Whenever the occasion calls for a gift, I prefer to give something that is handmade. Time doesn't always allow for me to make something extravagant, so I often whip up a batch of body scrubs using my go-to recipe. Everyone loves receiving something homemade, especially when it encourages pampering. While a handmade gift is always nice, it's easy to play with the packaging to make the scrubs extra special.

Citrus Rose Scrub Recipe:

• 1 cup fine sea salt (sugar also makes a good substitute in a scrub)
• 1/2 cup almond or grape-seed oil
• 5 - 15 drops essential oil
• Whole Rosebuds, for decoration (optional)

Packaging Materials:

• Amber jar with airtight lid
• Inkpads: black and green
• Jute or twine
• Labels
• Typewriter alphabet stamps

Citrus Rose Scrub Project Instructions:

1. Combine the salt (or sugar) in a small bowl.
2. Add oil, and mix with a wooden spoon or stick.
3. Lightly rub a green inkpad over an entire sheet of labels. Repeat with the black inkpad. (Your goal is to give the labels a slightly grungy, distressed appearance).
4. Stamp your desired word(s) on the label and adhere to the glass jar.
5. Wrap the top of the jar with a length of twine or jute.
6. Add a bit of lowers or herbs, and tie a knot.

This recipe originally appeared in the May issue of Willow and Sage. You can find the complete article inside this issue.

About the Artist: Christen Hammons is the director of publishing for Stampington & Company and editor-in-chief of Bella Grace, Somerset Life, and Somerset Studio. Interests: art, slow food, writing, books, yarn, authentic living Follow Christen on Twitter: @christeno | on Instagram: @christenhammons

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