Simple Calendula Balm

Turn dried orange slices into a simple natural Christmas garland. Pair with dried botanicals for a rustic handmade decoration.You will need 8–12 completely dried orange slices Cotton twine and a blunt needle suitable for threading Optional dried sprigs of Australian Lavender Optional cinnamon sticks and wooden beads Method If drying fresh orange slices yourself, slice thinly and dry using a food dehydrator according to its instructions until fully dry, not tacky. Allow to cool. Cut a length of twine with extra room to tie loops at each end. Carefully thread through each orange slice, spacing them along the twine. Secure dried lavender sprigs or cinnamon sticks between slices with small twine knots if desired. Hang somewhere dry, away from open flames, heaters, condensation and curious pets. This is a decorative craft, not food. Replace any pieces showing moisture or mould.Shop the botanicals: Australian Lavender. Orange slices and craft materials can be sourced separately.

Make simple botanical ornaments for the Christmas tree, gift wrapping or table settings using air-dry clay and dried flowers.You will need Air-dry craft clay (follow the manufacturer's directions) Rolling pin, cookie cutters, drinking straw and ribbon Clean, dry Alpine Calendula Petals or Australian Lavender Baking paper for the work surface Method Roll the clay to approximately 5 mm thick on baking paper. Press a few dried petals lightly into the surface and cut ornament shapes. Use the straw to create a ribbon hole in each shape. Air-dry completely according to the clay manufacturer's instructions, turning if recommended. Thread ribbon through the hole and hang in a dry indoor area. Decorative only, not edible. Keep away from candle flames, moisture and pets. Use only clay approved for this crafting method.Shop the botanicals: Alpine Calendula Petals and Australian Lavender.

Make a beautiful festive potpourri jar to gift or display using dried botanicals. A lovely way to bring natural colour and seasonal fragrance into the home.You will need 1 clean, fully dry glass jar 2 handfuls thoroughly dried orange slices or peel 2–3 cinnamon sticks 3–4 whole star anise Optional: a small spoonful of dried Australian lavender or Alpine Calendula Petals Ribbon and a gift tag Method Make sure all botanicals are completely dried and cool. Any dampness can encourage mould. Layer the orange, cinnamon and star anise into the clean dry jar. Add a little lavender or calendula for a botanical accent. Close the jar and finish with ribbon and a handwritten label: “Decorative potpourri — not for eating”. Display in a dry bowl away from heat and flames. Keep out of reach of children and pets; avoid concentrated essential oils in this project.Shop the botanicals: Australian Lavender and Alpine Calendula Petals. Other decorative supplies can be sourced locally.

Find four Christmas DIY recipes and shop their Alpine Apothecary herbal and botanical ingredients together.

An easy festive culinary gift made with dried orange peel, cinnamon cassia chips and sugar.

A colourful Australian summer Christmas mocktail using Alpine Apothecary hibiscus tea, dried orange peel and ginger root.

Create aromatic decorative sachets with dried orange peel, cinnamon cassia chips and star anise.

A botanical Christmas gift jar made with dried orange peel, cinnamon cassia chips and whole star anise.

A small trial recipe using a ready-made room mist base, subject to manufacturer-confirmed essential oil compatibility and usage limits.

A simple, freshly mixed bench cleaner using mild dishwashing detergent; no unsupported disinfectant claims.

Make an aromatic gift tag with an Alpine Apothecary essential oil blend.

A simple way to enjoy mountain-inspired essential oil blends in a diffuser.

A naturally blue, caffeine-free infusion with the mild, silky character of marshmallow root.

A botanical bath sachet with root, oatstraw, calendula and chamomile.

A warmly spiced root tea with orange peel and cloves.

A floral, gently spiced herbal blend with rose, tulsi and cinnamon.

An iced root infusion finished with a floral rose-and-honey syrup.

A mild, caffeine-free cup with honey and vanilla.

A maple-sweetened marshmallow recipe using cut root and powdered gelatine.

Homemade honey marshmallows made with a strained root infusion. Includes gelatine.

A simple oat bath bag with yarrow and elderflower.

A fresh warm-cloth ritual for clean hands.

An aromatic thyme and rosemary shower sachet.

A botanical shower sachet kept safely off the floor.

A light green tea and peppermint foot bath.

A contained bath tea with two golden flowers and oats.

A single-use salt polish for feet after a long day.

A warm floral hand soak made immediately before use.

A fresh floral rinse for dark hair, with a strand-test warning.

A colourful contained bath bag with rose petals.

A freshly mixed oat mask made with cooled herbal tea.

A simple hand oil infused with calendula and yarrow.

A gentle, unscented herbal oil made with dried flowers and leaf.

A small-batch floral oil for dry hands and body.

An aromatic foot soak with thyme and rosemary.

A freshly made lavender and yarrow foot soak.

A contained bath blend with mullein leaf and a little yarrow.

A muslin bath bag with mullein flowers, chamomile and oats.

A tart iced tea with a small amount of yarrow.

A refreshing peppermint tea with a soft rose finish.

A blue floral iced tea that changes hue with lemon.

Creamy rice pudding finished with green tea and rose.

A savoury olive bread with rosemary and a hint of lavender.

A light tea balancing yarrow's bitterness with lemon balm.

A fine-filtered herbal cup with mullein and elderflower.

A simple mullein flower tea with a savoury thyme note.

Tender baked apples with a restrained floral topping.

A ruby-red frozen dessert with fragrant rose.

A small-batch floral cordial to dilute with cold water.

A cool green tea with a light floral and lemon finish.