Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Make Your Own Lavender Water ~ Room, Linen and Ironing Spray


"She has nevertheless desired me to ask you to purchase for her two bottles of Steele's Lavender Water when you are in Town, provided you should go to the shop on your own account."
~ Letter from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra, January 14, 1801

Tis true, another ode to the Regency and Victorian Era! This lavender water attempts to create a nostalgic and peaceful feeling in a homemaking day. Only one minute of your time can transport you back hundreds of years...


...when you would make linen spray to freshen up sheets and spritz on lacy pillowcases for a good night's sleep. It can also be used as a basic room spray to cleanse the air. My favorite use is as an ironing spray since it adds a romantic element to my least favorite chore. And the women in the Regency era, well, they had quite a different use...

"Marianne, now looking dreadfully white, and unable to stand, sunk into her chair, and Elinor, expecting every moment to see her faint, tried to screen her from the observation of others, while reviving her with lavender water."
~ Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility



To make a modern supply of lavender water, simply combine the following ingredients in a clean glass jar or bottle (and in the order they appear):
  • 2 tbsp. vodka (you might also get away with using rubbing alcohol or witch-hazel)
  • 4 cups water (distilled is best but I use tap) 
Let the mixture sit for 24 hours before using and give a gentle shake prior to each use. For best results, store lavender water in a glass container as it doesn't leach from the oils like plastic does. Decant into smaller spray bottles as you need them. If using as an ironing spray, be sure to test in an inconspicuous area for delicate fabrics before applying liberally.



"The scent of lavender came out and perfumed the room."
~ Elizabeth Gaskell, North & South


"She was seated in her mother's lap, covered with kisses, her wound bathed with lavender-water, by one of the Miss Steeles, who was on her knees to attend her, and her mouth stuffed with sugar plums by the other. With such a reward for her tears, the child was too wise to cease crying."
~ Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility

We are sharing our printable recipe and matching spray bottle labels (below). You may like to include this in your herbal for future reference. If you place a pretty ribbon or cork on a recycled bottle and affix a lovely label, it also makes for a beautiful and inexpensive decoration. Think how attractive it would look displayed in your bathroom or on a vanity tray in your bedroom. I think it would make for a nice gift too! Happy homemaking ladies! 

To access our directions and labels, simply visit HERE where you can download and print the PDF file for FREE. You can either print the labels out on plain paper, cut to size and affix to your containers with glue (or decoupage) or print them out on sticker paper and cut to size. I also invite you to subscribe to this blog (located on the sidebar) to get updates and access to future homemaking printables.



For more lavender inspired projects, visit here!
All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making MondaysModest Mom Monday'sMonday's MusingsMake Your Home Sing MondayGood Morning Mondays,  The ScoopTitus 2 TuesdaysTuesdays with a TwistRaising HomemakersWise Woman Link UpHomestead Blog Hop Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and ConversationHomemaking ThursdaysHome Sweet HomeOur Simple HomesteadFrom the Farm Blog HopAwesome Life Friday Link UpFive Star Frou Frou FridayShabbilicious FridaySimply Natural Saturdays and Clever Chicks Blog Hop. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them).

18 comments:

  1. Oh, that is lovely! I like lavander smell very much!

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  2. I love this!!! Thank you so much for sharing :)

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  3. I love this idea! Something so nice as to have a fresh scent of lavender in the air and on our clothing. I will be making this soon. I hope you have a wonderful and safe 4th of July! Hugs, Amy

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  4. Thanks so much for this lovely label and printable. I used to do this awhile ago and I think I will start again. I remember even my husband commenting on how good it smelled.

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  5. Thank you for the recipe for Lavender water. Sometimes when reading an "old-fashioned" book, the mother in the story has scented her sheets with this and I'm hoping to do the same!

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  6. Jes this is lovely... I am collecting bottles! The label is perfect, thank you. Xxx

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  7. This sounds so nice. I'm going to have to make some soon! Thanks for sharing with us at the Homestead Blog Hop! :)

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  8. I want to make this! Wondering if your spray bottle is plastic or glass?
    Going to pin it now. Best wishes!

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    1. The bottle I stored it in is glass but my spray bottles are plastic (glass is always best though if you can afford it). Hope this helps! :)

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  9. Mmmm... this would be wonderful to have on hand - so sweet and refreshing :) Thank you, dear friend, for sharing your lavender water recipe with Roses of Inspiration. It's so good to have you back :) Hugs!

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  10. Jes, I love this and posted something similar with my Pillow Sprays. I love your printable and will use it for sure. Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Oh yes, it would be perfect with your pillow sprays!!! :)

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  11. Hi Jes. I was just fixing to make another bottle of the lavender spray and this time make a label....but oh no, it is no longer at the site as directed. I also want to forward this to a friend who I know will want to do it too. Is there any way to get the label? Thanks so much!

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  12. Another lovely post Jes. Thank you so much. I think of you whenever I get my pretty cleaning cloths out. I used an old flannelette sheet with roses on it to make mine. I have also just finished my ironing using your recipe for Lavender Starch. I have started my lovely folder with your recipes and tips etc. I only have a black and white printer so I use a little tin of kiddies paints to colour the labels.
    Blessings Gail.

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    1. Your cleaning cloths sound beautiful and I am glad I am associated with them :) I love your idea of painting the labels! That would give them a soft Beatrix Potter look! My daughter uses colored pencils for hers and that is also lovely. I hope your week is off to a beautiful start and I thank you for taking the time to share! Happy ironing :)

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  13. I love this recipe Jes and make it often too. I particularly like using it in my linen closet. Thank you for sharing at Shabbilicious Friday this week. I'm delighted to be featuring your lavender spray at tomorrow's party.
    Hugs ~ Kerryanne

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