by Pam Montgomery

Plant Spirit Healing is about the sacred processes involved in developing a spiritual relationship with plants - a relationship that opens the possibility of multidimensional healing for all sentient beings, including Mother Earth.  

Reading this book is like being offered a venerable ceremonial basket that holds the seeds of both personal transformation and ecological salvation. Ms. Montgomery, a Green Mystic, weaves radiant fibers from many wisdom traditions (Native American, Curanderismo, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Energy Medicine, Shamanism) together with recent evidence-based scientific discoveries, to guide the reader back to their own heart of Knowing, which is intimately entwined with some of our oldest ancestors, the Plant Nation. 

It suggests a path of individual revolution, within our collective evolution, that can be forged by realigning our consciousness with the vibrating matrix of all life and learning, again, to "Be Love." It is a wonder-filled book that will challenge, amaze and beckon you forward. 

It is available for purchase at Humboldt Herbals.

By: Candice Brunlinger, Herbalist

 

There are many fun activities and crafts which can be done using plants. We will discuss how to make herbal sachets, bundles, wreaths, decorative bottles, homemade cards, art, natural dyeing, etc. There are many more ways of incorporating herbs into your crafts and projects so let's get creative and be inspired by all the wonderful healing and beauty the plants bring.  

*Please remember to avoid using toxic or potentially harmful plants with the crafts mentioned as they can cause harm especially to children and pets if handled or accidentally consumed.

 

Herbal sachets are a fun way of using aromatic plants you dry from your garden. Herbs such as lavender, chamomile and rosemary can be placed under your pillow or on your head board to promote peaceful sleep and dreams or use mugwort in the same way to enhance dreams. Sage, bay, lavender, yarrow, cedar, pine and other herbs can be used in sachets and placed in dressers, closets and linen closets for pleasant scent and to deter moths.

 

Dried flowers, leaves and/or needles

Essential oils (optional)

Bowl for processing and mixing

Muslin, cloth or silky decorative bags with a pull string.

String (optional, if your cloth or bag does not have a pull string)

Scissors (optional, if needed)

 

 

If using a piece of cloth fabric make sure it is thin enough for the aromatics to diffuse through it. Lay fabric on a flat surface and pour herbs into the center of the fabric. Pull the corners up and fold in the center parts of the fabric until all herbs are contained. Twist the excess fabric above the herbs and tightly secure cloth by tying it with string or twine so herbs do not fall out.

 

 

Decorating your home or office with herb bundles adds beautiful color and brings energetic cleansing and blessings. Or make your own smudge sticks using woody, resinous and aromatic herbs to smolder and burn through the house for the same effects. Both make great gifts and are always included for my family and friend's house warming gift baskets.

 

Using fresh plant is best as the flowers and leaves hold well. If you use dried plants, the foliage may crumble a little while arranging and bundling. I sometimes slightly dry the plants 1-2 days to remove some of the moisture since I live on the coast and plants don't dry as well when bundled like they do in other climates.

 

When making decorative bundles you can use just about any plant you would like as décor but avoid using any toxic or poisonous plants. Smudge sticks are tightly bundled aromatic plants which are slowly burned. Be sure to use plants known to be safe to smolder and breathe in.  Keep in mind some herbs which are considered safe may cause irritation or allergies in some individuals especially if they are prone to asthma or respiratory illnesses. You can test the smudge stick by burning it outside first and breathing in a small amount of the smoke to be sure you do not have a reaction before burning it in your home.

 

 

Freshly harvested flowers or branches

String or twine (if using for smudge sticks, be sure it is safe to burn)

Scissors

Pruners

Nail or thumb tack (optional if hanging)

Vase (optional if displaying on table, mantle or shelf)

 

 

 

 

 

This project is best using flowers and herbs with lower water content and which dry well preserving the vibrant colors and aromatics of the plant. My favorites are lavender, sage, rosemary, bay leaf, yarrow, vervain, any kind of conifer like redwood, cedar or pine, etc. 

 

Fresh herbs from your garden

Wreath frame or a wire coat hanger

Twine or thin wire

Scissors or wire cutters

Pruners

 

Lavender Wreath

Rosemary Wreath

Mugwort

White Sage

Culinary Wreaths

Fairy Garden Wreath

 

 

 

Lavender:

Relaxing, calming and stress relieving, lavender can manifesting peace and cleanse the home. It has a long history of being used to protect the home and all who enter against negative energy, bad events and illness. Folklore traditions have used lavender to attract your desires while promoting longevity and long life.

 

hout the home and within our selves. Folklore traditions says burning, wearing or hanging sage throughout the home can bring immortality, longevity, wisdom, protection and the granting of wishes. [2] Having sage around releases energy which does not serve your higher purpose allowing your mind, body and soul to be aligned. When aligned, you have access to your inner wisdom and the wisdom of the universe. Sage can be burned at funerals and remembrance ceremonies to help relieve grief and 

 release the spirit from this world.

 

 

Dried flowers and herbs from your garden adding store bought herbs for what you do not grow

Bowl for mixing

Wooden spoon

Essential oils (optional)

Sheer sachet bags, small baskets or decorative containers to store and display potpourri in 

 

Add all herbs into a medium to large bowl and mix well with your hands or a large wooden spoon. Try to incorporate herbs with contrasting colors for a vibrant and colorful blend and use scents which compliment each other. If desired, add 2-4 drops of your favorite essential oils for every cup of plant material for enhanced scent and mix well. Pour into sheer sachet bags or decorative containers preferably with a lid which can be removed so potpourri can be stored, displayed and seen. Aromatics will slowly diffuse into the air and usually lasts for a few months. Add more essential oils if desired or discard and make a fresh batch as needed.

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh garlic plants

Twine to secure braid

Fresh herbs such as lavender, rosemary, thyme or cayenne peppers (optional)

Flat surface to braid

Nail to hang braid on the wall

 

Harvest whole garlic plants and peel away dying or brownish leaves. Lay garlic down on a flat surface with leaves facing you and braid using whatever design you like. You can make the braids simple using only 3 garlic plants with the standard braid design or as wide/long as you like using more plants.

 

If using more than 3 sets of garlic follow these steps: Start with 3 garlic plants and do 1 set of braiding. Then add another garlic plant combining its leaves with the leaves from one of the original 3 garlic plants and weave/braid (like French braiding hair). Repeat this with each weave until you do not want to add any more garlic, then finishing braiding the remaining leaves, cutting off the excess ends if needed. Secure with some twine and hang. 

 

You can incorporate weaving patterns which are different than the braiding to form shapes and designs too. Braiding/weaving works best while the leaves are still fresh and left to dry in the sun or a dry place with adequate air flow.

You can also weave in flowers (preferably ones with little water content and which dry well with lasting color (baby's breath, lavender, etc). Another beautiful display can be made by sticking in sprigs of rosemary, thyme, bay and/or sage once the garlic leaves have been weaved. Or try adding in some vibrant red fresh cayenne peppers into the braid and allow them to dry with the garlic.

 

Hang your garlic braid on the wall of your kitchen or dinning room for décor cutting off and using the garlic, herbs and/or peppers as needed. Your braid should last for about 6 months in a cool, dry environment.

 

 

 

Decorative bottles (with cap or cork)

Dried or freshly wilted (almost dried) herbs

Oil

Ribbon or twine (optional for decoration)

Chopstick or skewer (optional if needed)

 

Take decorative bottles and add any pretty herbs and flowers into them trying to arrange them in an aesthetically pretty way. You can use a skewer or chop stick to help with moving and arranging the plants if needed. This project is especially pretty when using culinary herbs and/or flowers like lavender. Once all the plants have been added and arranged pour in some cooking oil. If you see air bubbles you may need to gently stir the oil to release them. Seal with the cork or cap and decorate the top with a bow using some ribbon or twine if desired. If all ingredients are edible you can use the oil in your cooking. Use within the first 6 months before the oil goes rancid or leave the bottles on a shelf, mantle or window seal for beautiful decoration in the kitchen and dinning room.

 

 

 

Here is a do it yourself video on how to make your own paperweight with a dandelion puff. Try other beautiful flowers and herbs too or use other molds to make decorative objects for your home or to give away as gifts. [4]

 

 

 

 

There are many crafts you can make using dried pressed plants from your garden. If you do not have a plant press click here for directions from Mother Earth Living on how to make your own. You can also search on You Tube for various how to videos or do a general internet search for other options and tips for pressing plants. There are many different styles and ways to make a plant press so use whatever method works for you based on the supplies you have access to and the budget you have to spend on it.

 

Once you have pressed and dried plants you can use them for various projects including making your own gift cards, wall hanging art, decorating candles, furniture, scrapbooking, etc. You can get very creative.

 

 

Pressed flowers, leaves or other plant foliage

Thick card stock paper

Adhesive glue (spray)

Tweezers

 

 

 Pressed Plant Décor on Furniture 

 

If you have any tables or furniture with a glass cover that is removable you can add some vibrant beauty from the plants as decoration. Remove glass and clean the surface of the furniture and glass. Arrange your pressed flowers or plants. Place the glass back on the furniture and admire the beautiful decoration the plants provide. I would avoid gluing the flowers directly onto the glass or furniture but if you prefer you can glue the plants onto a piece of paper which lines the furniture instead and then cover it with the glass.

 

 

 

Plants have been used for thousands of years to dye and bring color to fabric, yarn, textiles, paper, paint, etc. This is a fun way to naturally dye your textile projects without the harmful chemicals. I also like to make my own plant dyes when making Easter eggs.

 

Plants for dying

Strainer, cheese cloth or muslin

Large stock pot for dying fabric, wool, clothes, etc.

Mason jars or cups for dying Easter eggs or small objects

Objects to dye (fabric, textiles, wool, yarn, eggs, etc)

Salt or distilled vinegar

Spoon

 

If using flowers, leaves or berries to dye you bring water to a boil and remove it from the heat source. Pour the water over the herbs and allow it to steep for 4-6 hours. If using roots or bark you can gently simmer the herbs on the stove for 30-60 minutes, covered. Turn off heat and allow it to steep for 4-6 hours. Use just enough water so the herbs are completely covered and free flowing. Strain out the herbs using a stainless steel mesh strainer, layered cheese cloth or muslin.

 

Pour the dye into a large stock pot and add in your fabric, textile, yarn or wool and let it gently simmer for 30 minutes. Add salt to the dye water and continue to simmer for another 30-60 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for 1-2 hours or until it reaches desired color. It is ready when the object is a few shades darker than the desired color as the color will lighten when the fabric/textile dries. Remove the fabric or textile from the dye and rinse with water to remove any excess dye. Gently ring out and hang or lay out to dry. Color may run so use caution when washing and using your naturally dyed fabric.

 

If dying Easter eggs you can pour your dye water into small cups or pint sized mason jars. Add 2 tbsp of distilled vinegar per cup of dye water. Take eggs and carefully drop them into the cup/jar and allow them to sit for 15-30 minutes. The longer it sits the more vibrant the color. Remove using a spoon and allow the eggs to sit on paper towels to dry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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