PAMPER BASKET
All of these relaxing, aromatic treats are very simple to make, and the basket makes a lovely gift.
Everyone has plenty of stress to deal with. Why not let the garden come to the rescue with a wonderful pamper basket? You can create one and fill it with soothing things to help you relax. Follow these directions to make a dream pillow, oils for the bath or massages, rose water, bath salts, and even bath bags.
Materials:
decorative basket
your favorite essential oils (such as rose and lavender)
raw oatmeal
large bowl
sea salt (as in water softener)
dried rosebuds
dried lavender
decorative jar (for bath salts)
decorative bottle (for bath oil)
decorative mister bottle (for rosewater)
jojoba oil
poly-fil (available at craft or fabric stores)
pillow-sized pieces of cotton or muslin and thread
small muslin bag (available at craft stores)
velvet, satin, or flannel with matching thread (for pillow case)
Bath Bags
In a large bowl, mix three to four handfuls of raw oatmeal, two to three handfuls of plain sea salt and one handful each of rosebuds and lavender. Next, add about ten drops of your favorite essential oil (we recommend lavender for its soothing properties) and mix well with your hands. Take a small muslin bag (about four inches square), fill it with one-half to one cup of the mixture and then tie it up. When dropped into a bath, the contents will dissolve, soften the water and make for a lovely experience.
Bath Salts
In a bowl, mix sea salt with 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. The amount of oil you use depends on how much salt you need to fill your jar, so let your nose be your guide. Stay away from using oatmeal or loose herbs because they'll float around in the bath. A handful of dried rosebuds, however, can be an aromatic and romantic addition.
To use, simply pour the salts into your hot bath. They'll dissolve and nicely soften and scent your bath.
The more essential oil you add, the stronger the scent.
Bath/Massage Oil
You'll be surprised how easy it is to make your own bath or massage oil. Start with a decorative bottle and fill it with jojoba oil (or any other natural oil). Then simply add 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Again, how much oil you add depends on the size of your bottle and the sensitivity of your nose.
Rosewater
Making your own rosewater is even easier. Simply fill your decorative mister bottle (a bottle that sprays mist, like a perfume bottle) and add rose-scented essential oil. This is perfect for spritzing on after a shower or bath. Very refreshing!
Dream Pillow
To finish off a relaxing evening, you'll need a good night's rest. What's better to help you obtain deep sleep than a dream pillow?
Start by taking two pieces of muslin or cotton and stitch them together, leaving one side open. Then stuff with poly-fil. In a bowl, mix two to three handfuls of lavender with lavender essential oil and add it to the pillow, shaking well to disperse the scent. Then simply close the hole by hand stitching. Finally, slip the pillow into a luxurious casing made of flannel, velvet or satin, sewn the same way as the interior muslin or cotton pillow.
Assemble the Basket
If you'd like to present these items as a gift, a decorative basket is just the thing. Line the bottom of the basket with an attractive piece of fabric, and don't forget to add a gift tag for a perfect pamper basket.
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