Saturday, August 6, 2011

HERB CRAFTS

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
I Peter 4:10

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My demonstration today of “Herb Crafts” at Full Moon Natives & Herbs consisted of an overview of using herbs & flowers pressed and printed plus in handmade paper for craft projects.  In addition we created this potpourri that sends a message through the language of herbs:

FRIENDSHIP POTPOURRI

1c Roses for Affection
1/2c Lavender for Devotion
1/2c Calendula for Joy
1/2c Chamomile for Patience
1Tbs Ginger for Strength
1Tbs Rosemary for Remembrance
1Tbs Jasmine for Grace
1Tbs Mint for Virtue

 

Using the techniques demonstrated I created 3 containers for 1Tbs potpourri that can be used as small gifts, favors or even to decorate a package.  The pattern for these hexagon containers can be found here.

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PRINTED WITH HERBS
            Cut out pattern in your choice of cardstock

1.     Select herbs with sturdy and interesting leaves (veins, texture, wispy structure) and flatten for a few hours if necessary

2.     Cover surface with newspaper

3.     Place dots of inks(paints) on paper plate as needed

4.     Lay herb leaf face down on small stack of newspaper and dab underside with a thin layer of ink(paint).

5.     Gently lift leaf and place on item to be printed, cover with paper towel, hold and press with fingers

6.     Remove towel and lift leaf

7.     Repeat as desired

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DECORATED WITH PRESSED FLOWERS
            Place wax paper on pattern to know where to place flowers, then mark on finished wax paper and cut out.

1.     Place a piece of wax paper on surface

2.     Separate Kleenex (white or colored) into single layer and add on top of wax paper

3.     Spray with diluted white glue

4.     Add pressed flowers/leaves

5.     Top with another sheet of wax paper and allow to dry

6.     Place between two dish towels and press with warm iron until clear

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HANDMADE PAPER
            Mark and cut out pattern once handmade paper is dry and flat

1.     Soak shredded paper in a bucket of water

2.     Blend the soaked paper with 1tsp cornstarch & water into slurry
    and pour into a tub half full of water

3.     Add dried herbs & flower petals

4.     Pull a screen through the slurry (screen side up), lift out and let water drain away   
    over tub.

5.     Flip screen face down onto newspaper

6.     Blot screen dry using a sponge

7.     Gently lift screen off paper and cover with newspaper, flip over
    and let set 5 minutes         

8.     Gently peel paper off newspaper and place inside dry newspaper

9.     Let dry overnight, then flatten paper by placing books on top

 

We also enjoyed these herbal treats made with some of the potpourri ingredients and a caffeine free herbal tea, Over the Rainbow (honeybush, red rooibos, hibiscus, rosehips, lemongrass, peppermint & orange peel):

ROSEMARY-ORANGE BUTTER COOKIES
           Cream 1c butter and 1c sugar, then add egg and mix well.  Add zest of an orange and 1Tbs finely chopped fresh rosemary.  Add 2½c flour and 1tsp baking soda, then 1tsp vanilla. Roll into two logs, wrap & refrigerate overnight.  Slice, sprinkle with sugar and bake at 350 degrees for 10 mins.  Glaze: Mix 1 c powdered sugar with the juice & zest of an orange.

LAVENDER HONEY BUNCHES
           Combine 3c quick oatmeal, 2c flaked coconut, and 1c flour.  Bring 1c butter, 1/2c honey, 1c brown sugar and 1tsp lavender blossoms to a boil, then pour over dry ingredients.  Drop by spoonful into greased mini muffin tins.  Bake at 350 for 12-15 mins. or until lightly golden.  Cool in tins 15 mins.

CHOCOLATE MINT COOKIES (Barbara Kieran)
            Cream together 1/2c butter, 1/2c and sugar and 1/2c brown sugar. Stir in 1tsp vanilla and 1 egg. Mix well. Combine 1 1/4c flour, 3/4tsp baking soda, 1/4tsp salt, and 1/2c chopped chocolate mint.  Add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Stir in 1c chocolate chips by hand.  Drop dough by teaspoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 for  8-10 minutes

See these links for more information on available free presentations and demonstrations for your groups!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Joyce

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