Lavender & Oat Bath Bombs

by Karyn Maier

These little jewels are fun to use and lend wonderful fragrance to the bath. The combination of baking soda, powdered lavender flowers and powdered oatstraw lend healing properties to sooth the skin and frazzled nerves. You can use candy or small soap molds for this project, but for best results use the two-piece type of mold made specifically for this purpose (available from Amazon, craft supply stores, etc.) This recipe makes 6-8 bath bombs, depending on the size of your molds. Ingredients 3 cups baking soda 1 tablespoon powdered lavender flowers 1 tablespoon powdered oatstraw 2 teaspoons beet root powder (optional, for color) 20 drops lavender essential oil 1 cup citric acid Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) Directions

Combine baking soda and powdered herbs in a large bowl; mix well with a wire whisk until free of clumps. If using beet powder, the mixture will take on a light pink tint. (Note: Add more beet root for more color, if you wish.) Add the essential oil and whisk again until well blended and smooth. Add the citric acid; whisk again. Fill a small spray bottle with the rubbing alcohol. Lightly spritz the surface of the mixture three or four times, whisking all the while to prevent fizzing. The goal in this step is to use just enough rubbing alcohol to moisten the mix so that it holds together like slightly damp sand when squeezed or pinched, but it shouldn't be heavy. If it doesn't hold together well, add another spritz while whisking. Scoop and tightly pack the mix into ungreased molds and set aside for 15 minutes to set-up. If using a tray of candy or soap molds: Place a baking sheet or cutting board securely over the entire mold tray and turn it upside down onto another surface lined with waxed paper or parchment paper. Gently tap the bottom of each mold to loosen each bath bomb. Carefully lift the mold to release the bath bombs onto the paper. If using the two-sided bath bomb molds: Pack each side of each mold with mix, then press the two pieces together. Wipe away any excess on the outside with a dry cloth or brush. After 15 minutes of rest, lightly tap the bottom and sides of each mold, then carefully open each mold to release the pressed bath bomb onto the paper. Let the bath bombs dry for 24 hours, carefully turning each one over once with a spoon. Package the finished bath bombs in a decorative box, mesh pouch or glass jar. Store in a cool, dark place away from humidity.