jalex

I like those ideas very much and I think I'll try the Aromatherapy for the bathtub...because I like the look, makes a great gift and the little tea-ball is cool looking......

*Herbal Tub Tea*
Aromatherapy tub tea is a gift with longevity: when it's stored in a high-quality container with a strong seal, it will remain fragrant for a year.

Aromatherapist Kim Gordon discusses some of the therapeutic properties of herbs and essential oils. Gordon combines aromatic herbs, essential oils and oatmeal to make this special tub tea.

Materials:

Mesh ball/tea infuser (usually used for tea)
Herbs
Oatmeal (use 1 cup for every 4 cups of herbs)
Essential oils
Mixing bowl
Decorative glass jar with secure lid
Parchment paper
Raffia
Pen



Combine herbs, essential oils and oatmeal in a mixing bowl and mix well.

Pour mixture into decorative glass jar and seal well.

Use parchment paper and pen to create a pretty tag with the following directions: "Use tea ball to scoop out contents. Close ball tightly and toss mesh ball into hot bath. Allow to steep 3 to 5 minutes before removing."

Use raffia to attach tag and mesh tea infuser to jar.
Here are some guidelines for selecting herbs and essential oils:

To soothe, select one or more of the following: catnip, chamomile, comfrey, evening primrose flowers, jasmine, juniper berries, lemon balm, mullein and violet leaves (and/or flowers), rose or rose geranium leaves.

To stimulate, use one or more of the following: basil, bay, pine, mint, lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme, or calendula flowers.

To soothe aching muscles, try one or more of the following: bay, juniper, oregano, poplar buds & bark, sage, strawberry leaves, eucalyptus.

To alleviate stress, the following work wonders: lavender, rose, lemon balm.


*Aromatherapy Fun for Kids *

Coat hangers can be used to make larger bubble wands.

~Country Fair Bubbles ~

Materials:

2 cups unscented dishwashing liquid
6 cups water
3/4 cup glycerin
25 or more drops essential oil
Lidded plastic container or bottle Medium-gauge wire or coat hangers



Pour the ingredients into plastic container and shake well.

Use wire to create bubble wands: bend into circles, squares, triangles, hearts and stars.

Allow bubble mixture to settle for 4 hours. Gently stir mixture before using. If bubbles aren't holding well enough, add more glycerin. Essential oils can also be added to strengthen the fragrance.

~Orange-Scented Craft Dough ~
Orange essential oil offers natural antibacterial properties -- ideal for little hands at play.

Materials:

1 cup white flour
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon food coloring
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8-15 drops essential oil of orange
Medium pot or large skillet
Plastic bag or airtight container



In preheated pot or skillet, combine flour, salt and cream of tartar. Add water, food coloring and oils, and stir until smooth.

Continue to stir over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. When the mixture forms a ball in the center of the pot, turn off the stove and let it cool.

Remove dough from pot and place on floured surface. Knead the dough before storing in a plastic bag or airtight container.

~Scented Powdered-Milk Paint ~
Make inexpensive, all-natural paint with powdered milk.

Scented Powdered-Milk Paint

Materials:

1/2 cup powdered nonfat milk
1/2 cup water
Powdered paint pigments
10-20 drops essential oil
Paintbrushes



Mix milk and water, stirring until milk is dissolved.

Combine only as much solution with powdered pigments as you intend to use in one sitting.

Store in a tightly capped jar in the refrigerator. Use water to thin and to clean your brushes.


*Fragrant Ideas *
Crafts Expert Kathy Cardinalli offers some inventive and economical home fragrances and gifts.

Long stalks of dried herbs can be bundled into potpourri wands. Cardinalli lights the end of a wand
blows it out and allow the aroma to fill the room as the wand smolders in a fireproof dish.

Homemade potpourri (in jar) can be made from herbs and spices found in the kitchen spice rack. A simmering potpourri can be made by combining herbs in an old pot and simmering on low heat. Cloves, chamomile, cinnamon sticks, and mint can be combined with essential oils (or used alone) to remain fragrant for days.

For a pomander, which looks as good as it smells, Cardinalli pokes small holes (note from jalex: she uses a fork or any pointy object to poke the holes and than dips it in a colored fruit juice (red color works best) to see the holes)in citrus fruits and adds cloves around the entire surface. When they're completed, she bundles the fruit with decorative ribbon and finishes with a bow at the top.

*Spice-Scented Kitchen Pad*
The folk-art motif of the kitchen pad was modeled after traditional penny rugs.

Love the smell of a kitchen scented with spice? This kitchen pad uses the warmth of a pot or pan to release its aroma.

Materials:

5 pieces of felt (2 of the same color)
Black heat-resistant thread or yarn
2 oz. whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
Embroidery needle
Straight pins



Cut 2 pieces of felt (in same color) into 7" squares.

Cut a decorative folk motif about 4" high and 3" wide from another color of felt.

Use heat-resistant thread or yarn and a buttonhole stitch to attach the motif to the center of the felt square.

Hand- or machine-stitch the 2 felt squares around 3 sides, approximately 1/4" from the outside edge.

Fill the pad with cloves and cinnamon and sew remaining edge.

To cover stitching around outer edge, embroider with buttonhole stitch.




http://diynet.com/DIY/episode/0,1007,DIC-247,FF.shtml

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