Deidrui Callaway

- Aug 4, 2001 11:37 am (3.)

MAGICAL--Logs

by Hartson Dowd

With camping season approaching, it's time to start your preparation for your campfires with these magical logs, pinecones, woodchips. These are good for your fireplace as well.

YOU will need:

Deidrui Callaway

- Aug 4, 2001 11:39 am (4.)

Color Flames

You will need:

Deidrui Callaway

- Aug 11, 2001 3:10 pm (5.)

Dreamcatchers

Nicholas Wood describes the construction and use of these popular craft items



It seems that just about every New Age shop you go into nowadays has dream- catchers in them somewhere, just ask - they'll be there! If I put a rumour around that Argos will start selling them next season it wouldn't be altogether unbelievable!

So what is the origin and tradition behind these high street, high sellers? Well, I had one Lakota tell me that they were invented for the tourist trade, and had no medicine significance whatsoever, while an Ojibwa friend told me that amongst her people they can be considered powerful medicine objects... The truth? Well, it's undoubtedly both!

In all my craft 'bibles' full of photos of historic Native American objects, I cannot find one single dreamcatcher, but I can find an example of a game hoop,1 which looks identical to a dream catcher minus its feathers and other decoration. Thegame was apparently played by rolling the hoop while throwing sticks towards its small centre hole. The winner would be the one who got the bull's eye.

My Ojibwa friend tells me that in her tradition, many dreamcatchers are made of bone, and sinew. These do not take the form of the more common circular shape, but are made like 'god's eyes' by building up the sinew on a cross of bone.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

· A hoop. This can be bought ready made, such as a small embroidery frame, or made from a small green branch of a suitably pliable tree such as willow, or you can use basket cane.

· Deer skin or soft leather.

· Artificial or real sinew.

· Large glass beads (powwow or trade beads, often red - as red is a sacred colour).

· Tin cones.

· Feathers from a night bird.

· Scissors, knife, large needles.

CONSTRUCTION

If you want to use the dreamcatcher as a medicine object, then in the nature of all such things, it is probably better to make it yourself You may wish to give some thought as to the materials you use. For instance, does it feel OK to use synthetic artificial sinew, or is it better to use real sinew or perhaps natural thread? Does the hoop have to be made especially for the catcher, or is it alright to use a commercial one? And do the feathers need to be specific night bird feathers, such as owl, or can they be any ones you have to hand?

The functionality of the catcher you make will depend on the intent you put into it, and your intent will depend on the materials you use, and the way you go about making it. Sit with it, let the catcher tell you how it needs to be made, don't rush it, and if you make it and it doesn't feel quite right, make another one and give the first one away to a friend.

Once a hoop has been procured, I normally cover it with a long strip of buckskin. This I wind over and over all around it in a tight spiral, sewing the two ends together where they meet. This hides any joins or blemishes in the hoop, but is up to individual taste, and so can be omitted if you wish. Once done, the web of the catcher can be made with the sinew.

The length of sinew will need to be long enough to form the entire web; if in doubt, it's easier to use a much longer length than needed, rather than run out in the middle. Real sinew comes in short lengths by its very nature, and you will have to join several before the web is finished.

To start the web, tie one end of the sinew to the hoop, and pass the other end in a loose spiral over and over, all around the hoop. When the loose end comes all the way round to the place where the sinew is tied on to the hoop, the next row of the sinew can be put on by passing it through the first loop and then into the second, and third and so on, progressing all around the hoop.

You will gradually see as you progress, that the sinew forms a spiral. You will never finish a row as such, but rather you will spiral in to the centre of the hoop, the web beginning to take on the familiar shape of the dream catcher.

You will need to be careful of the tension of the sinew as you progress. It needs to be tight enough to form a well shaped web, but not so tight that it hardly produces a web at all.

Once the web is to the required size, the sinew can be tied off in the centre, and the rest of the dreamcatcher decorated.

This is up to individual taste, but normally includes the hanging of leather tassels from each side and from underneath, threaded with beads. Feathers are often hung on these, and they can be fixed by the use of tin cones, which, when crimped, hold the quill securely.

Remember to include a leather hanging cord from the catcher's top, so it can be hung up in the desired location.

USING THE DREAMCATCHER

The popular tradition with dream catchers is that the web catches and filters dreams, which are then passed down the night birds feather to the sleeping dreamer below. The web retains the 'nasties'. I have heard other versions of this, but this is the most common. Like any medicine object, the use will be determined to a greater part by its user's intent. If the tradition outlined above is the intent you set it up with, then that is pretty much what will happen; if you set it up with another intent, such as being a sort of psychic 'satellite' dish to attract dreams, then that is equally valid.

Whatever your intent, like any medicine object, keep it clean, keep your focus of intent clear, and if you only use it sometimes, be sure when it's 'on' and when it's 'off', - turn it off by removing it from your bedside, and maybe wrapping it up in cloth.

1 A Persistent Vision; Art of the Reservation Days. Richard Conn. Denver Art Museum, 1986. (P 48)

Taken from Sacred Hoop Magazine Issue Number 8

© Copyright Sacred Hoop Magazine 1995

Deidrui Callaway

- Aug 12, 2001 9:59 am (6.)

Skin Soothing Bath Sachet

by Erica Hildebrand

There are so many ideas these days about things you can use in your bath water. However a lot of them include dyes, acids, perfumes, and other additives. This idea, the bath sachet includes only pure, natural ingredients and makes your skin feel great, and it is relaxing at the same time. They make great gift ideas.

To make the sachets all you need is some muslin, cheesecloth or a square of tight woven lace. You can make them any size you please, but the nicest size tend to be a square six inches.

All you have to do is mix:

1 cup of oatmeal, not the instant kind

1/2 cup of rosemary leaves

1/2 cup of rose petals

Mix all of these ingredients together and to create a sachet spoon a few spoonfuls onto the material. Bring the four corners together in the center and tie them together with a washable ribbon. Make sure it is ties tightly and the mixture is secure. Hang into the bath or hang sachet mixture in a honey pot in the bathroom as necessary.

If you would like to experiment you could replace the rosemary leaves with many different things, lavender, thyme, lemon balm, sage, cinnamon. You name it you can use it.

Oatmeal is very good for the skin, and using it this way tens to make it a little more pleasing than creating porridge in the tub.

Experiment with presentations, you can make them also in squares, hearts, or other shapes and sew them together. They will last through several baths.

To give as a gift a great idea is to make the sachets, staple the sachet to a string and attach a piece of paper to the end like a traditional tea bad to address to a friend.

Deidrui Callaway

- Aug 24, 2001 4:25 pm (7.)

Painted Spirit Stones

By Silver RavenWolf

Among the dancing fire drakes a wise old woman speaks tales of myth and reality, of power andstrength in the old days.

"There are stones," she says, "of ordinary make, like those you tread upon each day. No one knows that these stones, when clapped together, can call forth the powers of the Universe. These are the wise stones of the elements." she nods her head slowly. "They are gifts from the ancestors." The light of the fire plays across her withered face, undulating power and mystery. "Find two smooth, flat stones that are slightly larger than the palm of your hand," she says. "Better it be when the Moon is Full."

"You will paint upon the back of the stones those magical symbols that are dear to you. One stone should represent your power animal, whether it be a creature of the land, air, or sky. Forget not to add your own special sigil and then seal the power inside with the sign of our holy pentacle. When the Moon is Full, empower these stones to call the magical skill and wisdom you need. It may come as a dragon, a wolf, or a man. Do this within the magic circle, round thrice about to keep bad spirits out. Henceforth, when the need is upon you, call forth their magic by clapping the stones together and saying:

Once to call my Lady, and once to call my Lord

And once to call the magic in which I'll be restored!"

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 8, 2001 12:20 pm (8.)

Lets Make A Mask

Items needed:

1 mixing bowl

1 cup water

1 cup flour

1/4 cup glue

20 - 30 pieces of newspapers (or paper towels)cut into !" X 6 "strips

pastic wrap......

In a mxing bowl, pour 1 cup of water, add flour in 1/3 increments. As you add each 1/3 cup of the flour, stir it well, using your fingers to break up any clots. Once the flour and water are completely combined, it should have the consistency of plaster---thick and muddy.

Add 1/4 cup of white glue to the mixture and again, stir well with with your fingers.

Cut paper into strips. Have your partner lay down in either a sunny spot or lay some towels or newpapers down so excess moisture won't set into the carpet of flooring. As your partner lays down, Place the plastic wrap on here or his face..

IMPORTANT: Create breathing holes in the plastic at the site of your partners nostrils and mouths.

Dowse paper strips with plaster mixture - one piece at time. Shake off excess mixture from paper strip and even smooth either side of the strip to take off more of the mixture. The less excess mixiture there is on the paper strip, the less take it will for it will take for it to dry on your partner's face..

Begin to lay strips along the outer rim of your partner's face; along the brow, the temples, the jaws and the chin. Be sure to overlap and interconnect all of the paper stripes as you lay them out. Smooth each strip into the others with your fingers.

Next lace strips across the nose an connect those strips to those along those along the rim at the cheek bone area. Once that section is laid, you can begin to fill in the empty spaces on your partners's face around the cheeks and forehead.

IMPORTANT....be sure to repeat the entire process a second time to to create a stronger mask base.

Drying time can vary dependng on the heat levels at the time of application. To speed this up, try using a hand-held blow-dryer to help *set* the mask.

Once the mask base is dry enough to withstand being taking off your partner's face, set in in a place that gets plenty of warmth. It will take about 24 hours before your mask fully set and ready to be decorated......

Note: This is great for Kids to do but they do have to be supervised. This is the reason I put it over in this section.

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 8, 2001 12:23 pm (9.)

Power bead bracelets

Power bead bracelets are todays twist on the ancient idea that gemstones carry their own energy and power, and wearing these stones attracts that power to you. If you are interested read on:

Green Aventurine--Success and focus

Turguoise--Health and wisdom

Rose quartz--Love and attraction-- diminishes negativity

Rhodonite--Romance and freedom of mind

Goldstone--Positivity and individulaism

Poppy Jasper--Creativity and personal balance

Lapis--Relaxation and ease of depression

Blue Lace agate--Peace and calmness of mind

hematite--Happiness and healing and energy

Carnelian--invokes passion ansd banishes tiredness

Amazonite--Harmony calmness and balance

Howlite--Inspiration and ease of stress

Sodalite--Stimulation and energy

Clear quartz-- Gives energy and all round strength

Mother of Pearl--Money and all round good fortune

Tigers eye--Optimism and mental focus

Dalmation Jasper--Energy and fulfillment

Most of us will know the meanings of these stones already but it might be helpful to those of us who dont. Making bracelets is easy. Just thread on thin elastic and knot tigtly. It would be good to collect several of the ones whose benefits you feel in need of and make a combined bracelet. Or even a choker, Lapis would be good for that one.

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 15, 2001 9:49 pm (10.)

Easy Batik Eggs

Batik is an Indonesian method of hand-printing cloth by brushing melted wax on to the parts that are not to be dyed. The traditional method of making Batik eggs also uses melted wax alternating dipping the eggs in colored dyes and adding designs by painting on melted wax. This method uses masking tape to produce very interesting results.

Cut out designs from masking tape and stick them onto your egg. Dip the eggs into dye. When they are dry remove the masking tape. You can repeat the process by sticking on new cutouts and re-dipping the egg. You can overlap some of the colors for variety. Be sure to start with the lightest dye and work your way to the darker ones. If you want to keep an area a particular color, cover it with masking tape.

You can use a white crayon (actually any color you want) or hard paraffin wax to draw on designs which will resist the dye.

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 16, 2001 1:32 am (11.)

Plants and Dye Colors

Below you will find listed different plants, the dye colors they produce as well as examples of the fabric/materials used.



Onion~

Dye color ~ bright yellow, orange, rust

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn, eggs

Part of plant ~ skin

Mordant* ~ alum on wool

Onion ~

Dye color ~ olive green

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn

Part of plant ~ skin

Mordant* ~ iron pot

Tumeric ~

Dye color ~ bright yellow

Material to be dyed ~ eggs

Part of plant ~ powdered root

Mordant* ~ none

Bloodroot ~

Dye color ~ red orange

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn, body paint

Part of plant ~ root

Mordant* ~ alum

Wild Grape ~

Dye color ~ pale purple

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn

Part of plant ~ fruit skin

Mordant* ~ none

Coltsfoot ~

Dye color ~ soft green

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn, eggs

Part of plant ~ leaves

Mordant* ~ alum

Milkweed ~

Dye color ~ pale yellow

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn

Part of plant ~ entire plant

Mordant* ~ alum

Madder~

Dye color ~ pink - red

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn, eggs

Part of plant ~ root

Mordant* ~ alum

Red Cabbage ~

Dye color ~ blue-gray on wool yarn, robins egg blue on eggs

Material to be dyed ~ Wool yarn, eggs

Part of plant ~ outer leaves

Mordant* ~ alum on wool

Woad ~ Dye color~ pale blue

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn

Part of plant ~ young leaves

Mordant* ~ lye

Indigo ~

Dye color ~ deep blue

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn

Part of plant ~ commercial block

Mordant* ~ spectralite

Sumach ~

Dye color~ gray

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn, eggs

Part of plant ~ red berries

Mordant* ~ none

Cochineal ~

Dye color ~ pink, deep red

Material to be dyed ~ wool yarn, eggs

Part of plant ~ (comes from an insect)

Mordant* ~ any on wool, none on eggs

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 16, 2001 3:20 pm (12.)

Holiday Crafts

Here you will find holiday crafts to do.

Enjoy!

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 21, 2001 1:22 pm (12.1)

Independance Day

Hey, hey it's the 4th of July, Independance Day. Here you will find crafts pertaining to this day.

Enjoy!

Deidrui Callaway

- Jan 13, 2002 1:30 am (12.2)

Halloween

Here is where all Halloween crafts will go.

BOO!

- Feb 21, 2005 8:44 pm (12.3)

Valentine's Day

Activity Idea Place Newsletter - http://www.123child.com Valentine's Day FUN!!!!

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 16, 2001 3:21 pm (13.)

Easter

Here comes Peter Cotton Tail !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy!

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 16, 2001 3:24 pm (13.1)

Bunny Pin

12 - 2 1/4" safety pins (gold tone)

2 black beads

8 pink beads

56 white beads

29 turquiose beads

pin 1 - 7T 2W

pin 2 - 1T 4W 1T 1W 1P 1W

pin 3 - 6W 1P 2W

pin 4 - 3W 1B 4W 1T

pin 5 - 1W 1P 4W 3T

pin 6 - 1W 2P 3W 3T

pin 7 - 1W 1P 4W 3T

pin 8 - 3W 1B 4W 1T

pin 9 - 6W 1P 2W

pin 10 - 1T 4W 1T 1W 1P 1W

pin 11 - 7T 2W

Atach these 11 pins onto another pin ( #12)

Rose Arbor Crafts

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 16, 2001 3:23 pm (14.)

Easter Berry Basket

Walnuts

Red acrylic paint

Glue

Tiny white , green , or yellow beads

Clear sealer

Toothpicks or tweezers

Easter grass

Green plastic pint-sized berry baskets ( from real berries)

Strawberry scented potpourri oil

Ribbon or raffia, trims of your choice.

Paint walnuts red. Glue tiny beads onto walnuts, using toothpick or tweezers to apply. When glue is dry, apply clear sealer to "strawberries". Add a drop of strawberry scented oil to each "berry". Place Easter grass into pint-sized berry baskets - Approx. 6 "strawberries" per basket. Cover each basket with cellophane. Tie with ribbon or raffia, enjoy as is - or add trims of your choice.

Rose Arbor Crafts

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 17, 2001 2:30 pm (15.)

Making a Magic Mirror

Items Needed:

50 to 150 shells of various sizes. Scallop shells are idea for this project. Have at least one dozen tiny shells, which you will use to fill in small spaces. Many craft stores carry shells. Check your phone book or your nearest beach. Beach gathered shells are best, but use what you can find.

Clean sand or white colored, fine aquarium gravel

Household glue. This shouldn't be instant drying, and should dry clear.

An 8-inch square piece of thin wood or corrugated cardboard

1 round 4-inch mirror. These are available almost everywhere. If necessary, dismantle a small makeup mirror. The mirror should have no molding and no frame. If it does, remove it.

A ruler and a pencil

Moistened and dry cotton cloths

A large scrap piece of corrugated cardboard

A chewed piece of bubble gum or piece of tape

1 blue candle and candleholder. This will be used in the ritual to bless the magic mirror.

Step #1. Assemble all the items on a table or other flat working surface. Sort the shells according to size, and if you wish, color. Hold your hands over the shells and say:

Spiraled treasures of the sea, awake the psychic mind in me

Step #2. Using the pencil and ruler, draw lines across the wooden or cardboard base, from a to c and b to d. This will allow you to accurately place the mirror onto the center of the base.

Step #3. Allow at least ½ hour for this step. Place the mirror onto the center of the base, using the lines as a guide. Now place the shells in a symmetrical pattern on the base around the mirror. Some of them may overlap onto the mirror itself. Some suggestions: begin with the largest shells first, and then fit in the smaller ones. Large shells can be placed at the base's four corners. Shells of different colors can be alternated to form pleasing, contracting patterns. A large shell can be placed between tow corners to create the 'top" of the mirror. Over as much of the base as possible. If you do not like the pattern you have created, begin again. This is the time to decide, not later when you're actually gluing the shells in place.

Step #4. When you've finalized your pattern, individually transfer the shells to a flat surface, recreating the same pattern there.

Step #5. Enchant the mirror by holding your hands above it and saying in a soft, dreamy voice:

Glow, mirror

Shimmer with power.

Assist me in my workings.

Step #6 Apply household glue to the back of the mirror. Also apply glue to the center of the base. Press base and mirror firmly together. Allow to dry for at least ½ hour.

Step #7. Apply glue to the base around the mirror (if glue smears on the mirror, remove it with a moistened piece of cloth). Spread glue evenly with a finger. Pour the sand onto the glue, ensuring an even coat. Allow to dry for at least 15 minutes.

Step #8. Tip up one end of the base and tap gently on the reverse side. Some sand will slide off. If the base isn't completely covered with sand, re-glue those areas and pour on more sand. Let dry for 15 minutes.

Step #9. Spread household glue onto the scrap piece of cardboard (or a paper plate). Press the bubble gum or a piece of tape on to the center of one large shell that you'll be using in your pattern. Using the gum as a holder, lift the shell, quickly dip its edges into the glue, and press firmly onto the base according to your previously created pattern. Carefully detach the gum or tape.

Step #10. Repeat this entire procedure for each shell. Begin with the largest shells. It's best to also start with those shells that are closest to the mirror, and then work your way outward toward the edges of the base. Remove all glue smears immediately from the mirror with a moist cloth and dry.

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 19, 2001 9:15 pm (16.)

Press Flowers and Dry Flowers

Thanks to Learn2.com

Choose Flowers to Press

Q- Which flowers are the best for pressed flower Arrangements?

A-The best flowers to press are flimsy ones with fewer petals. Think poppies, pansies, buttercups and the like. Small fern fronds, clover leaves, and wild parsley press will add color contrast to your pressed flower arrangements.

Learn2 Dry flowers:

The Necessities:

A few old phone books

Paper towels

Wall hooks or pushpins

Optional

Small bowl of water

Dishwashing soap

Acrylic spray(found at most craft stores)

Inexpensive hairspray

Ziploc Baggies

Time

3-4 hours to rinse (Opt)

2-3 weeks for air drying and pressing

Pick and Clean the Flowers:

The flowers you decide to dry can vary as you experment to see which dries the best. Roses dry nicely, but often a darker shade of red or brown. Flowers fade and become brittle after a period of months, so dried flowers don't last forever. But you can help take steps to prevent speedy deterioration by taking care of the flower before you dry it.

Gather petals, bulbs, buds, and leaves. Getting together as assortment of flower parts and whole flowers should be easy after a walk around your neighborhood. Don't pick your neighbors flowers and don't pick your state flower--instead look for wild flowers and weeds which bloom. Sor them out according to thickness.Stick to small posy-like flowers for pressing.

Cleanse the bulbs and buds. Sometimes, bulbs come in with tiny bugs attached to them, commonly called aphids. These are harmless to you, but pose a threat to the rest of your dried flower factory, as they will transfer to the other flowers and feast away. Pour a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bow of luckewarm water and soak your bulbs and buds in it, especially roses. (Unless they came from a florists, in which case inspect them to ensure no bugs are on them before noting the flowers from florists are usually clean.) Leave them in for a few hours and then gently rinse the soap off. Lay them on paper towels spread out to dry. Rinsing small, thin flowers or petals this way is effective too, but take care not to leave small flowers in to long, as they'll wilt. Soak them for 15 min. at a time.

Brush off dirt and other muck. For smaller flowers, using an old toothbrush to lightly brush off earth and mud may be desirable. Check to make sure nothing is hiding in the crevices of the petal joints.

Air, Press, or Hang

When your flowers are clean, you're ready to dry them out. For small flowers, leaves and petals, get out the old phone books.

LIne your pages. Open your phone book to a page towards the end and line both pages with paper towels, so the flowers will have top and bottom liners. Carefully spead your little flowers around the page, making sure each has plenty of room to sperad or move. If flowers cross each other, they may become moldy. Close the book and keep it under other heavy books in a safe cool place. Leave them for a period of 2-3 weeks, or longer if you feel they need more pressing.

Hang your bulbs. Obviously, you cannot press pulpy flowers or you'll end up with moldy mess that hardly resembles the flower you bought in. That's why you need to hang them from hooks, from wall or other contraptions. Hand them upside-down and make sure they are out of reach from kids, pets, or awe-struck guests. If you can, tape a paper towel to the wall and let it rest against that. Leave them, again, for 2-3 weeks or until you feel they are dry and happy.

Air your buds. Buds, thogh thick, have thinner petals and don't always dry well if you hang them. Set aside a small space that can be undisturbed for the next few weeks (such as a small basket) and line it with paper towels. Lay the buds down to air-dry, for a period of 2-3 weeks, longer if needed. For the first two weeks, turn the flowers every few days so that the side they lie on gets properly aerated and doesn't turn brown.

Seal and Adorn

You may wish to take extra measures to ensur that your dried flowers last a long time. Here are a few tips, and also some ideas on what to do with your dired flowers.

Spray fixatives on the bulbs. Don't bother with smaller flowers--they tend to be too weak to withstand a spraying, but since they are pressed they keep much longer. Using cheap hairspray or clear acrylic spray found in most craft stores, lightly spray the entire flower and set aside for 3-4 hours to harden and protect. Make sure you don't over or under spray.

Use stick pins to affix flowers. Pinning dried flowers to anything can be a risky endeavor--you don't want to break or crack a petal. Use small, thin needled pins driven thorugh the center of the bulb or bud and hide the end amongest the center petals.

Glue pressed flowers onto cards to make stationary. Use white card stock and create a simple but beautiful cover of pressed petals, leaves or whole flowers to personalize a card.

Create fragrant, colorful wreathes. Bulb and buds are nice to use to attach to wreathes, as well as dried fern and eucalyptus leaves. Carefully tie ribbions around the dried flowers to make a pleasant and wonderful alternative to expensive store-bought wreathes.

Or add to making your own paper......

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 19, 2001 9:22 pm (17.)

HomeMade Paper

Thanks to learn2.com

Necessities:

Scrap paper--figure one cup (or 1/4 liter) of scraps per shet of paper, loosely packed

An ordinary kitchen blender (well, it doesn't have to be ordinary..just perform like one)

A section of window screen--metal-wire screen is best, although synthetic screens will also work. You'll need a section slightly larger than the size of paper you'd like to make.

A vat or tub large enough to accomodate the screen, 3/4 full of clean water--it should be at least a foot deep (30 cm) deep, and the screen should fit in it horizontially, with room on the edges for your fingers.

2 large pecies of wood felt that are slightly larger then the size of paper you'd like to make (available at fabirc stores--buy the thickest you can find)

A kitchen rolling pin

A laundry line and clothes pins (spring-loaded pins work best)

Optional:

Lint from a clothes dryer lint trap

Small flowers, leaves, feathers or decorative threads

A drop of white glue

A hand press: tis is a metal plate with screw machanism that lowers the metal plate, and compresses whatever's beneath it.

An old fashiond laundry machinw with rollers and a bucket

Time:

About an hour to assemble and process the materials, and an afternoon (3+ hours) to dry.

Find the Fibers:

The paper that you'l make is essetially a mesh of plant fibers pressed together to make a strong flat surface. The ingredients you choose will determine the look and quality of the paper.

Gather enough fiber to create a few sheets of paper. This only be a cupful (1/4 liter) of paper scrapes, loosely packed per standerd sheet. It's good to have extra raw material on hand in order to experiment with thickness and quality. Expect to lose the equivalent of a page or two of material in the process.

Use old paper that has interesting texture. Tear a piece of it--does it rip cleanly or leave a jagged edge? The harder the tear, the longer the fibers are in the paper. Long fibers create strong paper. Short fibers create smooth texture. Intersting yet durable paper balances these two ingredients.

Optional:

Lint from the clothes dryer lint trap is ideal paper fodder. Small flowers and leave, bits of foil (from holiday paper and champagne bottles) and colored threads also add a special touch. Grab anything you can shred and that floats. But use these specialty items sparingly. Otherwise te page won't hold together.

Keywords:

Fiber: particles of bariable length which hold paper toghether and determine texture. Long fibers make strong paper, while short fibers create smooth texture.

Sizing: any variation of the glues, bleaches and chemical additives used to make paper. These additives help to make the paper. These additives help bond paper fibers and help improve texture and quality.

Pulp: a solution of fibers, sizing and decorative additions that make up a piece of paper.

Hand press: a metal plate with screw mechanism that lowers the metal plate and compresses whatever's beneath it.

Let'er Rip!

Once you've gatherd each scraps to make paper, tear them up into pieces about 1 inch (2 cm) square. If you're using different kinds of paper it's a good idea to separate them itno different piles.

Thread, metallic foils, and others small decorations should be cut to length using a pair of scissors. Be creative--vary the sizes from 1/8 inch to 2 inches (30 mm to 2 cm). A few long threads are interesting; too many and it looks like spaghetti. Foils and bright colors are better in small pieces less than 1/4 inch (5 mm) across. Set any of these decorative fibers aside for now. Don't shred these in the blender.

Sort your scraps by fiber length and color, and identify the base color: the pile of scraps that most resembles the color you want the paper to be.

Helpful tips: The process described above works great for making sculpture or masks. Bend a section of metal screen into the shape you desire. Then run it through the paper tub in one direction, so that the paper pulp sticks to the outside of the form. Try to coat the form evenly with pulp. Remove the form from the water when the coating looks thick enough, hold it above the tub and let the excess water drain off, then set it aside in a warm dry place to dry throughly. A sunny window sill is perfect. When the paper is completely dry, remove it carefully from the form by gently bending the form from behind and peeling off the paper.

Cut the Screen

Ordinary window screen works great for making paper. It should be free of dents and curves, otherwise the paper will come out in exactly the same shape. Rust-free wire screen works the best. Synthetic screen should be used with caution; it's less rigid, which can cause problems later in the prdocess. Synthetic screen may be sericeable if used with a frame, as described below.

Cut the screen the same size as the sheets you want to make, slightly large if you want to make frames or the screen. If you intend on making lots of paper the same size you should consider building a frame around your screen. In this case allow two extra inches in each direction before cutting the screen. For example: if you want to make a frame for 8 by 10 inche paper, then cut a screen 10 by 12 inches large.

Optional: Build a frame using lenths of wood 1/2 inch wide by 1 inch thick, or one inch square. You don't have to get fancy, just be sure that the inside of the frame is the same size as the paper you want to make, the corners are square, and not too wobbly. Set your screen down on top of the frame evenly and nail or staple it in place.You want the screen attached snugly to the frame, without any big gaps between the wood and the screen.

Helpful tips:

Does the paper fall apart when you pick it up? Add some more sizing (glue or starch) to the tub and mix it in thoroughly. Then proceed as before, and be sure to go firmly with the roller or press to bind the fibers together.

Blend it to Bits

And now a dash of paper theory--in order to make new paper from old paper, you've got to change it to a mushier state. Blenders accomplosh this nicely, and the results is the pulp.

Fill a blender: about 3/4 full with clean water. Tke a handful of scraps from your base color pile and put them into the blender. Cover the top and blend on medium-high for a few seconds. The water will start to look like very watery oatmeal.

Add varopis scrapes: one by one, and give a short blast with the blender each time. You want to put shorter fibers in first, then gradually add scraps of longer fibers. Otherwise all the fibers will end up about the same length--short!

Add any special items: (including threads) last. don't turn the blender on at this point as it may ruin these items or wreck the blender or both.

Don't make a pulp mor than one part scraps to four parts water--ie, don't fill the blender more then 3/4 full. If you're making large volumes, pour out the finished pulp mix and start again.

Helpful tips:

Avoid placing fresh sheets of paper next to pages of newsprints. The inks used in making newspapers is smudgy and will transfer to the surface of your nice clean sheet.

Hit the Tub!

In this step you'll use a tub of water to put the pulp into a watery suspension. This will ensure a even distribution of pulp onto the screen.

Note: you'll make one sheet at a time this way you can adjust the sizing or pulp to water ratio, as you see how each sheet comes out. You will want to test the screen with a little pulp, to check tht the water can run through the screen while retaining the pulp.

Fill a large tub with clean water. Pour the pulp (the fiber and water mixture) into the tub. Swirl it around. The pulp should be distributed evenly thouroughout the water before you start dipping. If the mixture sits for awhile before you're ready, some settling will occur. Just give it another swirl with your hands when ready.

If you're using large amounts of lint or vegetable parts (including wood pulp paper), add a few drops of white glue to the tub and mix it thorughly. Substitute a tablespoon of cornstarch if you don't have any glue handy. This sticky, binding substance is called sizing.

Hold the screen with the frame on top. Dip it in the tub at an angle until it's fully immersed, then move the screen back and fourth until the pulp is evenly dipersed in the water and across the sruface of the screen. Finish by pulling the fdrame straight up on the tub.

You should have collected enough pulp on the frame to make one sheet of paper--the pulp should fill the screen to the inner edges of the frame. The waterfrom the tub will run through the screen, depositing the pulp on the top level of the screen. Hold the frame above the tub until only a few drops of water remain on the screen.

If the paper looks too thin, add more pulp to the water in the tub, swirl and dip the screen again. too thick! Remove some pulp from the tub, dip the screen and collect a screenful of pulp. You can then remove the pulp from the screen by rolling it off with fingers.

No Frame! If you're not using a fram, hold the screen about four inches below the surface of the tub. Agitate the water by moving the screen back and forth until the pulp is evenly dispersed in the water and across the surface of the screen. Draw the screen slowly and evenly up out of the tub. Hold the screen above the tub and allow the water to drain. Take care to keep the screen taut, or the pulp may "puddle" in the middle, which will produce lumpy paper.

Helpful tips:

Wool felt is ideal because water runs right through it and it's strong enough to endure the pressure of the hand press. If this paper-maker's dream is not available, try using a couple of hand towels. Avoid those made of terry (piled) fabric as fresh paper will stick to them. Remember that any prononced pattern on the towels will be pressed on the paper when it's pressed.

Squeeze out the Water

There are actually two actions happening here: the force applied by the roller squeezes out the water from the paper, and absorbent materials above and beneath the paper prevent the paper from reabsorbing the water.

Lay one sheet of wool felt down on the flat tabletop. Wool felt is ideal because water runs right through it and it's stong enough to sustain the pressure. The felt must be larger than the sheet you're making. Several felts, or a stack of old newspapers or even towels can be placed underneath the felt to help absorb water.

Turn the frame over on top of the felt. The freshly drawen pulp should drop out easily. IF it sticks, then tently tap the fram onto the felt.

Lay another felt on top of the pulp. Cover with another sheet felt (or newspapers or towels).

Take a rolling pin and press down on the pile to squeeze out the extra water. This will also bind the pulp fibers together. Start at one end and roll firmly and evenly across the pile. Do this several times to get as much water out as possible and to press the fibers together.

The hand press option: a small hand press is great for squeezing out the paper. Turn the paper out on the large sheet of wool felt and cover with another shelf of felt as described before. Now squeeze the flet sandwich with the press. Same with the old fashion washing machine.

Hang it out to Dry

Now carefully remove the top layer of felt (and any other absorbant materials) from the pulp. It should now hold together as an honest to goodness sheet of paper.

Carefully take up two coners of the paper by rolling them back (just a half inch/one cm or so) with your fingers. Hold a corner with each hand and gently peel the seet off the bottom felt

Clip the fresh sheet on to a laundry line with ordinary closespins to dry. Any place that's warm and dry will be fine--Wherever you would hang laundry. Avoid damp areas (mold might grow on the paper), dusty areas (wet paper will collect any dust in the air), or windy places (your paper could be blown off the line!)

Drying time is about three hours, more if the air is humid or if there is little sun.

My thoughts on this: before adding to tub try dye to color your paper...Newspaper can be soaked in water to get print out and have grey paper...before pressing add dried or fresh flower petals......

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 20, 2001 11:09 pm (18.)

Altar Pentacle

Materials:

pencil

ruler

old plain wooden coaster (or other piece of wood you deem suitable)

convex(magnifying) lens

sunglasses

a sunny day

This is really easy--very simple.

First, take your wooden coaster and, on the side you want it, decide how big your pentacle is going to be. Mark the area off with your ruler and pencil. Then draw a dot at the top center of this area and draw two lines (like the sides of a triangle) reaching to the bottom opposite corners of the area.

Draw another dot on in middle of the left side and repeat procedure, drawing from that dot two lines to the opposite corners of the coaster/area. One of these lines should meet the right-slanting line you drew previously. Continue procedure until you've created your star. If you wish to, freehand a circle around the star.

Next, take your lens and your sunglasses and go outdoors. Find a sunny spot and focus your lens so there is a small bright, burning dot on the penciled area of the wood. You might wish to try this out on some spare piece of wood you have lying around first, just to test it out and practice your control. Once you're satisfied with your control (it shouldn't take very long to practice) focus the lens and trace the pencilled outline you made. This will burn your drawing into the wood. When you're done, voila, you have your altar pentacle.

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 21, 2001 2:36 am (19.)

Making Latex Rubber Moulds

By Candleman

What you need

Liquid latex rubber

Ornament

2 empty jam jars (or similar)

Large plate

White spirit or turpentine

Paint brush (1" or similar)

Craft scissors

Paper kitchen towel

Washing up liquid





Latex rubber moulds are suitable for making candles. You can also make plaster and stone powder ornaments. Firstly, you need a suitable ornament or item to use as a master. This must not have any holes or gaps in it or have any delicate parts sticking out, as these can break off when you cast items in your completed mould.

Pour about 2" of latex into one of the jars. Take the brush and put a few brushfulls in the centre of the plate, about 3" in diameter larger than the diameter of the master. Place the ornament in the centre of the latex, leaving about an inch and a half of latex around the edge. Leave overnight to dry. Make sure you put the jar lid on the latex to avoid it hardening, clean the brush with kitchen towel and then soak it in about 2" of white spirit in the other jar.

Next day (or later), clean the brush again with kitchen towel to remove any latex left from the previous session and also any white spirit. Paint a layer of latex on the master and around the base and leave for about five minutes until it begins to set. Repeat this process about 15 times until the latex is about an one millemetre thick. This can be done over several days but you must put on at least three coats the first day.

Always remember to clean the brush and leave it soaking in the white spirit.

When the mould is finished, leave for two days to cure and then remove from the plate and lay it on it's side to allow the base to cure properly.

When it is completely dry, cut across the base with the scissors in a X pattern, rub washing up liquid up the sides of the mould and gently pull it off the master. The mould will now be inside out, turn it back and gently cut the loose latex off around the inside of the base, being careful not to damage the inside of the mould. Finally trim around the bottom of the base to tidy up. Your mould is now ready for use.

*******************************************************

About the Author:

Candleman is the owner of "The Candleman" Which offers hand-crafted decorative candles for delivery worldwide.

Subscribe to his FREE ezine World Of Candles, which is a newsletter for all candle lovers and candlemakers:

(mailto:subs@candleman.zzn.com). Website:

http://www.candleman.homestead.com

Deidrui Callaway

- Sep 21, 2001 1:24 pm (20.)

FireCracker Pins

Materials :

1/8 yard each of 3 different fabrics in red, white and blue.

Jute

Small pin back

Hot glue gun and glue stick

Craft glue

1. Cut the fabric :

Fabric # 1: 1-3/4" wide x 12" long

Fabric # 2: 1-1/2" wide x 12" long

Fabric # 3: 1-1/4" wide x 12" long

Jute : Cut 3 pieces, each 2-1/2" long

2. Lay strip of fabric wrong side up.

3. Place a small line of hot glue on one of the short edges. Lay one of the jute pieces on the hot glue to secure. Starting at this end, begin to tightly roll up fabric around jute to form firecracker shape.

4. Secure fabric edge with craft glue. Let dry.

5. Hot glue the 3 different size firecrackers together. Hot glue onto pin back.

Deidrui Callaway

- Jan 9, 2002 1:55 pm (21.)

Imbolc Crafts

@~~~>~~~ BRIGHID'S CROSSES

Source: Unknown

Dried Wheat Stalks

Brown Thread

These crosses were exchanged as symbols of protection. They are easy to make and not at all time consuming. Take eight stalks with the seed heads still attached. Place four stalks on flat surface with two seed heads at the top and two at the bottom. Meausre approx. 6" of stalk between the sets of seed heads and cut off excess. Tie all four stalks together with the brown thread, first under the top heads, then above the bottom ones. Cut off excess thread. Repeat this procedure with the other four stalks, shortening the length between the seed heads to 4".

Darefully separate the first set of stalks (two in front and two in the back) and slip the second set through approx. 1" from the bottom of the top seed heads. Tie some thread in a knot just under the arms of the cross. Take the excess end sand diagonally wrap the thread over the opposite corresponding arm and back to the knot. Tie off in back and cut off excess ends. Let the children hand these Brighid's Crosses out to guests or use them as decorations around your house or on your altar for Imbolc.

@~~~>~~~ MAKING THE BRIDE'S BED

Create a Bride's Bed with a shaft of grain from the Lammas harvest, a Brigid's Cross, an ear of corn, or even a doll fashioned from corn husks. Dress her in white (a doll's dress or even a strip of lace will do fine) and decorate her as you like, then place her in a basket or on a square of white cloth. Across her, lay a priapic wand-- an acorn- or pinecone-tipped wand of oak twined with white and black ribbon (representative of the God) -- so that wand and bride form an X. Then place two lit candles (white) on either side, and chant to her something like,

"Blessed be the Corn Bride! Blessed be the Great Mother!"

or

"Welcome Bride,

To your bed and cover.

Blessed be the Maiden,

Blessed be the Mother."

or

"Brid is come -- Brid is welcome!" (Repeated three times)

At the height of the chant, extinguish the candles. Then, at sunrise the next morning, place the bride without her dress on your front door. There she forms an amulet of prosperity, fertility and protection, which can remain till after Samhain. Pauline Campanelli in her book _Ancient Ways_ suggests you return her to earth before Yule, perhaps scattering her in the fields for the birds.

  @~~~>~~~ MAKE A CANDLE WHEEL

Imbolg is also know as Candlemas, a name which derived from the practice of ritually lighting fires to lure back the slowly waxing Sun. Little wonder the Sabbat is called the Festival of Lights. Although this is a fire festival, candles are more often lit than balefires. This is probably because the gentle fire of a candle better represents the Sun at this time of year.

A popular candle-lighting custom of Anglo-Celtic cultures was to have a young woman, representing the Virgin Goddess, enter the ritual area carrying a circle of lit candles. This was a lighted Sun Wheel, a symbol of the Wheel of the Year being warmed and lighted again by the returning Sun.

Later, the candle wheel was worn as a chaplet on the head. Edain McCoy in _Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways_ says this idea originated with Norse Yule customs.

In Sweden today, this custom remains intact. There the crown is usually made of woven wortleberry twigs or evergreen boughs, and is used in the celebration of St. Lucia's Day (December 13). Lucia, by the way, is probably a later incarnation of Lucina, Roman Goddess of Light.

Many covens and solitaries still practice this custom at Imbolg, and great care and creativity goes into ensuring the safety of the wearer. Non-drip candles are a must.

OBLIGATORY DISCLAIMER: I should say here that I assume no responsibility for your actions should you choose to try any of these ideas. IF YOU CHOOSE TO WEAR THESE CANDLE WHEELS, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL THAT YOU DO NOT SET YOURSELF OR YOUR SURROUNDINGS ON FIRE. HOT WAX CAN ALSO BE DANGEROUS.

@~~~>~~~ A CROWN OF BIRTHDAY CANDLES

In their book, _A Witches' Bible_, the Farrars recommend wearing a skullcap of aluminum foil on the head to keep wax spatters off the head and scalp. They also recommend using white birthday cake candles. These don't generate much wax to speak of and will burn for the time it takes to complete a ritual.

Instructions are easy: Measure a thin cardboard band to the head of the wearer. Lay a piece of scotch tape STICKY SIDE UP along the top edge of the band. Position 8 candles, one for each Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year, evenly along the crown. Lay another piece of tape, STICKY SIDE DOWN over the candles. Secure the candles and tape strips to the crown with more tape. Now cover the crown with aluminum foil, enough to support the candles upright while on the head. Weave evergreen or plastic foliage around the crown.

@~~~>~~~ A BATTERY-POWERED CROWN

The Farrars also recommend making battery-powered crowns -- much like the battery-powered and electric candles we see in windows at Yule. Carrying a battery pack around on your head may be a challenge, but infinitely safer than lit candles! Experiment with this one. Plastic toy St. Lucia crowns can be purchased in Sweden.

@~~~>~~~ A CANDLE WHEEL TO WEAR OR CARRY

For the safety minded, it is appropriate to carry a candle wheel or merely use it as a decoration. Here's another method:

8 wooden candle holders

8 white candles to fit in your holders (if wearing, no longer than 4 inches)

super glue

aluminum foil

pencil

ruler

green vines, real or artificial

heavy cardboard

First decide how big you want your wheel to be. McCoy in _Sabbats_ recommends an outer circle of 11 inches and an inner circle of 9 inches. Use your ruler to evenly space the candles, then mark the spots with a pencil. With super glue, glue the candle holders to the cardboard at those spots. (Place something heavy on them as they dry overnight).

The next day, wrap aluminum foil around the cardboard to round its form and lock the candleholders in place. Wrap your greenery around the foil. Fasten it in place with glue or florist's wire.

After decorating is completed (red or white ribbons might be appropriate here), place the 8 candles in the candleholders and light.

@~~~>~~~ DREAM PILLOW

If you toss and turn when your head hits the pillow at night, maybe you need a different kind of pillow: a dream pillow filled with soothing scents. Dream pillows are small and flat, meant to be filled with herbs and tucked inside your regular pillow. Since the olfactory neurons go directly to the brain, snuggling up against one can create a relaxation response almost immediately.

It's easy to stitch your own dream pillow, using bits of fabric or a handkerchief. Leave an envelope-type opening in the back for inserting separate bags of herbs. Some of the most effective ones for inducing sleep are lavender and hops. Lemon-scented herbs, such as lemon verbena, are calming, as are rosemary and peppermint. Chamomile is reputed to keep nightmares at bay. If you have a cold, eucalyptus is a soothing choice. The herbs can be used by themselves or in any combination you find pleasing to your nose.

Dried herbs are the easiest choice for your dream pillow ( though lavender can be used fresh). The smell should last for some time, especially if you use a fixative (orris root or gum benzoin, available at health food stores) to make the scent last longer. When it starts to fade, just crush the herbs slightly within the pillow. Hops, however, are one herb that should be replaced every four to six months as they can become stale. Sprinkle dried herbs with water before putting them in the bag to soften them and prevent rustling when you turn your head on the pillow.

Here's a basic recipe for a sweet dream mixture:

1/2 cup chamomile flowers

1 cup rosemary leaves

1 cup pine needles

1 cup lavender flowers

1/4 cup sweet marjoram

1 tbsp. crushed aniseed

1 tbsp. pinhead orris root

4 drops bergamot essential oil

With your special slumber pillow tucked beneath your head, a soothing night's rest doesn't have to be a dream any longer!

Source: Vegetarian Times, September 1995

@~~~>~~~ BRIDE'S BOUQUET SACHETS

Imbolic Potpourri

1 Yard White Netting Material,

Yellow and Pink 1/8" width Ribbon

Scissors.

These sachets can be put in the children's clothing drawers or in rooms of the house that you'd like to smell of Imbolc even after the Sabbat is over.

Potpourri is made with

1/2 cup dried basil

1/2 cup dried chopped bay leaves

1 cup dried Heather flowers

1 cup dried Violets

1 cup dried white or pink rose buds

Blend together in non-metal bowl. Cut netting material into 4"x4" squares. Lay out squares on a flat surface. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of potpourri in the middle of each square. Pull up all the corners to the middle of the potpourri and gather the excess material until potpourri is caught in a "bag". Give bag on twist to the right and tie off with yellow or pink ribbon. Use enough ribbon to make a small bow in the front of the sachet. Tell children how these sachets were exchanged as symbols of good luck and fertility.

- Apr 22, 2002 5:42 am (21.1)
Edited by Apr 21, 2002 10:43 pm

More Imbolc Crafts:

Imbolc Priapic Wand

Materials: Small Tree Branch Acorn Thin Brown String or Thread Yellow, Green, and Gold 1/4" Ribbon Small Gold/Silver Jingle Bells

Children will love the sound of this magical wand as they walk about pointing and shaking it at plants and trees, invoking them to wake up from Winter's sleep to witness the union of the Bride and the Lord of the Forest. Select a small branch about 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter. Cut top end flat. Approx. 1/2" below top score a groove (parents only) with a sharp knife. Take 1' long piece of string/thread and tie in groove. Take another 1' piece of thread and tie in groove on opposite side of branch. Place acorn at top of branch (flat end) and adhere with some glue. Now pull the string up over the cap and wind once around acorn. Repeat with all 3 other pieces of string. Pull strings back down to the groove in the branch and tie off. This will hold the acorn in place. Decorate the branch by wrapping it with the ribbons, leaving enough length at top for streamers. Tie gold/silver jingle bells to the ends of the ribbons. For smaller children, thread the bells onto the ribbon while wrapping the branch. Tell the children about how the acorn-wand is a symbol of the Lord of the Forest, and how this magical wand helps the sleeping plants and animals wake up and prepare for Spring. From: Shadoe Rose

PAPER BRIGID'S CROWN

An Imbolc Project By Wendy Sheridan

(This is especially appropriate for young girls, since this is the holiday for the return of the maiden).

You will need:

Construction paper in your child's favorite colors, and yellow and/or red, for the flames Pencil, crayon, or marker Scissors Glue (white glue or glue stick)

Cut a strip of paper about 2 inches wide and long enough to wrap around your child's head. You may need to glue 2 shorter strips to get the right length. Remember to include a couple of extra inches for overlap! Draw and cut out eight thin rectangles (these are the candles) of paper. Draw and cut out eight flames and glue the flames to the candles. Draw wicks in the flames and candles. Distribute the candles evenly around the headband. Glue the candles to the outside of the headband. (You can glue it to the inside if you think your youngster will wait long enough for the glue to dry!) Depending on the age of your child, they can do the drawing, cutting and gluing. Even the youngest child can hold paper and have you guide her hands. From: Wendy Sheridan

- Apr 22, 2002 5:51 am (21.2)

Showers of Fire Incense

Imbolc is a Fire Fest and this would be a spectacular Incense to incorporate into your ritual for this day!

Ingredients: 8 to 10 parts potassium nitrate 2 parts sulfur 2 parts charcoal 7 parts fine powdered iron fillings

Mix well. Ignite in special vessel or on flat plate or dish. Stand back and watch it erupt like a volcano. Be careful of flying sparks!!! unknown source

Deidrui Callaway

- Jan 10, 2002 4:29 pm (22.)

Magic Bag

Some call them medicine bags, mojos, mojo hands, cris cris or charm bags.

First decide the bags job; as in one for protection. Then pick the color of the material. Some believe that it must be natural cloth. Where others believe if it is something recycled not trashed; it's is ok to use. This is your decision or your covens.

Sew a drawstring bag or use a circle piece of material. Inside put herbs, small charms, crystals, names or whatever you feel important to the job of the bag. Many people use the number 3 as in 3 herbs, 3 crystals and/or whatever (for the 3 phases of the goddess). Charms can be used outside to make it look sharp. However if you like you can place them inside. Cleanse the crystals and charms with salt water, sage smoke or light of a full moon.

What you do is your choice. Tell the bag it's job. Tie closed.

There are many web pages or books that can help you with a start to your bag. As in what colors, herbs, and crystals but it is up to you.

Most of the time I just use leather (not dyed) or muslin. Muslin is a off white fabric that doesn't drain your checking account

Colors of material of bag

Black for protection (absorbs all magick)or unhexing.

Yellow for mental stimulation

Red for love.

Green for money.

Brown for grounding.

Blue for harmony

Orange for creativity

purple for power

white for purity.

A few herb ideas

Cinnamon- protection and love

rose petals- love

Cedar - female energy, protection

Sage- cleansing, healing, protection

Mint- protection, luck

Nutmeg- luck and Fidelity

Crystals a few basics:

Clear crystal quartz -a basic.

Turquoise- protection, friendship and healing.

Hematite - grounding and healing

Obsidian - grounding and protection

Amethyst - love

Moonstone - female energy, grounding, sleep and protection

Emerald, Adventurine or Tiger's-eye for money

Small charms can be things like:

a heart for love

Pentagram for protection

Star for guidance and/or spirituality.

Craft beads of airplanes, cars and etc.

anything you feel that is important

Medicine bags

I have been told different things to put in medicine bags by different people. It depends on the tribe, family or nation. But a friend puts corn meal or corn, sage, horse hair, feathers and crystals. I like the idea of honoring the 3 sisters: Corn, beans, squash. I have dried corn, a couple old dried beans, and pumpkin seeds in my medicine bag. But for my car protection bag I have rice cause my car is from Korea. And Horse hair cause it is said to bring protection in traveling. The one by my front door has things like cinnamon and a return address label. So what you put in your bag is up to you!

Deidrui Callaway

- Jan 10, 2002 4:31 pm (23.)

Make an Herb Broom

Collect handfuls of plants to use in a magic broom, such as..

Yarrow

Cedar

Juniper

Fruit tree sprigs

Oak tree sprigs

Birch or ash sprigs

Bundle plants together and tie cut ends together. The bundle may be tied to a branch if a longer handle is desired. Use the broom to sweep away negativity and to sweep your magic circle clean.

Deidrui Callaway

- Jan 10, 2002 4:42 pm (24.)

Crochet A Tarot Bag

Use any worsted wieght yarn (purists will want wool or cotton only) and a size g hook.

ch 27, turn

dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc to end, 25 dc

dc for 50 rows, more if you want the companion book to go inside too.

Fold in half and whipstitch or slipstitch sides closed.

Thread a ribbon through the top row of dc to close bag.

Get creative! Experiment with different stitches, yarns (chenille yarn is awesome!) and by changing colors often! Happy crafting!

Deidrui Callaway

- Jan 13, 2002 1:31 am (25.)

Happy Hanging Ghost

3"clear ornament ball ( plastic / fillable )

11" by 17" white felt

2"square black felt

two 15"mm wiggle eyes

white thread

tacky glue

1+1/4 yard each of 1/8" satin ribbon: black, orange

fiberfill stuffing

glue gun

pinking shears

scissors

Fill clear ornament ball with fiberfill stuffing. Glue eyes on to the ornament ball. Cut out the desired shape for the ghosts mouth from the black felt and glue to the ornament ball. Use pinking shears to trim long edges of white felt. Use white thread to sew a gathering stitch along one pinked side, 3/4" from the edge. Pull gathering thread and knot. Trim thread ends.Glue gathered edge around bottom of ball with opening facing the back of the ghost.

For hanger, cut one 14" length each from black and orange ribbon.

Thread ribbon ends through hole on top of ball. Tie ribbon ends in a knot.

With remaining ribbon, tie ribbons together into a bow and attach to front of ghost at the neckline.

- Mar 7, 2002 2:30 am (26.)

Colored Soap Sells (and is a lot of fun to make!)

by Lori Wixtrom

If you want to experiment with coloring your soaps, one of the easiest ways is to use pigments. The oxides and the ultramarines all make wonderful soap colors and can be added to great effect. There are some basic rules to follow when coloring with pigments. The first thing to think about is the color of your base oils. If you use green pomace olive, or yellow oils, it will affect the final color you want to achieve. Try to use white oils like coconut, white palm, tallow, and lard for a white soap base.

Work with the color of your base oils if you are looking for greens or yellows. That green pomace will not be a factor when making green soap and you will not need much pigment to accentuate the green color. What fragrance oil are you going to add, if any? These, too, may affect the color of your soap. If you aren't sure whether your FO will color, ask the manufacturer or make a small test batch. You cannot achieve a beautiful blue if your FO turns the soap yellow. Again, work with your FO color when possible. A hot cocoa FO that turns your soap chocolate brown will not need any additional pigment to give you the hot cocoa look.

Some FO coloring can be neutralized by using titanium dioxide. Discoloring vanillas may be lightened somewhat with titanium dioxide, but I have never achieved a pure white bar with a discoloring vanilla. To try to neutralize FO color, start with 2 tsp./# of titanium dioxide and add it to your water BEFORE adding lye. You will need to experiment with the amount you need to add depending on the FO color you are trying to neutralize. If you are using oil dispersible titanium dioxide, you may add it directly to your soap oils and NOT to the water/lye mix.

With a white base soap and a non discoloring FO, you are ready to make colored soap. Pigments are generally powder, and used at 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. per pound of soap. Most people err on the side of caution and do not add enough colorant for the look they are trying to achieve. If you want pastels, start with the 1/4 tsp., if you want vibrant, go to the 1/2 tsp. amount. Don't be afraid of color! If you end up with a too dark color, it may give you colored bubbles and turn a washcloth the color of the soap, but it washes out. Just keep careful notes so that you don't repeat the next time.

Here are some methods of adding pigments that we have used with success. Pigments may be added at any time during the soap making process, so experiment until you have a method that suits your style. If you add the dry pigment directly to your soap, you will have a very hard time getting it mixed in. Adding it to a TBS. of water, then adding a small amount of the soap to your water/pigment blend, and stirring it very well, before adding the mixture to the soap pot, will give you better results. To do coloring this way, be sure to account for that TBS. of water in your recipe! You can also try this method by adding it right after you mix in your oils and lye. This gives you more time to work with the color and mix it in well. A third way to add pigments is to mix the colorant with an ounce of glycerin. This works very well if you forget to account for your water to mix the pigment with. The glycerin and colorant can be stirred until it makes a syrup and can be added slowly and mixed in straight if you are not at full trace when adding. I use a stick blender to mix the colorant in. It blends more evenly than hand stirring and gives the soap a uniform color.

Once you have mastered the basic solid colors and are familiar with pigments, don't hesitate to start blending and swirling! You will be amazed at the gorgeous, creative, vibrant colored soap you will come up with.

- Mar 27, 2002 6:13 pm (27.)

Elf Lights

A simple project that kids love and anyone can do is making "Elf Lights," magickal fairy lamps for the lawn, grove or garden: All you need are a few rocks and a candle!

Elf lights are so easy to make yet so beautiful when completed, I'd like to be able to take credit for the idea, but I read about this years ago in "The Family Wicca Book" by Ashleen O'Gaea, who credits Faerie Moon in the Apres-Eostara, 1990 CE issue of "The Celtic Camper", a quarterly newsletter. [Thanks to SilvrCircleDncr for pointing out the origin of this great project! - Oak] To make an elf light, collect a pile of large, angular rocks. Almost any shape will do as long as the stones are flat enough to stack. Bricks or blocks can also be used, but natural stones will produce a prettier result. Whatever you select must be large enough to stack "log cabin" style by overlapping the ends, leaving gaps for the light to shine through. You'll also need a couple of flat stones for the base and the top. Flagstone is excellent for these uses, and is also my first choice for the sides as well because it can be stacked so easily.

Once you have gathered the raw material, begin by placing one flat stone in the center upon which you will later set your candle, then begin building a loose stone circle around it. When the first layer is complete, continue upwards, stacking the next layer so the stones overlap the ends of the previous layer. Generally, you'll want to try to use the larger stones on the bottom and graduate to the smaller ones at the top to build in stability, but there's no real rules here as long as the finished project is stable enough to keep from falling down when you're changing the candle, or is accidentally brushed by a pants leg or skirt.

Finish your elf light by placing a candle inside, preferably in a votive holder or other container that will contain melted wax and offer some protection from breezes, then cap off your elf light with a flagstone and enjoy the soft, warm glow they cast through the gaps left in the sides.

These lights make beautiful garden or border decorations, and can be constructed in minutes to mark trails or circle quarters. Because they are made from natural materials on-site, they can be constructed almost anywhere, then kicked apart and scattered again when you're done with them. If you want them to be a permanent addition to your landscape, the stones can also be fastened together using masonry cement or Epoxy® putty found in almost any home decorating store or hardware department.

- Mar 27, 2002 9:35 pm (28.)

Cherokee Dream Pillow

by Dawn Walenda

The following recipe is said to keep away nightmares and bring prophetic dreams.

Stitch a small pillow of muslin of another light weight fabric. I like to create a pillow that is able to be opened by putting velcro at one end. This allows me to "refresh" the pillow from time to time with new herbs without having to unstitch the end or make a new pillow. You may wish to cover muslin pillow with a light weight, washable "casing" as well.Once you stitch the pillow together,fill with:

4 oz dried lavender flowers

4 oz dried sage

2 oz ground orris root-as a preservative-optional

4 oz deer's tongue herb

2 oz cedar shavings

4 oz coltsfoot herb

4 oz sweet fern

2 oz violet

Keep dream pillow under or inside of your regular bed pillow. When storing your pillow each morning you may either leave it where it is or put it inside of a plastic bad by your bed. Storing it in the bag will help the herbs retain their freshness for a longer period of time. Enjoy!

- Apr 22, 2002 5:46 am (29.)

Still More Imbolc Crafts

Hand-Dipped Candles

Imbolc is often called Candlemas and is a festival of returning light. In some traditions of Witchcraft, candles are made on this date that will be used for ritual during the rest of the year. If you are interested in making your own hand-dipped candles, here are instructions:

You need to obtain the following supplies: 2 - 4 pounds of Paraffin Wax (the kind used in canning) or beeswax (which is usually expensive). Candle wick (available at most hobby and craft stores) oils and herbs candle dye (also expensive) wax paper a wooden spoon a double broiler

Begin by melting the wax in a double broiler. If you don't have one, you can use a large pot filled half full of water and a large coffee tin with the wax in it, sitting inside the pot. Heat the water to boiling first and cut up your wax so it will melt quickly. Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down and place the tin of wax inside of it. Keep the water hot enoughto keep the wax melted but not so hot that the paraffin catches fire (which it has been known to do over high heat).

While the wax to melting, stir with a wooden spoon (never use metal) & make sure it all is completely melted. Also, while the wax is melting, mix the herbs (if more than one) in a small bowl. After the wax is completely melted and been checked, break the crayons up and put them into the wax. Keep stirring until all of the crayons have melted and the color is even and smooth, with no streaks. Keep in mind that the candle will be a shade or so lighter when dry. The more crayons - the deeper and richer the color, so experiment.

Next, add the herbs to the wax. Stir with the wooden spoon until it is thoroughly mixed. Next, add 10 - 20 drops of essential oil to the wax until it smells strongly of the fragrance intended. Now your wax is ready. Start with a long piece of wick - twice the size of your desired candle length plus 3 inches (you will be making 2 candles at once). Bend the wick in the middle and hold it by the bend. Dip the wick into the wax and then lift back out. Getting started is the hardest because the wick will float on top of the wax until it has enough wax on it to weigh it down. Allow it to get completely cold between dippings when you first start. After your candle has started to take shape, you can speed up the process a little. I keep a pan of cool water nearby and dip the candles in the water after each dipping in the wax. While this speeds up the process a little, candle making is a slow process but very well worth the time you put into it. Keep dipping the candles and allowing them to cool & then dip again. When you have achieved the proper size, hang them to dry until the wax has set but the candles aren't too hard. Then roll them on the wax paper to smooth out the shape. Once the candle shape is too your liking, dip 1 or 2 more times to make sure your candle is smooth. Trim off any excess wax to make a bottom with a sharp knife. Cut the wick and hang your candles to dry. You are done! from: ShadoeRose

BRIDEO'GAS

By Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection

Materials: 1-piece Wooden Clothespin Red, Yellow, or Brown Yarn 1 White Pipe Cleaner Several Scraps of White Material Black and Red Markers Scissors Glue Gold Glitter

Children will enjoy making these little Bride images that can be used later as an alter decoration. Take a scrap of white material, (silk, satin, cotton, etc.), and cut out a 6" circle. In the center of the circle cut a hole large enough to poke the "head" of the clothespin through. Fold the circle in half and cut along the fold from both perimeters to the center hole, leaving approx. 1/8 inch between each slit and center hole. Dab "neck" of clothespin with a very small amount of glue, and push clothespin "head" up through the center hole in the material. Cut appropriate length of pipe cleaner to make arms and slide up through the slit in the clothespin until it is pushed up to the end of the slits on both sides of the material. Gather the material tight around the clothespin just under the arms, and tie off with a small piece of string or yarn. Glue a couple of short pieces of yarn to the clothespin head and make eyes and mouth with markers. Finish with dabs of glue and gold glitter around the white wedding dress. A bridal veil glued to the yarn hair is optional. Explain to the children how the Goddess is a sacred bride, pure and renewed, waiting to be re-united with her consort the God.

- Nov 14, 2007 5:17 pm (30.)

- Apr 29, 2002 10:07 pm (31.)

Spring Amulet

If, in the months of spring, you can find a place where oak, ash and thorn grow close together, that is especially lucky, and the place is blessed. Ask leave of each of the trees and break off from old man oak, old woman thorn, and the "every-young and immortal ash who bears the weight of the world" one twig each, with the buds just swelling and showing green. Bind them with red thread so that the thorn and the ash are crossed and the oak is upright behind them. Say this as you work:

Ash wand of immortality

Oak staff strong and holy

Blossoming bough that bears the may

Three together I bind this day

To make sign of Blessed Trinity.

Oak the father, hawthorn the mother,

Ash the child of ancient spring

From harms of earth and sky and sea and fire

May your magic wood protection bring.

Then you will have all year round a powerful amulet against every trouble and sorrow the world can bring; and even should they enter your house, you will be strengthened in courage and fortitude, so that they retreat again over your threshold.

- May 2, 2002 6:39 pm (32.)
Edited by May 22, 2002 5:17 am

Dream and Eye Pillows

Dream pillows are made of a variety of herbs and Flax Seed.

Flax seed is the secret ingredient to the professional dream pillows found on the market.

Find a fabric that is soft, preferably a rayon type fabric.

Cut two rectangles, front side facing, 10" x 6". Sew the edges together, leaving a one inch opening to turn the rectangle inside out and to pour the herbs in. Blend the following herbs together in a bowl.

1/2 pound Flax seed

2 heapingTablespoons of peppermint cut

2 heaping Tablespoons of lavender blossoms

2 heaping Tablespoons of Lemongrass cut

20 to 40 drops Lavender essential oil

Stir well in a large bowl. Place a funnel in the opening of the bag and fill the bag with your herbs. Sew the opening shut and you now have a dream pillow. This herb combination alleviates headaches, opens sinuses and encourages deep relaxation.

- May 3, 2002 5:56 am (33.)

Rainstick--How To Make One

by Yvonne Quarles

Rainsticks are one of the most unusual instruments I have seen. Originally rainsticks were used by the Indians of South America and Mexico. They would get hollow cactus stems, fill them with seeds and use them in worship ceremonies. You would hear drums, voices singing and people would be dancing during their village celebrations. You would also hear the sound of falling rain as the rainsticks were turned.

Today, rainsticks are made mainly of bamboo.

MATERIALS LIST:

Handsaw wood glue sandpaper scrap 1/2 inch thick wood drill a long drill bit 1/2 rounded file wooden shish-ke-bob skewers drill bit the size of the skewers bamboo--one foot to 3 foot long 3 inches or so in diameter

DIRECTIONS:

Cut bamboo to length. Hollow out the inside of the joints with the long drill bit or other object that will reach. Some use a hot coal to drop inside. That will burn out the joint material in long pieces of bamboo. There should be no obstructions inside the bamboo. File the inside till fairly smooth.

Drill holes in the bamboo from top to bottom in 2 spiral rows. Use the small skewer size bit for this. Space the holes about 1 inch apart. Put the skewers in each hole after putting a little wood glue on the skewer. Push the skewer in till it touches the other side of the bamboo. Do this with every hole. When the glue has dried thoroughly, trim off and skewer ends that are sticking out of the bamboo.

You will need to cut 2 wooden plugs from the scrap wood. They should fit snugly. Put some glue on one of the plugs and put the bottom plug in place, let dry. We will put the top one in later.

I like the bamboo to have a natural look, but I have seen some with different finishes on them. If you want to paint or varnish the bamboo, do so now, before the next step.

Filler Choices:

Corn kernels, peas, sand, kitty litter, tiny pebbles, millet ( or some other grain) or small glass beads. For a different sound, you can even mix two or more of these together.

Fill the bamboo tube 1/5 of the way with the filler or fillers of your choice. Try it out first. Cover the opening with a cloth and secure with a rubber band. Turn the rainstick and see if you like the sound it makes. Adjust the filler till you get the sound you like. When you have done that, glue and place the other plug in the other end of the bamboo. Let it dry really well before using it.

Keep the rainstick in a dry place.

Sit back and enjoy the soothing sound of rain.

ENJOY! ! !

- Jun 13, 2002 6:57 pm (34.)

Sweet Scented Sachets

Author: Kim A. Draper

During the 1890s, sachet making was considered to be a part of the growing-up ritual for young girls, almost like a puberty rite. Young girls sat down with baskets of ribbons, satin, lace and velvet and turned out sachets by the dozen. They were tucked into any space that would hold them, drawers, where lingerie was stored, linen closets, in the folds of couches or armchairs, and among the books on the library shelves. Some were even pinned to draperies, where the warmth of the sun could set their fragrance free.

To make a sachet today, choose a lightweight fabric which has a design and color to fit the contents. I like to use calico for an old-fashioned spicy scent. Yellow satin fits an exotic mix. Lavender voile or gauze is nice for flowered scents.

Cut fabric into 4 inch squares and sew it up on three sides. Turn right side out and stuff with the sachet material. Stitch the fourth side by hand, or a little wonder under on the edges and iron close. Decorate with abandon, and attach a ribbon if it's to be hung in the closet.

Follow the directions for making any of these sachet scents below and you will be glad you did. To make it a little easier on you, just purchase your favorite potpourri and fill the sachets. Just sit back and turn back the time.

Heavily Scented Sachet:

2 cups patchouli leaves 1/2 cup sandalwood (powdered) 2 drops oil rose geranium

Mix together and fill your sachet 3/4 of the way full.

Citrus Sachet

1 cup of dried lemon peel 1 cup of dried orange peel 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (bruised) 1 tablespoon coriander seeds (bruised)

Mix together and fill your sachet 3/4 of the way full.

- Jul 28, 2002 7:59 pm (35.)

Plastic Pop Bottle Bird Feeder - Children's Craft

by Hartson Dowd January 11, 2001

We have so many birds in our yard, I decided to build a number of quick bird feeders as inexpensively as possible. Not having any wood I could use, I decided to use empty plastic pop bottles.

This is a great project - a craft that you can enjoy making with your entire family.

MATERIALS

- Sep 26, 2002 1:23 am (36.)

Wax Rose - Floating Candles

http://www.bluebonnetvillage.com/lupin-u8.htm

Melt, color and scent wax following the instructions for pine cone fire starters. Grease a shallow pan using solid white shortening such as Crisco. Pour the melted wax approximately 1/4" thick. Allow to solidify but while still warm cut circles with the doughnut hole cutter. With the wick in the center form a ball the size of a radish. Flatten the end opposite the wick against a sheet of wax paper.

With each circle of wax while firm but still warm shape a rose petal by pinching the edge between your thumb and forefinger to make it ruffle like a rose petal (similar to making bread dough roses).

Smooth each petal as it is formed around the wicked ball until you have a rose the size you desire. If you wish to add leaves tint some wax green, proceed as above but cut in leaf shape smaller than you want the finished leaf and pinch and stretch the edges as with the rose petals. Add the leaf to the bottom of the finished rose.

These roses can be placed in a low shallow bowl with a little water in it. They will not actually float in the bowl but they will look as if they are.

- Mar 9, 2003 12:40 am (37.)

Sacred Circle Necklaces

A Sacred Circle Necklace is a beaded necklace which holds special beads to represent three different aspects of Paganism: The Lunar Cycle, The Wheel of the Year, and the Five Elements. The beads which represent these aspects are chosen by the creator of the necklace. More than one necklace can be made with different beads for different representations. I have about 13 necklaces in all. Here is what you need and how to space the beads:

13 beads to represent 13 moons (I use 13 of the same beads)

8 beads to represent 8 spokes of the Wheel of the Year (Samhain, Winter Solstice, Candlemas, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lammas, Autumn Equinox) I use 8 of the same beads but you can find ones to represent each of the 8 spokes

4 beads to represent the 4 elements (Spirit is the Fifth Element and is represented by you when you are wearing the necklace. Again, I use 4 of the same beads but you can find different ones for the different directions.

Spacer beads to go inbetween - larger seed beads. Usually 7-10 in a row between segments. These will be the basic color of your necklace.

The sequence for threading goes as follows:

Direction Bead, Spacers, Moon Bead, Spacers, Sabbat Bead, Spacers, Moon Bead, Spacers, Sabbat Bead, Spacers, Moon Bead

Repeat this cycle three more times and end with the 13th moon which will rest by the 1st moon (with spacers in between).

Now, you can vary this and get as creative as you like. In some of my necklaces I let a sequence of beads represent the Sabbats or the Elements or the Moons. For example, in stead of just 0 representing a Sabbat, I might use three beads in a sequence to reprensent the Sabbat like this: o0o . I would use that sequence eight times around.

- Jul 9, 2003 9:41 pm (38.)

Tube Bracelets

by Twila Lenoir

What you will need:

Fish tank filter tubing, new or used

Seed beads

Hot Glue

Tape

Ready:

Cut the tubing to the size of your wrist. Tape one end of the tube. This is so when you start put in the beads they wont fall out.

Now start filling your tube with different colors in sections. Like red, green purple, repeat the sections. Until you get to the end of the tube. Look for wider tubes, so you can put in bigger beads.

Take the tape off, holding both ends up, have an adult put a little bit of hot glue on the ends and hold closed until glue dries. Take the tape again and wrap it where you hot glued. This is so if the hot glue breaks apart, you'll have the second barrier of the tape.

You can also make necklaces and ankle bracelet. This project would be fun to do at a party. It will keep them busy for awhile while you are getting things ready.

- Sep 26, 2003 9:57 pm (39.)

Easy Five Pointed Star

http://www.metromoon.com/goddess/star.html

Three dimensional star folded from a single strip of paper

A Goddess Craft celebrating the Goddess Kwan Yin I was taught how to make this star at a multicultural festival last summer by an eleven year old Chinese girl. When you have tried it once, you will find this star very easy and relaxing to make. You can delight your friends and children of all ages by teaching them how to make a star, too - Goddesswomyn

How to make the star:

Make a strip of paper that is very long and narrow. For example, from a standard 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper, cut a strip from the long edge that is about 1/2 an inch wide. Now make a simple overhand knot near one end of the paper, like this.

As you tighten the knot, slide it as far to one end of the paper as possible. When the knot is as tight as possible without crinkling the paper, crease the knot flat. You now have a five-sided figure (a pentagon!) with a long end and and a short end sticking out.

Turn the paper knot over and tuck the short end and tuck it under the edge of knot. Then take the long end and wrap it from edge to edge around the five sided figure. As you wrap it from corner to corner, you can see that it "wants" to go to the next side very naturally. Then when you have come to the end, tuck the edge into under the nearest folded edge. You now have a rather thick folded flat pentagon. Now it is time to make it into a three dimensional star.

Take one corner between your thumb and index finger. Find the spot along each edge that is halfway and "pinch" the star.

Really dig in with your fingernail. Turn to the next corner and do the same thing, until all corners have been pinched. The pinching makes the points of the star stand out, and the center of your star stick out in the middle, so it is 3-D. Your star is finished!

Suggestions for Use and Ritual:

You can made a lot of stars and string them on a thread as beads. If you are using them as beads, they will last longer if you coat them with a solution of two parts water to one part ordinary white glue. Brush the coating on the bead, then let it dry. You can add a second coat if you want to for extra protection.

Multicoloured stars made from recycled colourful papers, like magazine pages or calendar pages or wrapping papers, would be very beautiful, too. You could keep many stars in a bowl or jar. For special personal celebrations, you could write a wish along the narrow paper before it is folded. Then make the knot, making sure the written-on side of the paper is on the inner side of the knot, unless you want your writing to show.

You could wrap a tiny crystal, or a bit of herb, or some other magical thing into the knot in the first step of the paper folding process. Instead of a wish, you could write something you are thankful for, or a blessing, or a sorrow, or anything else you want to say.

- Nov 20, 2003 5:31 pm (40.)

Making Your Own Bath Oils

by Jackie Griswold

Bath oils soften skin with a fine film of oil that scents the air as the fragrance is released into steamy water. Bath oils also soften hard water and just look nice when displayed.

Since homemade oils have no preservatives, they will become rancid over time. The addition of Vitamin E will help the bath oil last longer, and it's good for your skin. Herbs and flowers can be placed in the bottle for decoration, but be sure to use only dried items - anything fresh will mold and make the oil rancid.

BASIC BATH OIL BLEND RECIPE

1/2 c. sweet almond oil

1/2 c. castor oil

oil from 6-8 Vitamin E capsules

1 c. either safflower or sunflower oil

20-30 drops fragrance oil

Optional: a few slivers of candle dye melted in 1/4 c. almond oil, dried herbs or flower

Blend all the oils together. Place in a glass container with a tight fitting lid and shake or stir every day for a week, which helps blend all the oils together. Before bottling, add coloring oil and dried herbs and flowers, if desired. Makes about 2 c. fragrant oil.

CINNAMON ORANGE BATH OIL

To the Basic Bath Oil Blend, add:

20 drops sweet orange oil

10 drops cinnamon oil

Before bottling, place dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks in the bottle.

- Nov 20, 2003 5:34 pm (41.)

Floral And Herbal Bath Bags

by Jackie Griswold

Another relaxing way to enjoy aromatherapy in your bath is with bath bags. Made of loosely woven fabric, they are filled with flowers or herbs, and with the addition of oatmeal to soften the water, they are hung from the tap as you run the water, so the fragrance is released into the water. Bath bags can be reused several times, as long as you squeeze them out after each use and hang them to dry completely in a warm place.

To make the bags…

Cut 8 rectangles of loosely woven fabric, such as unbleached muslin, 12 x 4 inches. Fold the rectangles in half (now you have a 6 x 4 rectangle) sew up the sides, and turn inside out.

Fragrant Bath Bags - A lovely mix of rose petals and lavender, mixed with citrus peel, and bay or lemon leaves. Enough for 8 bags.

2 oz. dried rose petals

2 oz. dried lavender flowers

1 oz. dried lemon and orange peels, cut into fine ribbons

1/4 oz. dried bay or lemon leaves, finely shredded

2 oz. coarse oatmeal

Combine the ingredients. Fill the bags with the mixture. Tie with ribbon or string, leaving a large loop for hanging from the tap.

Sedative Bath Bags - A sleep-inducing blend of hops, chamomile and lime flowers is mixed with oatmeal. Make the same way as Fragrant Bath Bags.

2 oz. chamomile flowers

2 oz. lime flowers

1 oz. hop flowers

2 oz. coarse oatmeal

- Jun 1, 2004 2:26 pm (42.)

How To Make "Fools Gold"

"Fools Gold" for adding to prosperity & love oils is easy to make. Follow the recipe below and "charge" it for extra Punch to any money, prosperity, love or career oils, As it will "attract" all of these things to you. !

You will need:

2 chunks of iron Pyrite

Wax paper

Green or Gold Candle

Small square of parchment paper

On a Friday at dawn or dusk, with the Moon on the Wax Prepare your items, light your candle. Start rubbing the 2 chunks of pyrite together over wax paper. It will start to flake and brakes off into a sort of "glitter"

Chant this are you work:

"Rocks of old, bring lots of gold. Glitter and shine, riches times nine."

Separate the darker heavier matter from the light, more glittery matter,THAT " glittery " matter is "Fools Gold" This is MUCH better than glitter. (I do NOT recommend glitter mixed in oils)

Now either add your "Fools Gold" to prepared oil OR Save it in the parchment square you have made a bindle of (sort of a paper pocket) for use at another time.

Originally written by MooN © 2001