DIY: Glassine Birth Announcements

Just a little while ago I came across a challenge to create a DIY birth announcement.  A new packet of glassine bags was sitting in my cupboard, just itching to be used so I put them to work in these very easy, but very sweet birth announcements.  

Just type up the announcement text using your favorite fonts and print it out straight onto the bag.  Then slide your favorite picture of your little one inside and seal it with a little piece of patterned tape.  I would mail these out in colored envelopes, too, of course, so everyone will know just what a special piece of mail it is as soon as they lay eyes on it.

Lavender Sugar

Thanks to a little wild lavender bush growing in my front yard, I was able to dry my own batch of lavender this year.  It smells heavenly and I can't wait to try all the things I'll be able to do with it.  My first project was lavender sugar, which is so simple to do.  Blend 1 Tbs. dried lavender buds in a blender until powdery and mix with 2 cups of fine granulated sugar (Caster or Baker's sugar works best).  Or put it all in the blender together for something a little more like powdered sugar in consistency, like I did.

It's a beautiful, thoughtful and inexpensive gift idea.  You can substitute lavender sugar for regular sugar in countless recipes, like sugar cookies, or serve it sprinkled over a bowl of fresh berries.  If you'd like to try cooking with whole lavender buds, there are recipes like Lavender
Spritzer to try.  Personally, I think my powdered sugar variety will
make some amazing Mexican Wedding Cookies.

{images by me}