healing Archives - Urban Family Homestead & Apothecary

February 2, 2023February 5, 2023

All About Mullein – (UFHA Herb Series)

all about mullein urban family homestead and apothecary

This week in Urban Family Homestead and Apothecary Herb series, we will explore the soft and beautiful herb Mullein. She is a useful, fuzzy herb that will help you out in a pinch whenever you feel a cold coming on. This plant gives off beautiful flowers in the summer and tolerates most growing conditions. Some types even tolerate a light frost!

Mullein (Verbascum spp.) is a genus of flowering plants in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). It is native to Europe, Asia and Africa, and has been introduced to other regions. They are known for their tall pillars of yellow or white flowers and are often used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties. The leaves and flowers of the plant are used to make teas, tinctures, extracts, and ointments.

Mullein Medicinal Uses

Mullein has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, such as respiratory issues, skin irritations, earaches, insomnia, and headaches. With respiratory issues, Mullein tea or tincture made from leaves and flowers is my favorite way to treat respiratory issues such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. Mullein can be used in ointments to soothe and heal skin irritations such as wounds, burns, and rashes, and is even helpful for the soothing of eczema. When my little ones have an earache, I use Mullein oil (usually infused with garlic oil) as a way to treat earaches. I simply warm a few drops and apply it to the affected ear.

dried mullein leaf urban family homestead and apothecary — Dried Mullein Leaf

Mullein tea can also be used as a natural remedy for insomnia, as it is believed to promote relaxation and sleep. Also due to its ability to relax and soothe, Mullein tea is used as a natural remedy for headaches, as it is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body. As always, be sure to consult your naturopath before using mullein to double check for interactions with medicine you already take, and proper dosing for your specific body and needs.

How to Take Mullein

As mentioned above, a great way to take Mullein is through several different modalities including teas, extracts, tinctures, and oil infusions. Depending on your specific need will depend on what modality is best. Teas are best for respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and chest viruses. Extracts are great for little ones who need a quick dose of mullein. Tinctures are often favored by adults and for medicine on the go as it lasts for several years and can be added to hot water for a quick tea. Oil infusions are my favorite for earaches. My favorite way to make an oil infusion is to place it in olive oil along with garlic and let it infuse over time. If you need it quicker, you can always use the double boiler method to quicker extract the plant material faster into the oil.

mullein tea urban family homestead and apothecary — Mullein Tea

Growing Mullein

Mullein is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions. You can find it growing best in zones 3-9. It loves to bloom in the summer time after a spring or fall planting. It particularly loves the full sun, but will do well also in partial shade as long as it is in well draining soil. Although Mullein is a drought tolerant herb, watering it regularly will promote the best growth. Fertilizing it once per month (my favorite is with worm castings solution) will keep it healthy.

Mullein plant. You can see the bud for the flowers in the center surrounded by soft, fuzzy leaves.

If you want to promote a bushier plant, pinch back the tips of the plant to promote a lot more growth. You can harvest often from the Mullein plant. I like to cut leaves consistently through the season (while leaving 3/4 to 1/2 of the plant still) and dry the leaves in the sun for future tea and extract making. You can also harvest the flowers when the pillars start to grow for tea. While you can grow Mullein easily from seed, you can also propagate through divisions or cuttings.

My baby Mullein making its way through freezing 20 degree temps.

Mullein can grow up to seven feet tall and get as wide as 30 inches. A lot of people like to grow them in a confined area of the yard or in large pots because they can be somewhat invasive in some areas. This plant is a biennial which means that this plant can take up to two years to reach it’s full maturity before dying. While this plant does grow in the wild, many gardeners love it for it’s extremely soft leaves, beautiful flowers, and useful medicinal properties.

Recipe

Garlic and Mullein Oil Infusion for Earaches

Ingredients:
4 TBSP chopped garlic (fresh is best, no seasonings if you buy pre-minced)
4 TBSP chopped mullein (dried or fresh is fine)
Olive Oil (you can use other oil such as avocado or coconut)
Mason
Glass jar with dropper

Directions:
Place a pot of water, filled 2-3 inches, on the stove and bring to a low rolling boil. While the water is starting to get hot, place the garlic and mullein in the mason jar. Fill the mason jar until you have covered the plant material plus 1-2″ (I prefer 2″). Bring the water to a low simmer and place the jar in the middle of the pot. Let simmer for about an hour and a half. You will notice that the oil will begin to darken.

Alternatively, you can do this in a slow cooker with the mason jar in a few inches of water and on the low setting for a few hours.

After the hour and a half is up, turn off the stove and let cool. Strain the plant material from the oil and keep the oil. Compost the plant material and you can add the oil to an amber bottle with a dropper. Store any remaining oil in a jar with a lid on tight. It can sit on the counter or storage shelf.

To Use:
Place a few drops in your ear and rub the neck in a circular motion, behind the ear. Repeat several times a day until symptoms improve.

January 24, 2023February 5, 2023

All About Tulsi/Sacred Basil (UFHA Herb Series)

All About Tulsi. Urban Family Homestead and Apothecary

Tuli, or Sacred Basil, has to be one of my absolute favorite herbs to grow. The benefits are numerous and the fragrance is strong. This herb was a new one for me last year and I have never loved an herb as much as I love Tulsi.

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a perennial herb that is considered sacred in Hinduism. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The plant can grow up to two feet tall and has green, fragrant leaves and small, purple or white flowers. In Hinduism, Tulsi is revered as a goddess and is often planted in and around temples and homes. It is believed to have spiritual properties and is considered to be a purifying and protective plant.

Tulsi is also used in traditional medicine for its many health benefits. It is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptogenic properties. It is commonly used to boost the immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote respiratory and digestive health. The leaves and seeds of the plant can be consumed fresh or dried, or made into a tea or supplement. In cultivation, two main varieties of Tulsi are grown: Rama Tulsi and Krishna Tulsi, which are distinguishable by their leaf color. The leaves of Rama Tulsi are green, while the leaves of Krishna Tulsi are purple.

Tulsi Medicinal Uses

Some of the medicinal uses of Tulsi include:

Boosting the Immune System: Tulsi is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to boost the immune system and protect against various infections and illnesses.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body to adapt to stressors and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Promoting Respiratory Health: Tulsi is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and the common cold. It is believed to help clear the lungs and improve breathing.
Improving Digestive Health: Tulsi is believed to help reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. It may also help to improve the absorption of nutrients from food.
Lowering Blood Sugar: Studies have suggested that Tulsi may help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which may be beneficial for people with diabetes.
Anti-cancer properties: Tulsi has also been found to have potential anti-cancer properties by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.

It’s important to note that while Tulsi is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, high doses or prolonged use may cause adverse effects, so please consult your naturopathic doctor before using it for medicinal purposes.

How to Take Tulsi

Tulsi can be consumed in various forms for its medicinal properties. My favorite way to take this beautiful herb is to consume it by making a tea. To make Tulsi tea, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Tulsi leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. You can also add honey or lemon for taste. In the summer you can add honey and then poor over ice. If you want an iced latte feel, you can add in your favorite plant milk to change it up! Another convenient way to take Tulsi is by consuming it in capsule form although, I don’t see this as often and I would only advise this way if you are really trying to treat a specific ailment with Tulsi. It’s important to note that the appropriate dosage and duration of use may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated and once again, be sure to consult your naturopath!

A tincture or herbal extract of Tulsi is another way you can take this herb medicinally. You can take Tulsi tincture by adding it to a glass of water or directly under the tongue. If you need a quick way to have tea on the go, a tincture or extract is an excellent way to carry this herb as you can do 1-2 droppers full of the mixture to hot water and have instant Tulsi tea. A relaxing way you can use Tulsi oil, which is made by infusing Tulsi leaves in a carrier oil like coconut oil or sesame oil. You can use it as a massage oil or add a few drops to your bathwater. You can also consume Tulsi fresh or dried leaves, which can be added to salads, soups, and other dishes for flavor and health benefits.

Growing Tulsi

Anyone can easily grow Tulsi in zones 10-11 as a perennial or lowers zones as an annual. I am in zone 8 and can easily grow it here in the Pacific Northwest. Tulsi prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It should be planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Watering Tulsi regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged is really important to it flourishing. It also benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or a fertilizer specifically formulated for herbs. I find that whenever I go to fertilize my tomatoes, which I frequently grow with Tulsi, that is sufficient enough to keep my Tulsi happy. Harvesting a Tulsi plant regularly will encourage bushier growth and promote the production of new leaves. If you want to be able to have Tulsi all summer long and a healthy amount during the off season. The more you harvest and dry, the larger your stock!

Beautiful Tulsi plants love the sun and warm weather!

Tulsi is relatively pest and disease-free, but watch out for common herb pests like aphids and whiteflies. Tulsi leaves can be harvested at any time, but the best time to harvest for maximum flavor and medicinal properties is just before the plant flowers. Even then, the flowers are beautiful, fragrant, and delicious. My favorite addition to the garden! Like the herbs previously mentioned here (echinacea) and here (peppermint) Tulsi does well when planted with other herbs like mint, rosemary, and thyme.

Recipe

Apoptogenic Tulsi Tea by The Herbal Academy

1 cup water
1-2 Tbsp dried Tulsi (or handful of fresh leaves and flowers)

Directions:
Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and pour over the Tulsi in a heat-safe container. Allow the tea to steep, covered for about 15-20 minutes. Strain the plant matter from the tea and enjoy daily.

January 17, 2023February 5, 2023

All About Peppermint (UFHA Herb Series)

All about peppermint. Urban Family Homestead and Apothecary

Welcome to week 2 of our weekly herbal education series. Peppermint is a perennial herb in the mint family, characterized by its square stem and its strong, distinctive minty aroma. The leaves of the peppermint plant are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is native to Europe and has been naturalized in many other regions around the world. The plant can grow up to three feet tall and produces small, purple or white flowers. Peppermint is commonly used as a flavoring for food and drinks, as well as in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other personal care products. It is also used in aromatherapy for its refreshing scent and is believed to have several health benefits, such as relieving symptoms of indigestion and reducing headaches.

Peppermint, also known as mentha piperita, will thrive in zones 3-11 in some part of the year or another outside and has beautiful rich green leaves with a pungent smell. Peppermint plants also come in a lot of different ‘flavors’ at farmers markets such as orange peppermint, strawberry peppermint, and even chocolate peppermint, to name just a few!

Peppermint Medicinal Uses

Peppermint is a very popular herb to use medicinally because not only is it easy to grow and maintain, it’s easy to find and use in a variety of different ways. Peppermint in tea form is popular and effective for heartburn, stomach aches, and nausea. It is generally regarded as safe for most people on most medications (but as always, before taking any herb consult your naturopath on the method and dosage right for your body). In my house, peppermint tea is a tummy calmer and used during colds and other respiratory illnesses. I also enjoy using peppermint tea for a fever reducer, especially over ice with a bit of plant milk or honey (or both!) It’s also a great way to keep you cool in the summer when the sun is blazing outside.

Fun fact: you can also give crushed up peppermint leaves alone, in water, or in ice cubes to your chickens to help keep them cool in the hot summer, as a tasty treat.

How to Take Peppermint

There are several ways to take peppermint. Earlier I mentioned it as a tea but there are other fantastic modalities for taking peppermint. It can be used in essential oil form for body products such as body and lip scrubs, or even in your cleaning solutions. They are wonderful paired with orange and fir essential oil for a winter/holiday vibe in your candles and wax melts. It can also be tinctured and extracted to use on the go and for longevity. If you are partial to honey, many people like to put fun mints such as chocolate or orange mint into their honey as a way to flavor their honey for tea! Peppermint is an anti-inflammatory herb and can even be used as a tonic for irritated and inflamed skin, especially one that is warm to the touch. It can even be beneficial for those pesky headaches that like to pop up out of no where. The ways you can take peppermint really are endless!

Peppermint tea can be made using fresh or dried leaves.

As with most herbs, it is not suggested to take it every single day on a medicinal usage level. While I use it nightly after dinner as I have a very sensitive stomach and it is a huge help, using it in higher medicinal concentrations such as with an extract or tincture should be reserved for treating ailments as they come, not as a preventative treatment. Again, always follow the advise of your naturopath!

Growing Peppermint

Peppermint can be grown from small starts or propagated from another peppermint plant. It does enjoy yearly fertilizer to help with the growth and health of the plant. It grows throughout the year in varying zones, with reaching maturity in about 90 days. In spring it is best in zones 3-7, in spring through summer it is best in zones 8-10a, and in the spring through fall season it does well in zone 10a, and in zone 11 it will grow year round outside. It is a very hardy plant! They take easily to being transplanted and do as well in the hot, west facing sun as the cooler, shady parts of your yard. Peppermint will grow up to 2 feet tall if you keep up on watering and fertilizing it and is a wonderful pollinator plant.

Dried peppermint leaves stored in a mason jar.

The more you clip the leaves and stems back, the more it will grow. Once you see it growing in your container or garden bed, you can begin to harvest often. I find it only takes 4-7 days before it’s ready to harvest again. If you do grow it in the ground or the garden beds, be sure to harvest often as it can become invasive and take over your garden bed. In addition to being a helpful plant for pollinators, it is also a great companion plant for your vegetable garden. Peppermint will deter mice, deer, and rabbits from getting into your garden. You can even plant them at the base of fruit trees to discourage deer from stealing your fruit.

In order to have peppermint year round, you can harvest often and then dry out the leaves completely using a basket in the sun or a dehydrator on 95 degrees for 12 hours or so. You can then crush or save whole in a mason jar with a lid and it will be at your disposal all year long!

Recipe

Last week I posted Rosemary Gladstar’s Echinacea Spray for Sore Throats here that you can also use peppermint in but I will give you an additional peppermint recipe I enjoy. This one is for healthy teeth and gums!

Peppermint Tooth Powder by The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion

1 cup baking soda
4-5 tbsp bentonite clay (or calcium carbonate)
1 tsp pink Himalayan sea salt (or regular sea salt)
1 tbsp diatomaceous earth
15 drops peppermint essential oil

METHOD:
1. In a glass jar, combine baking soda, diatomaceous earth, bentonite clay (or calcium carbonate), and salt. Mix well.
2. Add essential oils and mix until completely combined.
3. Cap, label, and store in your bathroom until ready for the next batch.
4. To use,, simply dip your wet toothbrush into the mixture and brush as usual. There wont’ be any bubbles, but your mouth will naturally create a paste. Rinse mouth out well.

November 16, 2022February 5, 2023

Elderberry Syrup Four Ways – The Perfect Cold and Flu Companion

Every fall, as the weather gets cooler, I anticipate lots of colds and sniffles. Elderberry Syrup is the perfect companion to these cold fall and winter days to combat those germs and boost your immune system. There are many ways to use elderberries as a medicinal benefit to your health. Most people make it into syrup or gummies as its’ great for little kids they give it to and the preservative is honey. Great for getting it down easy! But since it does have honey in it, you will want to keep this for ages 1+ just to mitigate any very small chance of botulism. Other ways of taking it that can last even longer include extracts (last about 1-2 years) or even a tincture (which lasts 4-6 years as it’s made with alcohol).

Pages

Pinterest image for urban family homestead titled one cup of elderberries four ways. — pinterest.com/urbanfamilyhomestead

Why Elderberries?

Elderberries, also known as Sambucus, is a flowering plant that people use for medicinal properties. There are different varieties of Sambucus but we are going to be using Sambucus Nigra and is the kind you will find most often. I really enjoy using elderberries from Frontier Co-Op which you can find here. Frontier Co-Op has great quality dried elderberries and at the time of writing this, they are about $24/1 pound. Making one batch of elderberry syrup take approximately one cup so these will last you quite awhile. To keep them fresher longer, keep them in a sealed jar. If storing long term, keep them in the freezer!

Sambucus Nigra - Elderberries — **Sambucus Nigra**

The reason elderberries are so beneficial are because they are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins such as A, C, and D. Elderberries stimulate the immune system because it contains a compound called anthocyanidins. There have been a handful of studies correlating these effects in addition to the multitudes of anecdotal information you can find in natural medicine and mom groups!

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Ingredients shown: Elderberries, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, unfiltered raw honey.

Ingredients:
1 cup of elderberries (I purchase mine from Amazon here)
6 cups of filtered water
0.25 ounces of chopped or grated fresh ginger (powdered can also be used)
3-4 roughly broken/crushed cinnamon sticks (powdered works well too)
2-6 whole cloves (how much is a personal preference)
1.5 cups of raw honey (I purchase mine locally or from Costco)

You will also need:
Strainer, cheese cloth, or nut mylk bag
Glass
Glass Mason jar
Large pot or saucepan
Marker/Labels

Directions:
1. Place the elderberries, water, and spices into a pot and bring to a boil.

2. When it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until reduced by half.

3. Let the liquid cool off for a bit before pouring into a strainer, over the glass bowl.

4. Add in the honey and stir.

5. When it is completely cooled, pour into a Mason jar, add a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Although you will find this varies from recipe and person to person.

When it is completely cooled, pour into a Mason jar, add a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Although you will find this varies from recipe and person to person.

How to use:
You can use elderberry syrup every day in low doses as a tonic and/or larger doses at the first sign of illness.

I suggest 1 tsp for kids 1+ and 1 TBSP for teens and adults for daily use. If you do happen up on a flu or cold, you can do this dose every 3-4 hours.

What to do With Leftovers

I hate wasting left over food so if this is also you, here are somethings you can do with your left over elderberries and spices to stretch them further – including an alternative use for your homemade syrup you just made!

Elderberry Gummy Recipe

Ingredients:
2 cups of your homemade elderberry syrup
1 TBSP unflavored gelatin powder (ratio of 1 TBSP : 2 cups liquid)
1/2 cup hot filtered water
Silicone molds & dropper (these are the ones I have)

Directions:
Takes half of your elderberry syrup, gelatin, water, and mix in a glass bowl until well incorporated. Add in the rest of the elderberry syrup and mix. Pour into the silicone molds and refrigerate for 2 or more hours until set up and firm. Kids can take 2 of these daily, adults 4 daily for prevention. You can take 1-2 every 3-4 hours during onset of illness, adults 2-4 every 3-4 hours.

The unflavored gelatin I used linked in my Amazon.

It can get VERY messy!! I suggest getting the small plastic skinny pipettes instead of the ones it came with.

Elderberry Extract Recipe

Ingredients:

Leftover elderberries and spices
Vegetable glycerin – I like palm-free coconut-derived ones

Directions:
Put left over elderberries and spices into a mason jar and cover with vegetable glycerin like this one or my favorite this one from Wildly Organic, for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and pour into amber bottles with dropper tops. Depending on your glycerin, this can be good for 1-2 years. You can put into the refrigerator to make it last longer.

My absolutely favorite vegetable glycerin from Wildly. It is palm-free but don't use if you have a coconut allergy as it is derived from coconuts. — My absolutely favorite vegetable glycerin from Wildly. It is palm-free but don’t use if you have a coconut allergy as it is derived from coconuts.

Elderberry Tincture Recipe

Ingredients:
Leftover elderberries and spices
80 proof or higher vodka

Directions:
Put left over elderberries and spices into a mason jar and cover with any vodka 80 proof or higher for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and pour into amber bottles with dropper tops. Depending on your glycerin, this can be good for 4-6 years.

Compost

When you are done making your syrup (and then hopefully also another version of elderberry goodness), make sure you compost those berries in your home or city compost bin!

As always, I am not your doctor or naturopath. If you have questions, please consult them before ingesting anything anyone tells you on the internet!

October 24, 2022February 5, 2023

EASY Anti-inflammatory Salve Anyone Can Make!

How to make healing salve with calendula and sunflower petals

What is a basic salve recipe? There are many out there but with a basic recipe, you can create any combination you would like!

pinterest title page how to make a healing salve

Basic Salve Recipe

Infuse any oil, such as olive or avocado, with anti-inflammatory herbs, such as calendula and/or sunflower petals. Let sit for 3-4 weeks, up to 6 weeks, shaking 1-2 times a day.
Strain herbs out of petals with a cheese cloth or very fine strainer.
In a double boiler, bring water to boil and add in 2oz of grated or chopped beeswax.
Add in about 6oz of infused oil to the double boiler.
Heat until fully mixed. Add in essential oils (optional).
Pour into sterilized tins or glass jars.
Let set for a few hours and put a lid on it with label.

Read on for more detailed instructions and photos!

OIL INFUSION

You can infuse any oil, such as olive or avocado, with anti-inflammatory herbs, such as calendula and/or sunflower petals. I really enjoy this avocado oil from Chosen Foods. Let the infusion sit on a shelf for 3-4 weeks but up to 6 weeks is best. Keep stored in a cool dark area, shaking 1-2 times per day.

Infused oil with calendula and sunflower petals from the summer garden.

PREP

Choose your container you want to put your end product in. I chose 1oz aluminum tins from Amazon which you can find here. These can be reused or recycled at the end of their life and easy to open and close. Make sure you sterilize whatever you want to use. Run them through a hot wash in the dishwasher or boil for 10 mins in a pot of boiling water and let air dry. It’s best to make sure the tins or jars are completely dry before you use them.

Sterilizing my 1oz tins for 10 minutes in boiling water.

STRAIN

Next you will need to strain the herbs out of the oil but placing a small holed strainer over a bowl. You can use a cheese clothe if you have one on hand or you can even lay the cheesecloth over the strainer for a double strain. Let the oil fall into the bowl and compost the herbs.

There will still be oil after you let it sit for a few minutes. Use a potato masher to get the rest!

MELTING

It’s time to melt the beeswax over the stove. For this, I like to use a double boiler. A simple glass bowl inside of a saucepan with water will work just fine. The idea is not to direct heat the beeswax as it can easily scorch in the bottom of the pan. I added about 2oz of grated local beeswax. If you grate the beeswax blocks (or purchase pellets) it will melt much faster.

If you use raw local beeswax like I do, the beeswax will look like a really dark amber color. Don't worry, it lightens up in the end when it has cooled again! — If you use raw local beeswax like I do, the beeswax will look like a really dark amber color. Don’t worry, it lightens up in the end when it has cooled again!

ADD-INS

You can add in your oil after your wax has melted. The beeswax will look un-melted for a bit while everything remelts and merges together. After you have melted everything 100%, remove from heat and stir in any essential oils you may want to add. Lavender oil is my favorite for healing salves. This finishes the salve recipe. Next it’s time to pour!

Add your oil in! It will look weird as the oil temporarily cools the beeswax before it melts it right back down. Time to add in your essential oils (optional).

POUR

Time to pour your hot salve mixture in. I transferred the melted mixture into a small glass tea pot with a spout to reduce mess. Next, fill the tins or jars of your choice almost to the top. I prefer to leave just a tiny bit of head space especially if you are using a top that doesn’t have any additional space. My tins did have some extra space built into the top, so I could pour it to the tippy top with the salve mixture. Mason jars do not have this extra space, so you will want to leave just a bit of space so the lid fits on properly.

They should be about this full when you are done pouring them.

LET IT COOL

The smaller the container, the less amount of time it takes the salve to cool. Whichever you choose I suggest letting them cool for 12-24 hours before gifting to others. You can put a label on it or just write the ingredients / what it is on the top. You are all done!

When they cool off they will be lighter in color. I like to let them set for at least 12 hours before gifting them.
If they are just for me, I will use them after about an hour.

Christmas is just around the corner. These would make amazing handmade gifts for friends, families, neighbors, or even teachers!