How to Make Lavender Beads

Lavender beads are fragrant beads that can be threaded into necklaces, bracelets and anklets to make scented jewellery pieces. They are not hard to create and they make super gifts for people who like lavender.

• 2 cups flour
• 5 tablespoons salt
• 3.25 cups lavender flowers, ground finely
• 1/2 teaspoon essential lavender oil
• Water

1. Place all of the ingredients into a large ceramic or glass mixing bowl.
2. Mix the ingredients together with a little water to form a pliable, smooth dough. Don't use too much water, always add small amounts and build up if needed (cover hands in flour as this will make it easier).
3. Lay down a sheet of baking or greaseproof table at a workspace. You can sit at the kitchen table if it makes this easier to do.
4. Take out small pieces (about a teaspoon or less) of dough and roll into small bead balls or shapes using your fingers and palms.
5. Thread the damp beads through the florist wire. Continue threading until the necklace or other jewellery item is completed. Tie together to form a circle.
6. Set aside to dry. It will take about 2â??4 weeks to harden. Be sure to keep it in a dry place. It is best left stored sitting on baking paper or greaseproof paper.
7. Wear or gift. Once the necklace or other jewellery item has dried, it is ready for wearing. If giving as a gift, place in a suitable box on tissue and include a small history of the piece, including your name as designer, and the date.

    

• Make patterns. If wished, you can press the beads with patterns, such as small buttons with embossed flowers, etc.
• Vary the necklace or bracelet style. Place tiny glass beads between each of the lavender beads, or make a knot between each bead. If knotting, use heavy linen thread instead of florist's wire.

• Large ceramic or glass mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Baking paper (parchment paper) or greaseproof paper
• Florist's wire, cut to lengths suitable for necklace/bracelet/anklet