Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Sowing Seeds.....


This is an archived post I made on another blog that I wanted to share with you here.  I am still for awhile, going to be getting all of my past caught up in this new blog. 

Wait up...I am coming...... :)

This Winter, I had been pouring over books and getting new craft ideas to work on and this is an idea that came together with such ease I just knew it was meant to be. I love lavender. I came across an old craft book on lavender and projects for lavender and immediately loved this simple idea that popped out.  It is a quick easy do to create a great start, and to add purpose to all of that cleaning, fluffing, replacing, throwing out, planning and new beginnings associated with transitioning this time of year. YA!
Lavender...the best lavender, comes from France. No if, ands or buts about it. With all of the online resources today....that is where I purchased mine. It leaves no reason to settle for second best. There are different grades. There is a culinary grade, (yes, you can cook with lavender!) but I will leave that for another post sometime.
These paper packages shown, I discovered, are how loose lavender and sachets are sold at French markets. (Usually folded in brown paper.) This is an updated and embellished version. I thought how cute, practical and a great way to sell seeds and anything that is small and sold in a loose form!
I decided to give folding these a try and they turned out sooo great I now am in love with them.

Things needed & a quick tutorial for French paper folds ~

8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper. A note on paper; I tried all kinds from expensive to inexpensive, heavy weight to lighter weight and plain copy paper and to be completely honest, the lighter less expensive paper, creases, folds and hold better than the more expensive choices....don't bother.
3 1/2 x 5 photo/digital images w/photocopier. (I found the images used here online for free!) Use any images of your choice and print towards the center of the paper so there is plenty of room to fold.
Loose dried lavender, seeds etc...
Hole Punch
Twine, ribbon, etc...

It is simply copy, fold, fill and tie off the end with a pretty finish.



These are great for drawers, cabinets, shelves, linens, lingerie, and anything you want to stay fresh and smelling great.

Now here in Michigan it is Spring so of course, we are talking, working and thinking Spring planting. It started me thinking this Winter that it is NEVER too early to begin some garden/harvest planning, so I also thought this was a great project & product/package for the Morning Glory seeds I saved last fall. Morning Glories and myself get along so well. They literally grow like weeds for me. I have them planted by an iron gate on the south side of my house. The seeds fall to the ground, they reappear and spring up every year without fail and without replanting or doing anything! They spread into the grass, shrubs and nearby anything else....so the seeds I harvested are lucky seeds. Anyone wanting to have success will find my seeds happy.


My Morning Glories. :)

I found cute vintage photos for them as well at the Graphic Fairy website...and whala!  Cute Morning Glory seed packets!  Checkout the button on my blog that will link you to all things Graphics Fairy wonderful! All of the French and Morning Glory vintage photos and images here, are courtesy of the Graphics Fairy. Must plug her wonderful site! :)  I love the image below, with the snow scene in the center with Morning Glories surrounding the thoughts and hopes for warmer days...



For gifts & giving, these seeds produce the purple variety. These have been a wonderful item for me. I sold a set of 50 for bridal shower favors this Spring, so they have been popular.  The packets are complete with description and instructions tagged on the back. You will find the seeds & sachets in my Etsy shop.

 I am going to look forward to harvesting, packaging & selling seeds and other items in this great French way. :)

8 comments:

  1. So pretty and perfect for gift-giving! Following you now-great blog!

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  2. Thanks Jodi! Appreciate the support! :)

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  3. These are sooo pretty Julie!!! Great project!

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  4. Oh thank you ~ thank you Karen! It is a quickie but very effective and cute. :)

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  5. Love these! Coming over from Brag Monday and your newest follower!

    Jeanine

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  6. Oh YA Jeanine! Glad you found me. I am following you too! Thanks! :)

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