Lets get Crafty!
1. The Pyramid Plant
Are most of your horizontal surfaces covered in plants like mine are? Do you wish you had more tall floor plants? Well then, I just might have a fun lil project for you and all you need is a tomato cage!
Pick your vineist (is that a word?) divinest plant such as a Tradescanthia, Golden Devil's Ivy or pothos and find the perfect space on the floor for it. Depending on how large the pot is and if it looks good on the floor, you may not need to re-pot it. It should be wide enough to fit a tomato cage inside though. Place the tomato cage upside down and wrap twine around the legs to bind them together. Carefully (whilst whispering reassurances to the plant) wrap the vines around the cage, weaving them to your liking and designing it into a pyramid-like shape.
That's it! Now, take a step back and admire how you've magically transformed a boring hanging plant into a magestic pyramid!
2. Apothecary Jar Labels
Spice up your spice cabinet by transferring them into some unique glass jars and making some interesting labels. Alright, my fellow kitchen witches, if you haven't already done this, you're going to LOVE how this looks every time you open your spice cabinet! Check out the photo below of my cabinet for some inspiration!
One of my favorite past times is thrift store shopping because of the unique treasures that can be found... usually at good prices! If you fall in love with a container that isn't label friendly, remember you can always tie a ribbon around the neck with a little tag.
I love researching the health benefits and magic correspondences of spices and herbs and including some key information on the labels. You can also add botanical pictures or other designs to dress up your labels. If you don't have a printer or access to sticker label paper, that's ok! Use your creativity to draw your own labels on some fancy scrapbook paper and glue them on. Modge podge has a glue made specifically for glass and if you paint the outside of the label – it gives it a good finished look.
3. Spruce Up Your Wardrobe
If you're anything like me, you have clothes that you never wear because there's just something you don't like about them... sooo, let's change that! The beauty of this project is that you don't really lose, even if you mess it up beyond repair and end up laughing at yourself in the mirror after you try it on... at least you had a good laugh before donating it or turning it into a cleaning rag!
Try on a few of those neglected garments and determine what you don't like about it and brainstorm solutions on how to fix it. Is the blouse too tight? You can split it down one seam on the side and add some lace or other neat fabric to it to make it stylish and better fitting. Do you hate the sleeves? Cut them off or add lace to ends for a lovely decoration. Is the skirt or pants too short for your liking? Add some additional fabric or lace to the bottom to add length. Is the T-shirt too bulky looking? Cut it up! Try slicing the sides or back to make neat designs or cut out shapes by drawing them on with chalk. While you're at it, you can also draw some meaningful symbols or words on the fabric or add a secret inside pocket for your favorite crystal or potion.
If you don't want to sew, there is a magical two sided tape that can be found at your local craft store and ironed on. Ok, I just realized most of these suggestions involve adding lace to everything. Hmm... well, black lace is an important part of any witchs' wardrobe so when you're at the thrift store, be sure to pick up some lace or borrow it from those uncomfortable bras that you don't wear. ;)
Photo credit: vipfashionaustralia.com
4. Let's Paint Some Rocks!
This idea is inspired by my mom who for the past few years has been visiting all the waterfalls in the Pacific NW area and leaves painted rocks for others to find. She paints hearts or other neat words/designs on them and leaves them near benches or on a trail. It's such a sweet thing and I can only imagine the joy it may bring to the person who finds it. I'm not saying you need to do all of this though, you can paint some rocks for your own joy with some meaningful words or magical symbols like the ones below by the lovely Wildseawitch. Use fine tip sharpies, or rock-friendly paint and add to a decorative tray, place in your garden or design ones for friends and family. Or, if you're not artistic, you can purchase the ones below here!
Photo credit: Wildseawitch
5. Make Your Own Chamomile Oil Potion for Skincare
It is incredibly satisfying to make your own skincare products! Not only do you know exactly what ingredients are in it, it is usually cheaper to make and better for you without all of the hard to pronounce additives and preservatives. The tricky part can be either making a small batch that you will use before it expires or using a natural preservative such as a natural tocopherol (Vitamin E oil) to extend the shelf life. Rosemary extract is a commonly used preservative in natural products. It's important to place an emphasis on using clean instruments and organic ingredients to minimize introducing any microbial growth or spoiling and preventing skin infections.
A note on safe practices: For the best quality products, I highly recommend giving your tools and jars a bath in boiling water to sterilize them before use as well as using gloves and working in a sanitary environment when making potions.
Chamomile oil has many surprising benefits and has been used for centuries to help with various health conditions. The ancient Egyptians associated it with the sun god and many cultures drink chamomile tea for its relaxing properties. It has been used as a natural remedy for acne, wrinkles, bruises and burns and makes a lovely face wash when diluted with a carrier oil.
I recommend making a small batch with a 3% dilution of the therapeutic grade chamomile essential oil and a certified organic jojoba oil. I like to use the jojoba oil below because it has a convenient pump and cuts down on the messy drips that run down the side of the bottle. Plant Therapy essential oils are superior quality, affordable and are USDA certified organic. (Please beware when shopping for essential oils as the quality can vary greatly from one manufacturer to another and don't be fooled into paying the fancy prices and the pyramid schemes that some other companies may operate under.)
Chamomile Oil Potion Recipe
3 teaspoons of jojoba oil
8 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil
Add 8 drops of chamomile oil to your glass bottle and using a small funnel add 3 tsp. of jojoba oil. Shake and allow it to develop for at least 3 days before using. If it's stored out of direct sunlight, it should last 6-8 months. If you're using it as your daily face wash, you'll most likely use it up well before then so a preservative may not be necessary.
This recipe is for educational purposes only, is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and has not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant before use.
If you do any of these crafts, please share a photo on IG or FB page and tag me @enchantedwildcraft, I'd love to see your masterpieces!
Until next time Enchanted Wildlings!