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Use an odd number of stems that are at least twice as long as the flower heads. Use 9, 11, or 13 stems for your first wand. The stems must be fresh enough to bend without breaking.
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Remove any leaves or side stems from the main stem.
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Depending on the variety of lavender, you may have a large gap between the last sets of buds. We usually remove these as well.
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Tie one end of a 1/4" ribbon, two yards long, below the flower heads.
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Holding the flower heads in your hand, turn the flower bouquet upside down.
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Gently bend the stems at the base of the flower, evenly spaced, down over the ribbon, to form a cage around the flower stems.
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Begin weaving with the long end of the ribbon, over and under the stems.
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Gently, but firmly, keep the ribbon taut as you weave, keeping each row snug against the last woven row.
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The odd number of stems automatically sends you in a slow spiral as you enclose the flower heads.
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Once the flower heads are enclosed, wrap the remaining ribbon (without weaving) down the stems. Tie it off with a bow. Trim the stem ends evenly.
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Once the lavender dries (approximately two weeks), the ribbon is adjusted and the bow is tacked in place with a glue gun. The fragrance lasts for years and is refreshed by gently rolling the wand between the palms to release the essential oil.
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