How to Make Bath Bags

That little bag hanging off the side of the bath salts is a bath bag. In it is a little grated soap, dried lavender,  ground oatmeal, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. These are the quick version of a bath tea bag.

Bath bags have two uses:

1. Tie them on some long string or ribbon and attach to the faucet. Let float in the water to infuse your bath with some herbal goodness.

2. Use as a body scrubber and to wash and scrub your body.

Or you could do both. First, let it sit and brew in the water, then detach and use to wash and scrub.

Here are the very simple instructions for making your own bath bag:

Step one: Gather ingredients and supplies.

Ingredients can vary depending on the type of bath you want and also taking into consideration what you have on hand. If you'd like a relaxing bath, try chamomile and/or lavender. For an energizing, pick-me-up, use some rosemary, basil, or peppermint (or try a combination of them all).

Whatever you choose, use around 2 to 3 tablespoons in total. For these particular bags I included 1 tablespoon of dried lavender, 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of ground oats (to soften skin), and 1 teaspoon of grated, natural soap. I intended this to be a body scrubber, which is why I included the soap.

You will also need:

• Muslin cut into 9-inch circles.
• Elastic bands
• Ribbon

Step two: Place ingredients in the center of a muslin circle. Add 3 drops of a complimentary essential oil if desired. I used lavender essential oil in this bag.

Step three: Gather the edges of the circle together to make a little package and secure with an elastic band.

Step four: Tie ribbon to cover elastic. If you would like to hang from the faucet, be sure to make a long loop of about 25 inches or so.

Attach a bath bag to the outside of a jar of bath salts, or make a few and put them in a pretty jar or bag. It would also be nice to make a variety of bags as a gift, tying the different color ribbon to identify different herbal combinations (be sure to include a note stating which ribbon is for which herb).

This gift is super quick and easy to make. I like it because it is a little different and unexpected.

Here is a re-cap of what you'll need:

• Up to 2 tablespoons of dried herb per bag
• Ground oats (for skin softening), optional
• Essential oil, optional
• Grated soap, optional
• Muslin cut into 9-inch circles.
• Elastic bands
• Ribbon

You can find the rest of my handmade gift ideas in the Herbal Remedies and Homemade Body Products Category.

I'm also joining in the Southern Institute for Domestic Arts and Crafts Creative Me Monday