How To Make French Lavender Wands

Making French lavender wands is a beautiful and rewarding craft that transforms fresh lavender stems and ribbon into fragrant, decorative keepsakes.
 
These lovely woven wands are perfect for sachets, gifts, or simply adding a touch of Provence to your home.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make French lavender wands, don’t worry because the process is simpler than it looks and requires just a few basic materials.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make French lavender wands step by step, from harvesting the lavender to weaving the final ribbon cage.
 
Let’s get started.
 

How to Make French Lavender Wands: What You’ll Need

Before diving into how to make French lavender wands, let’s gather everything you need.
 
First, you’ll want fresh lavender stems, ideally ones with long, flexible stalks and unopened buds.
 
You’ll also need a spool of narrow ribbon, about 1/4 inch wide, in a color you love.
 
Scissors, a rubber band, and a little patience round out the list.
 
And that’s really it because learning how to make French lavender wands doesn’t require fancy tools.
 
The lavender you choose matters, though, so here are a few pointers.
 

1. Pick the Right Lavender Variety

For making French lavender wands, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) works best because its stems are long and sturdy.
 
Varieties like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’ are ideal choices.
 
When learning how to make French lavender wands, avoid lavender with short or brittle stems since they’ll snap as you weave.
 

2. Harvest at the Right Time

The best time to harvest lavender for making French lavender wands is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
 
At this stage, the buds are plump and full of fragrant oils.
 
Pick stems that are still flexible, and gather them in small bunches.
 

3. Prepare Your Lavender

Once you’ve gathered your lavender, strip the leaves from the lower half of each stem.
 
This gives you a clean handle to work with when you’re making French lavender wands.
 
Gather an odd number of stems, typically 9 to 15, depending on how thick you want your wand.
 
 

Steps for Making French Lavender Wands

Now let’s get into the actual process of how to make French lavender wands.
 
It’s a rhythmic, meditative craft that gets easier with practice.
 

1. Bind the Stems Together

Start by tying your bundle of stems together just below the flower heads using a rubber band.
 
This creates a secure base as you begin making French lavender wands.
 
Don’t tie too tightly or you’ll crush the stems.
 

2. Bend the Stems Down

Gently bend each stem downward, away from the flower heads, so they form a cage around the buds.
 
This is the signature shape that makes French lavender wands so charming.
 
Be careful not to crack the stems as you bend them.
 

3. Start Weaving the Ribbon

Anchor your ribbon just below the flower heads and begin weaving it over and under the stems in a simple basket-weave pattern.
 
Making French lavender wands is all about keeping the ribbon snug but not too tight.
 
Weave in one direction, then reverse and weave back to lock the pattern.
 

4. Continue Until the Buds Are Covered

Keep weaving the ribbon over and under the stems until the lavender buds are fully enclosed.
 
The goal when making French lavender wands is to create a neat, tight cage that holds all the fragrance inside.
 
Once the flowers are covered, wrap the ribbon around the base a few times to secure it.
 

5. Tie Off and Finish

Tie a small knot at the base and trim the excess ribbon.
 
You can leave a loop at the top for hanging or add a decorative bow.
 
And that’s how to make French lavender wands in a nutshell.
 

6. Let Them Dry

Hang your finished lavender wands in a cool, dark place for a couple of weeks.
 
As they dry, the fragrance intensifies and the ribbon holds everything together.
 
These dried French lavender wands will keep their scent for years.
 
 

Tips for Perfecting French Lavender Wands

Once you’ve made a few, you’ll discover little tricks that make your French lavender wands even better.
 

1. Use Fresh, Not Dried, Stems

Fresh stems bend without breaking, which is crucial when making French lavender wands.
 
Dried stems crack easily and won’t weave properly.
 

2. Choose a Contrasting Ribbon

A satin ribbon in a soft cream, pink, or deep purple makes French lavender wands look elegant and gift-worthy.
 

3. Weave Tightly for Longevity

A tightly woven ribbon cage keeps the buds secure, ensuring your French lavender wands stay intact for years.
 

4. Make Them in Batches

It’s just as easy to make French lavender wands in groups of ten as it is to make one.
 
So grab a friend and turn it into a fun crafting afternoon.
 
 

So, How Do You Make French Lavender Wands?

Making French lavender wands is a simple, satisfying craft that anyone can master with fresh lavender, a bit of ribbon, and a little patience.
 
You start by binding the stems, bending them into a cage, and weaving ribbon over and under until the buds are fully covered.
 
Then you tie it off, let it dry, and enjoy a fragrant keepsake that lasts for years.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, learning how to make French lavender wands is a lovely way to bring a bit of Provence into your home.
 
So gather your lavender and ribbon, and give it a try today.