Selection of leaves 1 Telephone directory 1 Gold Koki pen 1 Hole Punch 1 Bunch of raffia
Punch a hole into each leaf. Press the leaves inside the telephone directory for a month. Once dry outline the edges of the leaf with the gold koki pen. Thread a small amount of raffia through each hole and knot. Keep in a dry place to label gifts with. Geranium leaves have a wonderful scent, nice shape, and are a good size for this craft. I recommend using thick leaves for this craft. If you are lucky enough to grow Macadamia nuts in your yard, their leaves come out hard as cardboard. Simply address by writing the name on the leaf with a Sharpie pen.
Scented Drawer Liners
3 Large sheets of hand made paper (if you can - otherwise brown paper will do) 4 Cups of the herb or flower (optional) 9 Drops of the essential oil of your chosen scent (e.g. lavender) 1 Roll school book plastic, or clingfilm Elastic band
On the first sheet of paper sprinkle your herb leaves, or flowers, until the page is covered sparsely. Sprinkle three drops of the essential oil over the page. Carefully layer the next sheet onto the first sheet and repeat the process. Do the same with the third sheet. Carefully wrap the sheets into a roll. Put on the rubber band to keep the sheets rolled in place. Now seal well with the plastic wrap starting at one end and working up to the other end. Any surplus herb can be poured into the middle of the roll of paper. Now seal up the top with plastic. Store for a month before using.
Lavender flowers, frangipani flowers, gardenia, sandalwood, cinnamon, lemon verbena, and peppermint, are a few fragrant suggestions to use with this craft. To give as a gift, wrap two sheets together and secure in the middle with a colored ribbon that matches the color of the chosen paper.
Hand made paper is more porous than commercial paper which is why it is recommended for this craft.
Star Gift Cards
Sheets of A4 handmade paper, or natural brown cardboard Sticks of cinnamon Sand dollar or star anise Wood glue or all purpose clear glue
Fold your A4 sized paper in half. Create the five pointed star on the front of your card with the cinnamon sticks. Glue them in place. Wait for them to dry and then glue the sand dollar or star anise in the center of the star (optional). Use a black fine liner pen to write your message on the inside of the card.
Alternatively you could use dried pine needles instead of cinnamon, or collected porcupine quills.