How to make a LAVENDER WAND

Every year about this time I go into lavender wand production. I am obsessed. Many of you have expressed an interest in learning how they are made. So, hopefully, this straightforward photo journal tutorial will help you get started. Typically, I cut the lavender early in the morning while it is still cool. It is best to only cut what you can use within 24-36 hours. The stems dry out and lose their flexibility. My routine is to sit down about 5-6 o’clock in the evening when it is beginning to cool off. Pour a Tervis tumbler with half rosé and half water with LOTS of ice and begin the process.

Step 1: Strip each stem and sort into like sizes (as best you can) in piles of 10 stems each. Some stems will have a whorl of flowers that are separated from the others. Pull those off.

Step 2: Decide on the size you would like (beginners should start with fewer stems). Also decide your weaving pattern i.e. over 1, 2, or 3 stems. This demo will be over 2. You always need to end with an odd number of stems in order for the over/under weaving to work. For example, with 46 stems divided by 2 is 23, an odd number. It works. However, 48 stems would not 48/2=24 (no), 50/2=25 (yes) etc

Step 3: Arrange stems, being careful to match the base of each flower. It won’t be perfect at this point. Once gathered, tie with a string at the base of the flowers. They will be uneven so now just pull each stem so that the base of the flour touches the string. If you have trouble with a few stems being too tall and standing above the bunch, just gently pull them from the top and you will see the stem move on the bottom and it can be pulled into place.

Step 4: Choose your ribbon. I use 3/8″ usually purchased at Michael’s in USA or if I am making a mini, I use 1/4″. Tie the ribbon over the string around the base of the flowers. Leave approximately 24″ tail on cut end of ribbon. Leave other end attached to spool. Cup the cluster of flowers in your hand and pull the tail firmly down through the middle of the flowers to keep it out of the way until needed at the finish.

Step 5: Hold the flowers gently in your hand (stems will be in the air) and beginning where ribbon is tied, pull down 2 stems and pass ribbon over, pull down 2 more stems and lay over top of ribbon. You have just done your first over and under. Continue over and under until you are back where you began. Pull gently to tighten and continue the over and under pattern until all the lavender blossoms are covered. Pull gently in a upward motion to tighten as you go. As wands dry, they become smaller and shrink so it is important to have a tight wand. Hold the flowers gently as you work. A common problem for beginners is having a death grip on the flowers and squeezing the life out of them.

During first 2 rounds, don’t let go. After the second round, it becomes easier as all stems are secure.

Step 6: et Voila! Weaving is complete. Bring tail to the outside. Pull firmly in upward motion on other end to tighten rows. Cut the ribbon that is attached to spool, allowing enough to wrap around the stems and tie into small bow. Tie very tight.

Step 7: Trim ends of stems to desired length. Tie a short piece of ribbon around end of stems so they stay straight and tight while drying.

That’s it. Master using one color and then add one or two more by simply tying around stems at the beginning. Pick up desired color at beginning of each row and continue weaving.

Of course, you can tuck the wands in dresser drawers, or in a linen closet but MY FAVORITE WAY to use them is on my tables.