how much alcohol you use. As a general guideline, you’ll need about 2 to 3 cups of alcohol to make a quart jar’s worth of tincture. Fresh lavender contains moisture, so it may result in slightly more tincture than the alcohol used. With dried lavender, the flowers will absorb some alcohol, and you may get a little less tincture in the end.

After bottling, store your lavender tincture in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last up to two years.

Practicalselfreliance.com

12/25/2025

Warm wishes for a peaceful holiday season! Merry Christmas!

12/23/2025

Lemon Icebox Pie With Lavender

Nancy Mock

A unique and really delicious dessert, this no-bake Lemon Icebox Pie with Lavender has a cool, sweet filling in a vanilla cookie crust.

PREP TIME
45 minutes
CHILLING TIME
8 hours
TOTAL TIME
8 hours 45 minutes
SERVINGS
8 servings

INGREDIENTS

For the crust:
* 3 cups vanilla wafer cookies
* 7 tablespoons butter, unsalted and melted
For the filling:
* 1½ cups whipping cream
* ¼ cup confectioner's sugar
* ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
* 2 teaspoons dried, organic culinary lavender buds
* 3.4 ounces (1 box) of Jell-O Instant Lemon Pudding & Pie Filling
* 1½ cups cold milk
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest

INSTRUCTIONS

* Have a 9½ inch pie plate ready. Place the bowl and be**er from your mixer into the freezer to chill.�
Prepare the crust:
* Place the vanilla wafers in a the bowl of a food processor and grind them into fine crumbs. If you don't have a food processor you can also crush the cookies in a large bowl using a potato masher or the bottom of a sturdy drinking glass. �
* Stir the melted butter into the cookie crumbs until the crumbs have thoroughly absorbed the butter.�
* Press the butter-crumb mixture into the pie plate, making an even layer across the bottom and up the sides of the plate to the rim. Press the mixture into place firmly and smooth out the edges.�
* Cover the pie plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 1 hour.
*
* Prepare the whipped cream:
* When the pie crust has chilled, assemble the bowl and be**er on your mixer. Turn the mixer on low and slowly pour in the whipping cream. Increase the speed to medium-high or the highest speed you can go to without cream flying all over the kitchen!�
* After about 2 minutes add in the confectioner's sugar and cream of tartar. Beat the mixture for another 2-4 minutes until it has thickened and holds loose peaks.
�
* Refrigerate 1 cup of the finished whipped cream.�
* Pour the lavender buds into a spice grinder or mini chopper. Pulse the lavender to grind the buds down to a fine consistency.�
* Fold the ground lavender into the remaining whipped cream in the bowl.�
Prepare the lemon pudding:
* In a medium bowl, combine the pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk it together for 2 minutes. Mix the reserved 1 cup of whipped cream into the pudding. Assemble the pie:
* Remove the chilled cookie crust from the refrigerator. Pour the lemon pudding mixture into shell and smooth it into an even layer. Spoon the lavender whipped cream onto the top and smooth it evenly. Sprinkle the lemon zest over the top.�
* Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in your fridge. Chill the pie for at least two hours or overnight.�
* Slice: Cut slowly trhrough the pudding layer, then press firmly to slice through the crust. Serve the pie while it's cold and oh so refreshing!�
* This is a soft pie, so don't let it sit out at room temperature. Keep it covered in the fridge. If traveling with the pie, place it in a cooler with cold packs and add some cushioning around the pie plate to minimize the jostling. �
NOTES

Notes
* Plan ahead for this dessert, because it requires an overnight stay in the fridge before you can serve it.
* If you're short on time, find premade cookie crusts in the baking aisle of your grocery store.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1slice
Calories: 457kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 89mg
Sodium: 277mg
Potassium: 88mg
Sugar: 17g
Vitamin A: 985IU
Vitamin C: 0.7mg
Calcium: 52mg

Hungry Enough To Eat Six

12/23/2025

Lavender Extract
From milkglasshome.com

Whip up this lavender extract recipe to add a subtle floral flavor to your favorite sweet and savory dishes.

PREP TIME 5 min
CURING TIME 7days
TOTAL TIME 7 days 5 minutes

SERVINGS
48 servings
CALORIES
12 kcal

EQUIPMENT

* 1 mason jar
* 1 Small strainer
* 1 small funnel

INGREDIENTS

* 1/4 c dried lavender
* 1 cup unflavored vodka

INSTRUCTIONS

* Measure out the dried lavender buds and add them to a clean jar.
* Cover the lavender with vodka.
* Close the jar with a waterproof lid. Shake and store in a dark place at room temperature for 5-7 days.
* Strain out the flower buds and bottle the extract in an amber glass bottle.

NOTES

Dry out your own culinary lavender – Homegrown lavender extract is even more unique because each lavender variety has its own special flavor. Just be sure to use a culinary lavender, like English lavender, to avoid that soapy flavor.

Start slow and build up – Lavender has such a strong flavor. If you add too much, it will make your recipe taste like a bowl of potpourri. If you’re replacing your vanilla extract with lavender extract, start with half a teaspoon of lavender extract. You can always add more as you go!

Use a dropper – Instead of using a regular bottle, consider adding a dropper to your bottle. This will prevent accidental spills that will take your recipe over the edge.

Skip the alcohol with glycerin– Feel free to use food grade glycerin instead of alcohol.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1tsp
Calories: 12kcal
Carbohydrates: 0.1g
Protein: 0.01g
Fat: 0.01g
Sodium: 0.05mg
Potassium: 0.05mg
Vitamin A: 3IU
Vitamin C: 0.1mg
Calcium: 3mg
Iron: 0.02mg

12/22/2025

12/22/2025

More gift ideas! Just a bit of warning-never stick your hand into a glass jar as I notice was done here. The glass could break and leave you with a nasty cut. Always be careful with melted wax or soaps.

I visited a Lavender Farm and had so much dried lavender to do fun projects with! I'll be showing you three handmade gifts that you can make with dried laven...

12/20/2025

Lemon Thyme Lavender Fudge
From Kapnos Dining Club

Ingredients
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter
* 1/4 cup condensed milk
* Zest of 1 lemon
* 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
* 1/2 teaspoon edible lavender buds

Instructions
1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, and butter and heat over medium heat till the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
2. Once it simmers, remove the pan frm the heat and stir in the condensed milk, lemon zest, thyme, and lavender until everything’s well mixed.
3. Pour the mixture into a lined square pan and let it cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until firm.
4. Cut into squares and enjoy your homemade fudge, its best when served a little soft so the flavors really come together.
by Noel Matthews

Note from Lavender Lady: alternatively, you can use lavender sugar and omit the buds.