I purchased bags of dried lavender when we were in the South of France this summer. Its scent was irresistible. After all, lavender is one of the most popular aromas in the world, one that's been known to help change moods for the better, ease stress, soothe a headache, as well as reduce anxiety and insomnia.
There's this little East Indian grocery store here in the city where you can buy basmati rice in nifty burlap bags. I'm no hoarder but I can't bring myself to throw the bag out after the rice is gone. I'm a fan of burlap, and I love the red and blue printing on the bag. And the picture of the elephant, of course.
The other day I opened the cabinet and saw the stack of burlap rice bags on one shelf and the bag of lavender below it and I had an idea. Lavender sachets!
Sachets are small cotton pouches filled with dried herbs and/or flowers, and are the traditional way to scent drawers, cupboards and closets.
Lavender is a popular filler but any fragrant dried herb can be used: eucalyptus, lemon balm, peppermint, chamomile. Whatever herbal aroma inspires you. You can mix different herbs together, too. You aren't limited to herbs either; dried flower petals do quite nicely, too.
When I ran out of lavender I used the dried peony and lemon balm saved from the garden.
To boost the aroma add a few drops each of lavender, geranium and lemon. Essential oils help ensure the scent of the sachet is tangible and effective.
As for fabric use one that's breathable, like cotton and linen. I washed the burlap before sewing to ensure it was nice and soft, and it sewed up beautifully.
If you have old handkerchiefs or bed linen, use those. If you're handy with a sewing machine sew your own sachets. If you don't sew, create simple little bundles from pieces of cut cloth and tie the ends together with ribbon or string. Or you can use the little muslin bags often found in the spice section at your natural food store.
There are tons of tutorials on the internet offering different methods for sewing your own, like this one.
Place under a pillow or slip one into your pillowcase. Tuck one in your sock and underwear drawer, and between your bath towels and linens. Throw one in the dryer to make your clothes smell fresh and scent the surrounding air.
From time to time massage sachets to release essential oils to ensure a longer lasting smell.
Herbal sachets make wonderful gifts for old and young alike. A stack of two or three tied with a ribbon would be delightful.