To make your own dried lavender flowers for pot-pourri or sachets, get up early! The best time to pick lavender is before the flowers open.
Choose a day that is going to be sunny and dry...
humidity will not work.
Cut the stem about 5 or so inches below the flowers.
Put 12-15 stems together in a bunch and join them together with a rubber band, a few inches from the end of the stems.
Rubber bands will hold their shape as the stems dry and thin, so you won't lose any stems when you hang them.
Slip a piece of string or twine through the rubber band and tie it to make a loop.
Hang the bunches in a cool, dry place.
Make sure they are not in direct sunlight, or in an area that gets exposed to humidity or dampness.
Full drying time can be up to three weeks or so.
It's a good idea to lay a towel or cloth under the lavender, as some flowers are bound to drop off as they dry.
When they are dry, take them down and lay them gently on a table.
Try not to crunch them, as they will be very brittle.
Spread a cloth or sheet on the floor, one that you will be able to easily pick up later.
Remove the rubber bands, and then run each stem through your fingers, to strip the flowers off and let them land on the sheet.
Once the stems are all stripped, pour the dried lavender flowers into a glass container (a big mason jar works well) and cover and store in a cool, dry place.
Dried lavender flowers can be used in sachets for your closet, as the scent keeps moths away.
You can place them in dishes around the house as potpourri, or mix them with Epsom salts and lavender oil for a nice bath treat.
You can use the stalks in wreath projects, or toss then in the fire for a nice scent.
There are so many craft and bath projects you can use your dried lavender for...
so fire up your imagination!