How to Make an Herbal Satchel
Herbal satchels serve a variety of purposes. They are used in people's homes and hotels to make cabinets, closets and drawers smell fresh. The bags are also popular as party favors or gifts for other occasions. Some religions, such as the Wiccan faith, incorporate them in their spiritual practices. The satchels require few materials and can be made very quickly.
Things You'll Need
- Organdy drawstring bag
- Glitter, polished stones, marbles or other small decorations
- Dried herbs
Instructions
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Dress up the organdy drawstring bag's appearance with decorations such as glitter, colored marbles or small polished stones. Coordinate the color of the satchel and the herbs that will fill it with the decorations. For example, jazz up dried yellow dandelions packed in a peach-colored satchel with flecks of dark blue glitter, or pack the blue-white buds of dried patchouli in a black bag with a scattering of onyx stones for a striking look. Use 10 to 12 tiny decorations for a small bag and 20 to 25 for a large one.
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Place the dried herbs and the decorations in the organdy bag and pull the drawstring shut. If the bag's capacity is 5 oz., fill it with 4 oz. of dried herbs. The bag should be filled, not stuffed. The dried herb you choose should be one that you'll enjoy smelling whenever you put on your clothes or open a closet door. You can also fill a satchel with an herb that has healing properties: Lavender, for instance, is supposed to help you relax.
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Hold the bag by its drawstring and shake it so the decorations disperse throughout the bag. Lay the satchel on a level surface and gently press it with your hand to flatten it.
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Tips & Warnings
You can buy organdy drawstring bags at places such as craft shops and party supply stores. The bag's size will depend on its purpose --- a small bag can scent your lingerie drawer, but you'll need a large one to scent a clothing trunk. The bag's color should match your decor and the herbs you use; if the satchel is a gift, choose the recipient's favorite color.
If you want to blend more than one herb in a satchel, experiment first to see if the scents complement each other. Chamomile and mint go well together, but a strong woody scent like patchouli probably won't mix with a heady floral like hyacinth. Herbs can be blended in equal amounts, or you can fill the bag two-thirds full with one herb and one-third full with the other.
Do not choose a plant to which you are allergic; you could experience an adverse reaction by coming into contact with it.
References
Resources
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