Holly Dream Pouch

Holly has powerful connections with dream working so I made a dream pouch using holly leaves. 


Take 7 holly leaves and boil them in hot water to extract the purifying gentle green liquid.  Then in a paper bag placed a note, with any dreams for the future written on it.

Once it has cooled down, place the bag into the liquid for just a few seconds then fish it out and let it dry before placing under your pillow.

Wait to see if the dream comes true one day. 

Rowan Berry Ice Pack

I recently had an accident where my legs and arms were badly bruised.  The Rowan Tree has many healing properties so I made an ice pack with fresh berries by simmering them in water until fairly soft  then pouring the whole contents into small ice molds before freezing them. 

The result was a perfectly formed ice pack to use with a cotton flannel.  It was incredibly soothing and my bruises are healing nicely.   

Warm Willow Bark Compress

 To make a warm willow and lavender compress is so simple and the smell was wonderful.  Great for soothing aching joints.

I shaved a small cup of willow bark off an old branch of willow, including the softer pale bark and the tougher outer bark.

Added to a large saucepan of water with fresh lavender and simmered for 30 minutes.

Allow to cool until it feels comfortable to touch ( hand hot)

Dip a cotton flannel into the mixture and apply to area in need.

BBQ Charcoal

I had great fun recently making some charcoal on my BBQ.  I was amazed at how good some of the pieces turned out and I was even inspired to create something with it. 

I placed a hand full of willow twigs onto the BBQ.

Closed the lid and left overnight.

Some of the larger pieces didn't work out so it's 

best to use smaller ones.

I was thrilled with the ones that did work out though.

I was inspired to draw something with them.

Purifying Pine Facial Toner

I have loved recently working with Pine.  We have so many varieties around us so it was a great way of studying the different species that grow in the area.

One of the most lovely things I made was a facial toner from fresh pine needles.

I found some paper bags over the internet for sale and they were perfect for filling with the pine.
I then poured boiling water on top and allowed to cool.

I then strained the liquid into an old glass bottle and decorated with miniature  pine cones.

It's wonderful to use, really cooling and cleansing.

Pine Floor Wash

I love cooking on an outside fire and now I have a tripod it makes it even easier.  I had a go at making my own floor wash using just a hand full of fresh pine leaves.  The smell was incredible as it boiled away over the flames. 

I left it to simmer for an hour, allowed it to cool overnight and then strained it into a jar. 

This little fellow was certainly interested in the final result. I look forward to using this on my log cabin floor, it still smells wonderful. 

Simple Apple Cup

I always find bought varieties of apple juice too sweet and hate to think of how much sugar is in there so had a go at making my own apple tea.  Nothing in there except for apple and water and it turned out to be simply delicious. 

I just used one sweet eating apple.















Grated it and placed into 
a bowl.

Allowed to steep in hot water for around 5 minutes.

Poured into a lovely glass mug with a slice of fresh apple to decorate.
Beyond simple and no hidden ingredients.