HNY to all you Lavendeers!

I just finished closing the books on All About Lavender for the year.  Even sent off my local and state sales taxes.  There is still much more to do that is more cumbersome -- like inventory -- but that's for another day.  We've had some good snow so the plants will be watered at least for the next month or so. I have had a great year with my sewing and Salons.  I've always enjoyed entertaining and the Salons are just like having friends over to visit. We have a good time. My sewing has improved quite a bit.  I want to get really, really good at making beautiful throw pillows so I may seek out some help for that.
It's new year's eve and all is well.    Con has been over in Denver visiting kids and grandkids and plans to come home tomorrow -- hope the roads are clear.  You never know until you get to the tunnel or Vail pass what the weather will be.  It can be ok and then half hour later they may close the road.  But, of course, we have nothing like the snow problems they are having back east.
In a little while I'll start my wild and crazy NYEve celebration .... starting with a hot oil hair treatment, then finishing up the egg nog, and reading the final chapters of Fannie Flagg's "Daisy Fay Harper."  Do I know how to party? or what?   O, and I better finish off the ice cream that's left in the freezer ... Con wants to lose a few pounds, so no sense leaving temptation in his way - I'm real nice like that.   

Blessings

Sewing is done for the year.

This peach satin pillow was my last sewing item for the year.  A man wanted it for his mom who has back problems and thought that a buckwheat hull pillow may help her comfort level.  The Japanese have used buc in their pillows for centuries so there must be something to it.  I plan to make one for myself to test it out.  This one is peach satin on one side and cotton in a pattern on the other side - then trimmed with ivory.  One end is open (can be tied closed with a hidden ribbon) so the muslin liner can be removed.  Along with the buc there are several cups of lavender buds. The picture doesn't do it justice, it's a very pretty color.  I must admit that I had trouble sewing the trim at first.  I did a practice run on another piece and though I could do it on this one. But only three corners were good, I just couldn't get the fourth corner to look right.  I finally gave up and took the trim off the top and bottom and left it on the sides. So I'll be practicing when I get time because I'd like to get really good at making beautiful pillows. 

I got quite frustrated as I hurried to get my final custom orders done by the deadline and Con heard me muttering to myself.  I wondered aloud if there was a saint who helped sewers -- like St. Christopher for travelers and St. Anthony to find things.  Con looked it up and came back with the answer -- St. Anne!  My niece's name.  So St. Anne has become my new best friend. *****************

This picture is of a Snow White fleece neck wrap. I had found a remnant with enough material to make two.  When I went to the party in Delta at my friends home, I took them along with others to sell.  One of the ladies was recovering from cancer surgery and was encouraged to rest on the sofa.  After heating the liner in the microwave for 1 minute, I put it into the fleece cover and wrapped it around her neck.  She loved the warmth and the aroma and fell asleep in a few minutes. It was rewarding to see my product so useful to someone.   Have a Happy New Year.              Rosemary                             12/28/10      

Merry Christmas! 
     I'm heading out to Delta to a friend's home for a women's get-together. We have been friends for 25 years -- it is so hard to believe it.  Other than cutting her waist-long, blond hair, she doesn't look any different.  Some people just don't age well.
     She invited me to set up a table to show my lavender items.  I have been sewing like crazy to get ahead of the game because sales are good.  Yesterday the door bell rang and there was a young woman who was handing out business cards for an insurance agent.  So I took the card and then gave her one of mine in return - fair is fair, right?
     When I answered the door I was pinning a neck wrap and it was still in my hand.  When she read my card and looked at the furry neck wrap in my hand ... yep ... out it came.  "Do you like lavender?  O, I love lavender.  This is a neck wrap I am making from fake fur with satin cuffs (similar one in photo below).  Very cool.  It's washable. You remove the inner liner and put in the microwave" ... yada yada yada.  When she reached over and felt the material, I invited her in.  My living and dining room were still set up from my Tuesday Salon -- how convenient.  She bought a neck wrap for a Christmas present for her mom.  She was happy, I was happy.  I went back to my sewing.

HobbyLobby had just enough remnant to make these two cute neck wraps -- little girls would love them.  More on kids and lavender later.   FORGET THE PHOTO --- IT MAKES ME SO MAD  Just won't download .... me or the computer?????   I hate this thing sometimes.  There, I feel better now.   Later.

2 New Neck Wraps finished for a friend

I just finished these two large neck wraps made of washable fake fur. They are beautiful. When you see them, the first thing you want to do is wrap them around your neck -- naturally. They are large - 9" wide and 32" long because I want them to wrap around not just the neck, but also the top of the shoulders where a lot of tension sits. Inside is the muslin liner made with 16 pockets of lavender, flax, and buckwheat hulls. The lavender is for the fragrant aroma, the flax hold the heat, the buc gives softness and flexibility. When the buc rubs against the lavender, it releases the aroma.

Lavender really does induce relaxation and my friend's story reinforces that fact. These are custom ordered because she bought 2 of them from me last month at a house party. Her kids and hubby all fight for them ... so she ordered one for everyone. Smart woman!
Peace in the household!

Last of the Season "Lavender Sachet Salon"

I’m inviting you, friend, once again to my home
with a happy day greeting and a pretty bad poem.

It’s the last of this year’s Salon events

lavender-filled items for the ladies and gents.

Eye pillows, neck wraps to heat up and feel

stiffness melt away as your tired muscles heal.

Let lavender sooth your tension away

with a soft “Comfy Pillow” at the end of the day.

A “Pillow Case Liner” in your pillow to sleep
gives a long, restful night without all the sheep.

A Yardley Soap Gift Box stashed in a drawer

when the neighbor with cookies shows up at your door.

Stockings and mitts made by sweet Christmas elves
and prices reduced to move them off of my shelves.

Bring a friend next Tuesday between 4 and 6:30
you can browse everything without pressure or worry.

I look forward to seeing you before this year’s end
Peace and Christmas blessings I wish you, my friend.

Rosemary Litz              All About Lavender


aboutlavender@yahoo.com 970-241-8450 http://aboutlavender.blogspot.com


TUESDAY, 12/14/10 ANYTIME FROM



4-6:30 My home, 500 Walnut Avenue

Janet Provence will also be here showing her latest, beautiful Miche Handbags

Saturday was so fun!!!

 The Christmas Faire on Saturday was great fun. I sold a lot of items, particularly the new neck wraps and eye pillows. People seem to buy them as gifts for others at this time of year. They do make a great surprise gift for the females in your life. Attendance was very good. All of the vendors appeared to be making sales. This year there were a few non-lavender crafts and they seemed quite popular. Lots of people came and it is so fun to see people I have seen in a while. talk with old friends. My sweetie husband, Con,  worked hard putting up my booth and helping pack up when it was over. He's such a great guy. We've both made so many new friends through our membership in the Lavender Association and he enjoyed chatting with many of them at the Faire.



Barbara is having fun!!!



 

Smiling Beauties are having fun.

"The Boys" are  having fun!

Diane & hubby are having fun.

SOME ARE HAVING FUN AND MAKING $$$ ...   Always a good thing!!!





 

 
 

 


10



New Warming Neck Wraps

The "Girls" are modeling 2 new lavender-filled Neck Wraps today. Golden brocade swirl on one side and soft crushed velvet panne on the other -- cool and warm.  The silky leopard neck wrap has warm embossed suede on the reverse side.  The covers are washable and the lavender-filled muslin liners can be removed to put in the microwave for heat or the freezer for chill. They are large sized -- 8" x 32" to give full comfort to the neck, upper back and shoulder areas. Click on the "Photos" tab above to see more new items.

The 2nd Annual Lavender Association ChristmasFaire is this Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm at the Mesa County Fairgrounds.  I'll have my Lavender Sachet Salon booth and look forward to seeing you there. There will be so many interesting lavender related and handcrafted items for you to see ... including a distiller that shows how oil is extracted from plants.  Look for the silent auction table where you can bid on some beautiful locally produced items and check out the bake sale table too.

You can find more info on the Christmas Faire at Curtis Swift's blog    http://swiftsgardeningblog.blogspot.com/                 11/29/10

A big thank you to Analli and Christi for inviting me to their home craft fair on Friday evening and Saturday.  Not only did I meet some interesting women who were also selling their crafts, but I met some great customers. People are so fun to chat with at events like this one.  For one thing, the home setting is a relaxed was to browse and buy.  Second, there is no pressure to "sell" so it's a matter of just enjoying talking with people.  As it turned out I did sell many neck wraps and eye pillows.  Got some good ideas on other products that people could use - like palm supports for keyboarders.  I learned how to make a lightbox so that I can take better photos of my work.  And met a woman who is going to help me improve my blog.  Some people are just so nice. 
     I intended to post the names and companies of some of the craft people I met, but their business cards are in my notebook, which is in the closet, which I am too tired to pull out tonight.  So I'll do it next time. 
     It's Thanksgiving Eve and all is well.  I have so much to be thankful for ... nite nite.



1st year

       What a great time at the Lavender Sachet Salon on Wednesday afternoon.  It's so good to chat with others who are interested in lavender. Many people are surprised to know that I grow the lavender myself in my yard.  My friends, Susan and Judy, helped greet guests, show them around, and wrap up their purchases.  The kitchen was set up with refreshments and some people lingered and chatted over a cup of tea. Sales went well and I got a few tips about other lavender-filled items that customer would like to see.  



      Several "Master Gardeners" stopped by. Although I have no desire to be a MG myself, I always enjoy talking with those who love gardening so much that they continuously try to learn more. You can find info on the program at   http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/Lavender_Project.shtml.  While you are there, click on The Lavender Project.  Kathy's fact sheet is an excellent and comprehensive resource for beginning lavendeers (how do you like that - I just coined a new word)!  Also look at Swift's Gardening Blog http://swiftsgardeningblog.blogspot.com. 

    Many people have told me that they have a plant or two in their yards that gets ignored because they don't really know how to make it into a showpiece. So it's nice to be able to have some great resources here.  I always encourage people to go to the Lavender Association website (www.coloradolavender.org).

       I'm onto another sewing frenzy since I sold most of my eye pillows and neck wraps already this month.  I want to get a lot done because family is coming from Longmont on Wednesday for Thanksgiving and then more family will get together on Sunday.  

     Thanksgiving has always been a nice holiday for me. I have happy childhood memories of my dad fixing the turkey and us kids tearing the bread apart for the stuffing and then lots of family and friends sitting down to dinner, and the kids complaining that they had to sit at the card table. These days, Con and I enjoy creating a memorable meal for others. The Thanksgiving Day meal lends itself to several courses, savoring the aroma and tastes, with lots of talk and laughter and love.  We have so much to thank God for.  I wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Last Rose of Summer

11/9/10 Yellow Roses

I went to Angie's house Tuesday to put some pea gravel on the lavender plants ... so they can snuggle in for the winter.  They look really healthy so I think they'll make it through the winter just fine.  That is, if the cat stays out of the planter beds. Ang is going to put another litter box outside and see if the cat gets the message.  If not, it may be bye-bye kitty cat.  I've sprinkled cayenne pepper around the beds but I'm not over there enough to know if it makes a difference.  So far so good. 

As I was leaving, I clipped the rest of her roses. A few were buds that probably wouldn't have had time to open with the temps dropping lower each night.  The rest were already open and a few turning brown at the edges.  I put them in a glass of water on the counter and the buds bloomed.  They'll probably last a few more days and then rose season is over for the year.   I think yellow roses are the prettiest. They, like lavender, lift my spirit.

LAVENDER SACHET SALON is Wednesday, Nov 17th at my house.  Please stop in between 4:00  pm and 6:30 pm and browse.  I have some Christmas items and am making more each day.  It will be great to see you so come on over.  Email me if you need directions    aboutlavender@yahoo.com    11/13/10

Fun at the Fair

Poor Grizelda -- I sold the neck
wrap right off her back!
Her eye pillow too!

I really enjoyed spending Saturday at the Senior Center Christmas Fair -- just as I did last year.  The people who organize it are so nice and accommodating. It's nice to see some of the same vendors again. It's easy to see how craft fair vendors become a little community of friends over time.  Some people noticed that I have a larger line of products this year. My friend, Janet, was there with a bigger variety of beautiful Miche bags.  Part of the fun is talking with the customers and seeing some friends who drop by.  Sales were good.  I find it so interesting that items that are very popular at one sale are barely noticed at another sale.  Some things that sold well at one place, didn't sell at all at another place. I had to say goodbye to two of my favorite eye pillow/neck warmer sets.  The brown fake fur fuzzies were snatched up right away.  So I plan to make a few more of them before the next event.  And speaking of the next event, it will be a Lavender Sachet Salon at my home on Wed., Nov. 17th. Drop in any time between 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. to see new lavender filled products.
If you can't make one of the Salon events, just call me and we can work out a time for you.

Finally ... Last Lavender of 2010



Royal Purple last of the season 10/31/10

This is the last of the lavender that will be cut. It's over for this year. This is Royal Purple and what a beautiful plant it is. Very deep purple and plump buds. I went outside Saturday to be sure all of the plants looked healthy before the weather turns cold and noticed a few lavender stragglers. There are still some trying to bloom -- don't they know it's time to quit?  The flowers in the photos are from the 16 plugs that we planted on the east side of the house in August - less than 90 days ago!!!  I laugh to think that people were doubtful that lavender would grow here in Grand Junction. 

I'll hang these flowers to dry out and then clean them to put in sachets or pillows.  The aroma is outstanding.  There are a few dried bundles in my closet that are ready to be taken down and cleaned today. 

It's been a wonderful lavender year for me. There were enough flowers to fill all of my sewing projects this year and I still have some Christmas sachets to make for a couple of craft fairs in Nov & Dec. I've been so blessed to find this work at this stage of my life. God is so good to me. Best of all, I'm having fun.
PS: See my Lavender Sachet Salon sales schedule on the right side of this blog.
I am posting new photos to the PHOTO pages. Take a look.                     (11/1/10)

Vendors Wanted for L.A.W.C. Christmas Fair

If you want to sell crafts as the upcoming Christmas Fair that the Lavender Association of Western Colorado is hosting on December 4th, go to   http://www.coloradolavender.org/  and sign up.

Sold My Favorite Comfy Pillow at Saturday's Lavender Sachet Salon

Pale Blue Panne Comfy Pillow

     You know how you can get attached to things that you put a lot of effort into?  Well, this pale blue Comfy Pillow is my favorite.  Such a soft yet luxurious feel to it.  Panne is a lightweight, brushed velvet with a shimmery appearance. Soft and very pretty as a pillow covering, it has dark blue cord trim. Sized 10"x14" makes it a great "nap" pillow.  Alas, I had to part with it.
     The good news is that I sold it with a matching eye pillow to someone who is giving it to a friend as a Christmas gift. I know the friend will just love it.
     In my stock I have an eye pillow, neck wrap from the same material but trimmed with white lace.  I will make another Comfy Pillow and trim it with matching lace. 
     I have reserved two vendor tables for a Lavender Sachet Salon on Saturday, Nov. 6th at the Grand Junction Senior Recreation Center. That is my deadline.  Guess I better get sewing!!!                10/29/10

Lavender and Grapes are Pairing Up

     Some of the Lavender Associaton members said they are still harvesting lavender -- this is pretty late in the year for it to still be growing. 
     On Saturday we went to Harold Fenster's beautiful home on 10 or so acres north of Grand Junction.  He has 2 acres in grapes, this is their 3rd year.  Last year he planted lavender underneath the grapevines and around the perimeter.  He planted several different kinds to see how they would grow -- Folgate, Provence, Grosso and another.  We walked through the vineyard and the lavenders were growing nicely and many still in bloom.  He is one of the people interested in combining the use of their land.  The primary interest is grapes and wine, but a secondary crop that will offset the cost of the vineyard is lavender which produces valuable oil. 
     The CSU Extension Agent is supporting and promoting the ideas to grape growers.   There are some obstacles to be overcome, but they can be handled.
     It's exciting to see the spreading interest in lavender production.  And our first annual lavender festival scheduled for July 15, 16 2011 will "put us on the map."  We hope to draw from the surrounding states and further.  Many people make lavender festivals their vacation destinations so we plan to offer the Grand Valley as a great place to visit. 
     You don't have to be a member or have a lot of land to attend the LAWC meetings.  Just look up the website and come to the events.  http://www.coloradolavender.org/.    10/24/10

Lavender Harvest is Done for the Year

I can't believe that these plants are still blooming. I finally cut my last batch yesterday - not a lot - but some really big blooms on long stalks.  There are still a few that are ready to bud but they'll just have to wait til next year to get my attention.  I still have some bundles hanging in my closet to dry and then will still have to screen 'em & clean 'em.  Then I'm done for the year.  Of course I will always have the task of picking out the little pieces of leaves and brush that didn't get caught in the screening process.  But it's good TV watching work. Now that the NBA season is upon us, I can do hand work and still listen to the games.

It has rained all evening and is supposed to rain all week.  Out here, rain is good, so we don't complain. What I do complain about is if it stays cloudy a few days in a row ... I like my sunshine!

The catalog of lavender products is still in the making.  I'm so slow at it.  Bought some CD's from Office Depot to move photos and perhaps crop and clean them up a bit.  After talking to a guy there for 20 minutes about which ones are the best to use, I bought DVD-r and they don't work.  When I looked closely at the little door on the CPU, it says "CD writer."  So won't take DVD.  Returned them.  So I'm using Picasa and writing descriptions and printing out the pages myself.  Uses a lot of color ink but it will get the job done. They pages so far look pretty good.  Not real professional but I need to mail a catalog to someone ASAP and this will have to do.

The plaid sachet pouches and zebra stripe pounches filled with lavender didn't sell last year.  So I cut them up and made 2x4" Christmas ornaments with gold ribbons ... very nice.  A visitor mentioned she wanted to buy a few as soon as she saw them. 

This Friday there is a 3 hour meeting of the Lavender Festival Committee to continue working toward a successful Festival next July.  There is a lot of work involved, as with any major project.  But we have a lot of talented and exprerienced members involved so the work will get done.  Our Pres is a dynamo and sets the pace for the rest of us.  The next day, Saturday 10/23/10 is the monthly meeting of the Lavender Association of Western Colorado (LAWC).  Don't need to be a member to attend. It will be held at a member's home out on H road from 1-3 pm.  He has planted lavender in with his grapes in the vineyard and it will be interesting to see how they have fared since last year's visit.  An agent from the CSU Extension office will be there to  talk about it.  Please come if you are curious -- you are always welcome.   Email me for the directions...   aboutlavender@yahoo.com   10/21/10

YOU ARE INVITED TO A LAVENDER SACHET SALON

A Lavender Sachet Salon is a “drop-in” open-house event. This is my invitation to you to browse my hand sewn products filled with lavender from my yard. On display you'll find eye pillows, warming neck wraps, drawer & closet sachets, comfy pillows, drawer liners and more, all filled with lavender. Come and bring a friend to any or all of the events listed below. It is fun and there is no pressure to buy. Enjoy some light refreshments, lots of chatting and laughing, and perhaps run into an old friend or two.  


SCHEDULE - Lavender Sachet Salons, Oct., Nov., Dec.

Tue. Oct  26   4:00-6:30pm  Fruita, at Zelinda Brown's home, 763 S. Mesa Ave*
Sat. Nov   6  10:00-4:00pm  Grand Jct.SeniorRecCenter, 550 Ouray behind Library
Wed Nov 17   4:00-6:30pm   Grand Jct. Rosemary Litz' home, 500 Walnut**
Sat. Date to be announced.    Delta, Yvonne Rowland's home, 796 1525 Road
Sat. Dec   4   10:00-4:00pm  Orchard Mesa, County Fairgrounds, Hwy 50 Sagebrush Rm 
Tue. Dec 14   4:00-6:30pm   Grand Jct. Rosemary Litz' home, 500 Walnut Ave.

If you are unable to attend any of these, let me know and we'll arrange a way to get together.

Driving Directions:

* To Zelinda's: I-70 to Fruita Exit 19. Go through roundabout & onto frontage road. This puts you on south side of I-70, heading east. Turn right at US Bank sign, go exactly ½ mile - house is on the right.

** To my house (Rosemary): From downtown GJ, go north on 5th street until it ends at Walnut (house is in front of you). From Patterson, turn south on 7th St., go 3 blocks to Walnut (Tope School is on the left), turn right. Go 2 blocks. House is on right side on the curve.

For more information, call me at 970-241-8450 or email aboutlavender@yahoo.com

WHEW! PHOTO PAGES UPDATED

Wouldn't you think that by now computer features would be use-friendly?  O sure, we're led to believe posting photos and text is just as easy as 1 2 3 ... but no, it is not!  It's more like 647K divided by the square root of infinity times pi (is there such a thing)?  Putting photos on these pages was a challenge but I want you to be able to see the products that I make.  So please browse through them.  Let me know if you are interested in purchasing anything or if you have a special request for a custom made item.  Post a comment or send me an email if you would like a price list.    aboutlavender@yahoo.com

With the holidays around the corner, lavender filled items make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.  When people are "hard to buy for" or already have everything they need or want, a little gift of lavender is guaranteed to bring a smile. 

Today is 10/10/10 ... how cool.

WHERE IS SEPTEMBER 31?

I just won't admit that it is October already.  So I'm adding another day to September for this year.  Over time I have become more of a summer person and just hate to see the season leave. As a kid growing up in MI, I was a winter person, loved going over to the frozen pond behind the grocery store and ice skate after school. Sleds and toboggans were fun too.  That was then, this is now!
I did another cutting from the lavender plants yesterday, some beautiful large buds.  I'm a little surprised they are still blooming, but then we got a late start this year.  So I have plenty of  good fresh lavender to fill my sachets, eye and neck wraps and pillows.  It just smells so good.

My dear, sweet friend, Zelinda, will host a "Lavender Sachet Salon" at her home in Fruita on Tuesday, October 26 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.  I'll have many new lavender products for you to browse and buy. (Address later). 

I'll have a vendor table at the Senior Center in Grand Junction on November 6th.  It's a small fair, one where you find the most creative, useful items that you don't find in stores.  I had fun last year. So stop bye if you can.    On Saturday, Dec. 4th (10 am to 4 pm) I'll have a booth at the Lavender Association Craft Fair at the Fairgrounds on Orchard Mesa.  It is a lavender-oriented fair with lots of great products, mostly hand made here in the area. I'll post the entire schedule this week including addresses.

Email me if you would like to host a "Lavender Sachet Salon" for your friends or neighbors - it can be a small gathering.  I bring the refreshments and we have a fun time.  

Posted New Photos

I posted some of my products on the PHOTOS pages.  Take a look and see what you think.   The camera battery died so I still have a few more to post later.     Rosemary  9/29/10

Booth at Keystone Resort Conference

 I spent Thurs. & Fri. at Keystone as a vendor at an annual conference for Hospital Auxilary Vols.  It was fun. And I sold some of my products. One lady bought a neck wrap on Thursday and came to the booth the next morning to tell us how wonderful it was.  She warmed it in the microwave and it relaxed her tense neck and she had a wonderful night's sleep.  It is so nice to hear feedback from happy customers.   

Lavender-filled sachet pillows 5"x5" Doggies



The drive was great, the mountains so beautiful,

and some of the aspen had turned their golden color. What a joy to live in Colorado.

I thought the women at the conference would be thinking about Christmas gifts already, but my mentioning that lavender products make such wonderful Christmas gifts, there wasn't much response.  Too early, I guess.  Although many people did buy items for someone else.  One man bought 2 eye pillows for his wife -- how nice.

Dates are about set for the Lavender Sachet Salons in October, November and December.  I'll post the dates this week.  9/19/10



Lifting My Spirits with Lavender

Yesterday was a dull, overcast day.  It started out with rain and drizzled now and then throughout the day until mid-afternoon when the sun peeked out for a while. On days like this I feel dull and solemn. But now I have a way to improve my mood instantly - yep, lavender.  Since I'm sewing for a sale coming up next week I have lavender buds all over the place.  So I turned to my projects and the aroma lifted my spirits.  It works so well for me -- perhaps you'll enjoy it too.  Create a bowl of potpouri for each room in your house.  It doesn't have to be large, but keep it where you'll see it each time you walk by.  Then get in the habit of stopping for a quick inhale.  You've heard of "stop and smell the roses."  Even better is "stop and smell the lavender."    9/9/10

To make pure lavender potpourri, crush lavender flowers (buds) into a bowl.  Add orris root (1 tbls per cup of lavender) as a preservative.  Add a few drops of essential lavender oil and mix well.  If you prefer, you can add other herbs and flowers like rosemary, rose petals, cinnamon sticks, etc.  Store in a closed container for several weeks to let the fragrance permeate the mixture.      P.S. Find many great recipes on the internet.

Lavender Sachet Salon upcoming schedule

There days many people are buying Christmas gifts early And they are looking for things that are unique and useful to the recipient.  So I am setting up the schedule for my Lavender Sachet Salons for you to visit and browse my lavender filled products.  Two special friends have each generously agreed to hold a LSS at their home - one in Fruita and one in Delta.  Of course, I will host one at my home here in Grand Junction.  We are working out the dates and I'll post them just as soon as they are confirmed.  Probably late October, early November and early December.

A Lavender Sachet Salon is an open house event that usually runs 2 to 2 1/2 hours.  People are encouraged to bring a friend and drop in and take a look at all of the lavender products that I have for sale.  It is a way to browse without pressure to buy.  There are refreshments and lots of chatting -- and often a surprise when you unexpectedly run into someone you know.  It's great fun.   Big thank you hug to Zelinda and Yvonne.

Great New Article in The Business Times

A wonderful article about All About Lavender was published in this month's Grand Valley Business Times. It was so well written and gave some details about my home-based business.  There is a photo of a basket of small lavender drawer pillows and closet hangers.  But I have many more items in my product line such as, eye pillows, warm neck wraps, dream pillows, decorator pillows, tub liners, backpack/saddle bag liners and purse poppers.  Also shoe stuffers.  There are some photos of them further down on this blog and I will get more of them into the "Photos" section so you can see the quality and the prices. 

I sell via home parties and as a vendor at selected fairs.  And also show in my home. So if you would like to stop by and see the beautiful items, just call me first on any day to be sure I'm here and to get directions.  I'm easy to find in Grand Junction, CO.   970.241-8450.   Email   aboutlavender@yahoo.com

The Empty Corner of the Yard

Do you have a part of the yard that needs something to perk it up? 
     I had coffee today with a friend who has a big section of her yard that has nothing growing.  She doesn't want vegetables or flowers.  She is thinking about planting -- you guessed it -- lavender.  Gee, what a great idea!!!
     The work that has to be done is at the beginning.  Prep the soil, set up drip lines for water, put down weed barrier if needed. Since she wants it to be organic, I suggested that she get in contact with some local organic growers and the CSU Extension Office to get the necessary information.  It is my understanding that there are a lot of regulations that must be followed to the letter to receive the organic designation.

     Planting can begin this fall.  I did a fall planting last year and it turned out well.  The young plants handled the winter just fine and bloomed in the spring.  They were trimmed right away so that the energy would go into the roots until next year.

So in addition to being hardy plants, they require minimum water once established. Their mounding shape and nice color are pleasant to see in the yard during the winter. 

     My friend couldn't pick a better plant to fill the yard ... just wait until she sees those purple rows of waving   lavender and smells the heavenly fragrance -- she'll be so glad she chose lovely lavender.

Stripping the Bundled Lavs

Camped up at Turkey Flats last Sat & Sun.  Rode Alan's ATV - what a blast.  Got sunburned a bit. 

I put all of the dried bundles into bags and took them with me.  Then as we sat around talking I stripped the buds from the stems and picked out the junk.  Next job is to screen and strain the buds.  Today Con worked on stripping some bundles ... everything smells so good.

Just Cut

Lavender Association

Do you know about the Lavender Association of Western Colorado?   In 2009, a group of  local "lavender lovers" planted a demonstration garden at the CSU Extension Office to see what types of lavender would grow here. These visionaries saw the potential for lavender to become a viable "cash crop" for growers and the affiliated industries that would develop.  Thus, the birth of the L.A.W.C.  http://www.coloradolavender.org/.

Around that same time, I had decided that the lavender plants in my yard should be put to use.  The purple flowers are beautiful and watching them sway in the breeze is a vision of glory to me. And the aroma is heavenly.  Lavender's calming effect on my central nervous system and the mood-lifting quality of the aroma convinced me to produce spa products. By sewing sachets and filling them with my fresh lavender, others could benefit too.  Thus, the birth of "All About Lavender."

In my next post, I'll share some of the background and uses of the age-old herb that are still valid today.

Taste Test Today

A neighbor visited me today and I served 2 iced drinks.  I infused a cold mason jar of lemonade with a teabag of lavender buds.  He also tasted my regular lavender iced tea with a little spoonful of brown sugar.  Both glasses were topped with lemon slices and looked yummy.  He drank a little of both and could taste the lavender in both -- "refreshing," he said. 
But anything poured over ice in a chilled glass with a twist of lemon on a hot day is going to be refreshing .... now isn't it?   He's the type of person who will compliment the hostess if she's serving kerosene ... so I don't really know if he would order another.
It was fun to experiment.  And it really was refreshing.

Drawer pillows and closet hangers lavender filled

Bundle from 1st harvest 6/29/10

Tons of New Fabric

       JoAnn's Fabric store is closing here in GrJct and the store if full of great discounts.  I absolutely HATE to shop and yet there I was amidst the throng.  My "what I really need list" was a life-saver because when there are 40, 60 and 70% sale signs everywhere, it is very distracting. 
       Being ready to take my sewing up to the next level, I'll be using brocades and satins for the eye pillows and neck wraps. I purchased a lot of beautiful fabric at 70% off. Wow!  There is enough fabric on some of the bolts to make eye pillow, neck wrap, small pillow (10x14) and lap throw (24x30").  That will make a very nice "set."  Drawer sachets and hanging sachets could be made to match also.  Arranging it all in a pretty basket with a bow should make a very nice product. 
       I made my first lap throw with some curly fake fur on one side and a patterned knit on the other side.  Haven't yet decided how to fill it with lavender or how much to use.  It is too big to just fill up even if I make pockets. Perhaps sewing alternate 2" wide rows would work.  Only one way to find out-just do it!  Next project is a "set" using the deep blue Asian pattern satin.  So pretty and, can you believe, washable! 7/29/10

Lavender is Harvested

A couple of bundles ready to hang

Most of the lavender is harvested now. Even the new Royal Velvet's that were planted in May have bloomed.  The Hidcotes planted last fall have bloomed nicely.  I still have to go to Angie's and harvest the  Hidcote that I planted at her house (30) from last fall. 

The 3 planter boxes that Alan made last year in Angie's backyard are working very well.  The plants are thriving in the Glade Park soil and amendments.  Con hooked up a drip system last month so now each plant has it's own water regularly.

Summer Iced Tea

See the DRINKS and EATS tab for my new-found, yummy iced tea recipe.  At long last, found the Secret Ingredient.

The Process -- Start to Finish

Lavender peeking through the snow, then looking healthy and happy. Blooming and ready to harvest. Cut & bundle, hang it to dry. Strip, clean and screen.   Start sewing and fill with lavender buds -- sachets, eye & neck aromatherapy pillows, decorator pillows, drawer pillows and closet hangers to keep unwelcome critters out of your stored clothes and closets. Ready to sell.

Eye Pillows, Neck Pillows, Drawer and Closet Sachets

These are photos of some of the items I sell.  Sew and filled with lavender.  Eye and neck pillows are lined so the covers can be removed for washing.

I'm sewing like crazy because I want plenty of items to sell at the upcoming events.  Jo-Ann's Fabrics Store is closing here in Grand Junction, so I found so very, very good bargains on fabric and trim.  7/27/10

Photo of some Lavs in backyard July, 2010

Backyard lavender July 2010

Fall Salon

I know that I use those rubbermaid tubs to put my summer clothes in and stick up in the attic. I bet I'm not the only one that uses them. They get that plastic smell. A thin liner of lavender to put in would be nice. Real thin & spread out. Like the bike bag liners but wider & thin so you can put in the tubs (could use old pillow cases). Just a thought.
Your plants in the back yard are looking good!

Harvest & Bundle

I started cutting a couple of weeks ago from the 20 backyard plants.  Rubber banded them and hung in my closet to dry out.  So it is time to lay them out on the big table and strip the buds from the stems.  I need a new strainer to screen the junk from the buds and Con will make one this weekend.  Then lavender gets strained and sifted over and over until it is real clean and ready to be used. 

Sewing Projects - all are filled with lavender.

May Sachet Salon .... it was great!

Many people came to the Lavender Salon on May 27th and had refreshments while looking at the many sachets, eye and neck pillows and other items filled with lavender.  Of course, the aroma was wonderful.  The snacks were good too. People came and went throughout the 2 1/2 hours and it was great to meet new people and catch up with some old friends.   Plans are in the making for a Fall Salon.  I'll keep you posted.

Isn't this wreath beautiful? Susan wants to try making one ... a "later" project!!!

A friend came up with the idea today of hosting a Lavender Sachet Salon.  It is an invitation to friends and acquaintences to an open house that will feature my lavender-filled sachets and other products.  The purpose is to encourage women to use lavender as a moth repellent when storing winter clothes.  It is not only a great repellent but also leaves a pleasant fragrance.  Moth balls are not only harmful but smell terrible.
So you are invited to the Lavender Sachet Salon on Thursday, May 27th anytime between 4 and 8 pm.

changed the time to 4 to 6:30 pm