LAVENDER SHEAF/CENTERPIECE

Materials

• Dried lavender or lavandin bundles (recommend 350 stems total)
• Scissors
• Sturdy rubber band
• Decorative twine, raffia, burlap, ribbon or other material to tie around the finished sheaf and conceal the rubberband)
• Optional: Several small bundles of long-stemmed dried everlasting flowers, wheat, herbs, or other long-stemmed, sturdy dried plant material to add contrasting color or texture.

Instructions

Prepare the lavender stems:  Remove rubber bands or ties from individual lavender bundles, and strip the stems clean of leaves and lateral stems below the main flower spikes. It is easier to clean each stem individually, then make them into a bundle in your hand.  Trim the bottom of the bundle of stems for a uniform appearance.  When combining the lavender stems to make the sheaf, be mindful of the size and shape of the stems that will end up in the center and outside of the sheaf.  Shorter stems on the inside will create holes in the appearance of the finished sheaf.  To make sure the bottoms of the stems are even, gently tamp down the bundle on a table, if necessary.

Assemble the sheaf:  Place a sturdy rubber band around the completed bundle one-third to halfway up the length, wrapping several times to create tight compaction.  With one hand, grasp the bundle below the flower spikes and turn counter-clockwise.  At the same time, using the opposite hand, gently twist the bunch clockwise 10 times, until the bottom is flared out and the sheaf can stand up on a flat surface.  You can manipulate the shape a bit at this point.  Gently stick other dried flowers throughout the sheaf to add interest and a rustic or formal impression. Once you are happy with the appearance and shape of your sheaf, you can use a decorative material of choice to wrap around the sheaf to hide the rubber band under a band or bow, as desired.