Lavender Wands

English lavender grows well and abundantly here in my city garden zone 5 climate.  Many years ago I made lavender wands and I have been waiting for the buds to be "just right" for a few days now to make more wands. 

For the best quality stems and oil content, cut them just before the buds open and in the early morning; then set them aside to wilt a bit before attempting to bend the stems so that they don't break.

Supplies for 1 wand:  
2 or 3 feet of a 1/8"-1/4" ribbon (I buy a spool because it is more economical; I make a lot of wands)
An odd number of stems for each wand (I use 15 stems for mine) 
Scissors
Small elastic bands (optional)

Strip all the leaves from the stem and score the stems part way through very gently with your fingernail about 1/2" below the bottom blossoms.  This is where they will bend back on themselves and will help them to bend, not break. 

Line them up so that the bottom blossoms are even with each other.   At this point you will enclose the "stem bouquet" with an elastic band or ribbon.  If using only the ribbon, tie the short end of the ribbon tightly around the stems in place of the elastic in the photo above, leaving a 1/4 " tail and leaving the ribbon attached to the spool if using. You may find it easier at first to use the elastic band and the ribbon.  However, I just tie my ribbon right on the stems below the bottom blossoms. 

Gently bend the stems around the blossoms so that they form a cage.  Arrange the stems in a circle as evenly as possible.  If you tied the ribbon around the stems, pull the long piece to the outside and let it hang until you do the next step.  If you used an elastic, tie the short end of the ribbon to the top of the cage around one of the stems.  Either method,  tuck the short end of the ribbon inside so it doesn't show (if you used an elastic, it will also be covered by the weaving).  Now weave the ribbon over and under every other stem, continuing in a circular direction until you have enclosed all the blossoms. 

 The first two rows are the most difficult.  After you have the basket weave pattern established it will become easier to see where to place your ribbon. When all the blossoms are covered, wrap the ribbon around the entire handle once or twice and tie the ribbon off with an overhand knot, leaving a long tail.  Cut it from the spool.  I tied a second piece of ribbon around the first and tied a bow.  Trim the bottom of your stems and the ribbons. 
*The stems will shrink as they dry and you may need to tighten the ribbon up a bit so leave enough ribbon to work with if you find it necessary to do so.

Aren't they pretty? The aroma will last a long time. They can be hung in a closet or placed in a drawer...or tie one on top of a gift.  You might even give them as party favors.  If the scent begins to fade, crush the wand a little with your fingers to refresh the aroma.