• Lavender adds fragrance and beauty to crafts and simple cosmetics.Lavender image by Borzwear from Fotolia.com
  
  Lavender is a soothing herb with many uses in aromatherapy, simple cosmetics, baths and cooking. Don't be afraid to experiment with lavender. Use it alone or combine it with other herbs for a more complex fragrance. Try adding a tablespoon of fresh lavender flowers to your favorite sugar cookie recipe. Make a small bouquet of dried lavender sprigs and rose buds to wear in your hair or attach to a wrapped package for an elegant touch.
  
  

Sachets

• Make lavender sachets to repel weevils and moths in drawers and linen closets. Buy mesh sachet bags at a craft store or make your own. Use dried lavender alone, or combine it with dried rosemary, thyme or mint for a more complex fragrance. Make several sachets at once by lining the cups of an egg carton with pieces of lace, then fill with dried lavender flowers and tie the tops together with ribbon.
  
  

Skin Freshener

• Lavender is both an antiseptic and a stimulant for skin. It also restores balance to skin washed with alkaline soaps. Combine two handfuls of fresh or dried lavender flowers, an ounce of powdered orris root and a pint of cider vinegar. Leave the mixture in the refrigerator in a screw-top jar for four weeks to allow the vinegar to absorb the fragrance and properties of the lavender. Strain and dilute one part of the mixture with one part water.
  
  

Body Powder

• Making lavender body powder is a practical way to use your lavender harvest. Put it in an attractive container for a delightful, old-fashioned gift. Make a basic body powder by mixing eight ounces of cornstarch or arrowroot with four ounces of baking soda. Grind up a four tablespoons of dried lavender or two tablespoons each of lavender and rose petals. Combine the ingredients in a large glass jar and shake every day or two for two weeks. Don't be afraid to experiment with other scents. A tablespoon of ground cloves adds a spicy scent. Add a citrus scent using lemon or orange peel. For a stronger fragrance, add up to 15 drops of essential oil.
  
  

Lavender-Mint Tea Punch

• Steep six tsp. dried, or 12 tsp. fresh, mint and two tbsp. fresh lavender blossoms in six cups of boiling water for 10 minutes, then allow the tea to cool. Strain the tea and add a one-liter bottle of ginger ale, a cup of purple grape juice and ice cubes. Add lavender blossoms before serving.
  
  

Lavender Sticks

• Lavender sticks are attractive and tasty, and only take a minute to prepare. Beat an egg white until frothy. Dip the flower end of 12 fresh lavender sprigs into the egg whites, then roll in sugar.