Bumble Bees and Tulips

I couldn't resist this sweet fabric when I saw it! It has "Spring" written all over it,from the tulips to the bumble bees to the blue birds. I'm not sure what it will become yet. Most of the time I just buy the fabrics them let them whisper their wishes to me. I'll let you know what this one whispers! Gail

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How to Make Spice Filled Mug Mats

Spice filled mug mats and trivets make a thoughtful, fragrant gift. While they are not hard to make it does take a little time if you age your mix properly. The secret to long lasting fragrance in any potpourri type mix is sufficient aging. You can vary the spices and oils in this recipe to suit your own nose. Mug Mat Mix 1 cup of allspice 1 cup of cinnamon chips 1/2 cup of cloves 1 cup of dried orange peel 1/4 cup of star anise 1/4 cup of dried rosemary 1 cup of oak moss or cellulose fiber chips 1/2 teaspoon of orange essential oil 1/4 teaspoon each of clove and cinnamon essential oils Mix the first 6 ingredients and put into a jar with a tight fitting lid. Make sure it is large enough to allow for future mixing by shaking. Place your oak moss or cellulose fixative in a small jar with a lid and add your oils. Shake well and let sit for several days until the oils are fully absorbed. Add to your spice mix, put the cover back on and shake gently to mix. Let age for at least 4 weeks, s...

Myrrh and Patchouli

Before I get into the uses for these wonderful essential oils I would like to share the importance of doing a patch test before using a new botanical in any of your preparations. It's simple and only takes 15-20 minutes to find out if you or someone else is sensitive to an oil or botanical. Put a drop of the essential oil in question on a cotton ball and dab the inside of your arm right below the elbow. If any redness, itching or irritation occurs within the next 15-20 minutes avoid using that substance in any of your creations. MYRRH ~Myrrh has a warm, resinous scent that is soothing in states of stress, panic, fear, confusion and apathy. To use for this purpose, place a drop or two of the essential oil in a diffuser or bowl o f hot water to help disperse the scent throughout the room. A more portable solution is to take a whiff or two straight from the bottle. ~Myrrh is anti-inflammatory, anti fungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic making it a good addition to topical preparations...

Purple Coneflower- Echinacea purpurea

The echinacea is in full bloom here in the northeast. It is a beautiful plant that is very easy to grow. Purple coneflower, as it is commonly known, grows to 2-4 feet in height and prefers a well drained site in full sun. It doesn't mind poor soil. In fact, if the soil is too rich, you may have to stake your plants. The Native Americans used echinacea for a wide range of ailments from colds to snake bites and external wounds. They also threw on the coals in the sweat lodge for purification. It is now known that echinacea is an immuno stimulant that increases the production and activity of white blood cells, lymphocytes a nd macrophages. It also increases interferon production which is used by the body to fight viral infections like the cold and flu. Echinacea should not be used continuously because that will decrease its effectiveness. Also, those with auto immune or progressive conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis, should consult their doctors before using. If you have an ...

Man in the Moon Herbs

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