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I *love* crafting. I am more of a traditional artist however, working with pens, pencils, paints, etc... but that doesn't mean I don't like to whip up a crazy bath, or get buried in a nifty project.

I've used multiple sources to provide project ideas to honor the gods and assist with sleep. You could always knock yourself out with an elephant tranquilizer, but I, uh, don't know how to make that, and I don't have $1,200.00 and the appropriate liscences for such a tranq... but I think a nice chamomile tea or lavender sleepy pillow does nicely.

Everything listed here are all projects that can be made in the comfort of your own home. You don't need to be Martha Stewart to pop out some knock-out tea, or make a pleasing, smelly potpourri to calm the senses. You won't need an elaborate evil laboratory for your vile, demented schemes (you want to avoid the FBI don't you?), but you will need eagerness, the desire to have fun, and the drive to try out nifty new things.

Herbal Tisanes

Chamomile Tea

Sleepy Tea 1

Sleepy Tea 2

Sleepy Tea 3

Exhaustion Tea 1

Exhaustion Tea 2

Exhaustion Tea 3

Exhaustion Tea 4

Calming Tea 1

Calming Tea 2

Calming Tea 3

Calming Tea 4

No-Nightmares Tea

Night Sweats Tea

Decoctions

Compresses

Tinctures

Hygiene

Bath

Herbal Bath Splash

Floral Bath Gels

Frothy Bath Oil

Honey and Herb Soap

Elizabethan Washballs

Bath Sachets

Herbal Calming Bath

A Balmy Bath

Another Sleepy Bath

Creams

Lavender Cleansing Cream

Chamomile Cleansing Milk

Rose-Petal Cleansing Cream

Floral Hand Gel

Lotions

Lavender Flower Splash

Facial Steams

Herbal Facial Steam

Fragrances

Lavender Water

Rosewater

Hair

Home

Candles

Incense

Aromatherapy

Potpourri

Tangibles

Sleep Pillow

Lavender "Bottles"

Teapot Mats

Drawer Satchets

Scented Paper

Chow

Relaxing Foods

Beverages

Iced Jasmine Water

Dessert

Lavender Creme Fraiche Chocolates

Violet Honey

Flavored Sugar

Candied Flowers

Rose-Petal Pudding

Fun Stuff

Sources

• "The Herb Book, by John Lust
• "The Herb Bible", by Peter McHoy, and Pamela Westland
• "Exotic Herbs", by Carole Saville
• "MayoClinic.com: Foods that help you sleep: Does warm milk really work?"
• National Sleep Foundation

Chamomile Tea
A nice hot cup of chamomile tea works great before bed.
Infuse a heaped teaspoon of dried flowers in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, and drink hot.
For more effectiveness, add a pinch or two of dried lavender flowers. The lavender flowers can be added to pretty much any tea for increased effectiveness.

Sleepy Tea 1
1 part valerian
2 parts St. Johnswort
3 parts Hop
5 parts lavender flowers
10 parts primrose flowers
Steep 1 1/2 tsp of the mixture into 1/2 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Don't add honey until the tisane is just cool enough to drink. Drink before going to sleep!

Sleepy Tea 2
3 parts hops
2 parts valerian root
Steep 1 tsp. of the mixture into 1/2 cup of boiling water. Take 1/2 - 1 cup of the tea per day, unsweetened, in mouthful doses. Do not take this tisane for more than 2 - 3 weeks without interruption.

Sleepy Tea 3
Lavender flowers
Primrose flowers
St. Johnswort
Valerian root
Mix all of these ingredients in equal parts. Steep 1 heaping tsp. into 1/2 cup of boiling water. Take a mouthful dose at a time just before going to bed.

Exhaustion Tea 1
Balm
Hops
Valerian root
Mix in equal parts, and steep 1 tsp. in 1/2 cup of boiling water.

Exhaustion Tea 2
Good for nervous insomnia.
2 parts dill seed
2 parts anise seed
1 part chamomile
1 part hops
Steep 1 tsp. of the mixture into half a cup of boiling water. Add 1 tsp. of honey when the tisane is lukewarm. Drink before going to sleep.

Exhaustion Tea 3
Dill seed
Fennel seed
Peppermint leaves
Mix in equal parts. Steep 1 tsp. into half a cup of boiling water. Drink a half cup of the warm tisane before bed. Add raw sugar or water if desired.

Exhaustion Tea 4
Valerian
Balm
Lavender
Milfoil
Mix in equal parts. Steep 1 - 2 tsp. in 1/2 a cup of boiling water for a few minutes. Drink warm.

Calming Tea 1
Hops
Lavender flowers
Balm leaves
Primrose
Mix in equal parts. Steep 1 tsp. into half a cup of boiling water. Take half to 1 cup a day in mouthful doses. Do not sweeten.

Calming Tea 2
1 part chamomile
1 part lavender flowers
1 part peppermint leaves
2 parts Valerian root
3 parts Fennel Seed
3 parts Milfoil
Steep 1 tsp. in half a cup of boiling water. Take half a warm cup a day.

Calming Tea 3
3 parts valerian root
3 parts peppermint leaves
4 parts buck bean
Steep 1 tsp. in half a cup of boiling water. Take 1/2 to 1 cup a day, served warm.

Calming Tea 4
Valerian
Hops
Lavender flowers
Balm
Chamomile
Anise
Mix in equal parts. Steep 1 tbsp. of the mixture into half a cup of boiling water. Take 1 cup a day.

No-Nightmares Tea
This isn't the ultimate cure for nightmares... but valerian assists with stress - which is the most common contributor to nightmares.
DO NOT CONSUME ANISE WHILE PREGNANT.
Anise
Valerian root
Mix in equal parts. Simmer 1 tsp. of the mixture into half a cup of water for 15 minutes. Let the tisane cool before straining. If needed, add enough water to restore the volume lost in simmering. Take just before hitting the hay.

Night Sweats Tea
12 parts wild sage leaves
4 parts buck bean
2 parts boneset
2 parts rosemary leaves
Steep 1 tsp. mixture into 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes, then strain. Consume before going to bed.

Herbal Bath Splash
Makes about 2 pints.
1 handful of blackberry or eucalyptus leaves
2 pints of soft water or rainwater
5 tbsp. of grated castile soap
Combine the water and leaves in a pan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and allow to infuse for 2 hours. Next, strain the infusion, discard the leaves, and return the liquid to the pan. Bring the infusion to a boil and beat in the grated soap. Beat until the soap is completely dissolved, then remove from heat and allow the mix to completely cool. Once the mix has cooled, you can pour it into a bottle and store in the refrigerator. You can use this creamy splash as a soft soap.

Floral Bath Gels
Use fresh or dried flowers and grind into a paste or a powder. Dried flowers are stronger, and fresh flowers are weaker. Makes about 1 cup.
3 tbsp. of fresh or dried flowers, picked from the stalks
1/2 a cup of water
12 tbsp. of grated castile soap
3 - 4 drops of lavender or thyme oil (optional)
Add the water to a pan and bring to a boil. Beat in grated castile soap until it has dissolved, then remove the pan from heat. Stir in the flowers, and if you wish, the oil. Leave to cool, then pour into bottles and store in the refrigerator. Use as a soft soap.

Frothy Bath Oil
This bath oil will feed, soothe, and moisturize the skin. Makes about 4 1/2 cups.
2 eggs
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup corn oil
1/2 cup almond oil
2 tbsp. clear honey
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vodka (unflavored)
1 tbsp. milk soap flakes
3 drops of essential oil from an herb of your choice (or a blend of 3 different herbs, 1 drop each... the choice is yours!)
Beat together the eggs, oils, and honey. Add the milk, vodka, soap flakes, and essential oils, still beating. Pour into bottles, cover, label, and store in the refrigerator. Add one tablespoonful under the faucet when running water for a warm bath.

Honey and Herb Soap
Making your own soap can be messy. So if you want to be lazy, you can just add some of your essential oils to castile soap. But that takes the fun out of everything! Makes about 1 bar of soap.
10 tbsp. grated castile soap
1/2 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp. clear honey
2 - 3 drops of essential oil
A tray lined with wax paper
Molds in shapes you enjoy - stars, hearts, penises, whatever dips your flipper! (Yes, there are penis-shaped molds)
Add the grated soap to the top of a double boiler, or add to a bowl in the microwave set to low power. Melt the soap. Stir in the olive oil, a drop or two at a time. Stir in the honey and essential oil, then remove from heat. Continue to stir until the mixture is well-blended. Pour the mixture into your molds, cover and leave undisturbed so that the soap may set. This may take up to two weeks. Unmold and wrap the soap in wax paper to store. While the soap is setting, you can also add rope before the soap solidifies. Like, you know, if you are in prison or something, or shower with a bunch of froggy dudes. =P

Elizabethan Washballs
A simple, vintage soap that is easy and fun to make! Makes about 10 oz.
6 oz. pure grated castile soap
1/2 cup of rosewater, plus extra for brushing
Melt the soap in a double boiler or in a microwaveable bowl, and stir in the rosewater. Beat until the mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Use a teaspoon to form into small balls. Dry on waxpaper in a cool place. After the washballs are hardened, moisten a cotton ball with rosewater and polish the soap balls.

Bath Sachets
A bath sachet is always better to use. Otherwise if you just toss in a handful of herbs, you will have bits and pieces all over you when you get out of the tub. They get all over your clothes and poke you when you try to lay down.
Cheesecloth or a perforated tea infuser
Your favorite blend of dried herbs
Place the herbal blend into the cheesecloth and tie it tightly shut, or add to the tea infuser and close firmly. Suspend your sachet directly below the faucet and run hot bath water.

Herbal Calming Bath
Mix and match the herbs to your heart's content.
Calming: Valerian, balm, marjoram, hops, passion flower.
Cleansing: Lovage, milfoil, lemongrass, geranium leaves.
Healing: Peppermint, milfoil, chamomile flowers, elder flowers, linden flowers, rosemary, lovage.
Moisturizing: Orange blossoms, chamomile flowers, rose leaves, rose petals, rose hips, white willow bark.
Simmer your chosen herb mixture for 10 to 20 minutes in 1 quart of water. Strain the herbs, and place the herbs into a sealable cloth bag, or folded washcloth. If you have your herbs in the cloth bag, suspend it directly under the bath faucet when running your bath. Pour the decoction you made earlier into your bath water. If you opted to place the herbs into a carefully-folded washcloth, then use this to clean yourself.

A Balmy Bath
If you suffer from insomnia or other nervous problems, this easy bath should help you calm down.
2 oz. balm leaves
1 quart boiling water
Steep the balm leaves into the boiling water for 15 minutes. Add to your bath water. Be careful not to burn yourself.

Another Sleepy Bath
This project will take half a day to complete. Start this one early in the morning, and use it for your evening bath ritual.
3 - 4 oz. valerian root
1 quart of cold water
Soak the valerian in the cold water for 10 - 12 hours, then bring to a boil. Boil briefly. Add to your bath water.

Creams

Cream is an excellent vehicle for herbal remedies and cosmetics. Cream helps to moisturize and nourish the skin.

Lavender Cleansing Cream
Lavender feeds and refreshes the skin. This cream is good for dry skin, as it helps replenish natural oils. Due to the presence of cider vinegar, this may not be suitable for sensitive skin. Makes 1 cup.
6 tbsp. almond oil
10 tbsp. grated white wax
3 tbsp. lavender water
1/2 tsp. cider vinegar
1 drop oil of lavender (optional)
Melt the oil and wax in the top of a double boiler. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then beat in the lavender water, cider vinegar, and oil of lavender (oil of lavender optional). Pour the cream into a lidded jar. Do not refrigerate. When you use this cream, avoid the eyes and sensitive areas on your body. Remove the cream with cotton balls.

Chamomile Cleansing Milk
The lemon juice in this project makes this suitable for normal and oily skins.
1/2 cup of buttermilk
2 tbsp. lemon juice
3 tbsp. chamomile tisane
Beat the ingredients together until well blended. Pour into jars and store in the refrigerator. Soak a pad of absorbent cotton in the preparation and wipe it lightly over your skin. Avoid wiping around your eyes.

Rose-Petal Cold Cream
This is best used as a moisturizing night cream. It's good for all skin types. Makes 1/2 cup.
Approx. 1 1/2 cups of damask rose petals or other scented rose petals
6 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp. purified beeswax
1 tsp. of distilled water.
Discard any petals that contain blemishes. Gently heat the olive oil in the top of a double boiler. Stir in as many rose petals as the oil can hold. Remove from heat. Cover and infuse for a week. Strain the oil through a non-metallic strainer, and press the petals against the sides to extract as much oil as possible.
Melt the beeswax in a bowl over simmering water, then gradually stir in the fragrant oil. Remove from heat and add the water, drop by drop, until the cream has the consistency you like. Pour the cream into a jar to keep.

Floral Hand Gel
Apply this hand gel sparingly, and rub it well into the skin.
1/2 cup petroleum jelly
2 tbsp. lavender flowers, stripped from the stalks
1 cup of chamomile flowers
Heat the jelly in a double boiler. Stir in as many flowers as the jelly can take up. Cover and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Strain through a non-metallic strainer, and press the flowers against the sides to extract as much oil as possible. Pour the jelly into jars for keeping.

Lotions

Lotions are not always gel-like, such as the commercial varieties you'll find in stores. Unlike cream, you rub the lotion into its skin, or it gets the hose again. Oh, I'm sorry. I meant, rub the lotion into your skin, and you don't have to remove it. It absorbs into your skin and disperses its helpful properties.

Lavender Flower Splash
This gentle lotion tones, tightens, and refreshes the skin. Makes 3/4 of a cup.
5 tbsp. lavender water
5 tbsp. witch hazel
5 tbsp. strained lemon juice
2 - 3 drops oil of lavender
Pour all of the ingredients into a bottle. close it with a cap or cork, and shake it vigorously. Shake well before use.

Facial Steams

Facial steams have a number of useful effects: not only do these steams disperse the herbal properties into your facial skin, but you can also inhale the steam and become soothed and refreshed.

Herbal Facial Steam
This facial steam cleanses both dry and greasy skins. Use chamomile to cleanse, cool, and soothe. Use mint for its astringent, cleansing, and soothing properties.
2 cups of fresh herb or 1 cup of dried herb
Hot water (not boiling)
Place the herbs in a bowl, and pour in the hot water. Stir well. Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam, and steam your face for five minutes. If your skin is dry, nourish it by massaging in a little moisturizing cream after steaming.
Using boiling water will evaporate the volatile oils in the herbs. Please use hot water instead of boiling water!

Fragrances

You don't have to shell out $80.00 for a nice perfume; you can readily make a variety of peaceful fragrances out of herbs, flowers, and common household objects.

Lavender Water
You can splash this on your body right after a bath or shower. You can also sprinkle a few drops onto a handkerchief and huff it.
2 cups of lavender flowers
2 pints of distilled water
2 tbsp. vodka
Boil the distilled water. Place the flowers into a flameproof container, and add the boiling water. Stir well. Cover and leave to infuse for about 48 hours. Stir occasionally. Strain the liquid through a non-metallic strainer and press the flowers against the sides to extract the maximum fragrance. Stir in the vodka and pour into bottles.

Rosewater
Rosewater has been used during the Victorian era as a quick refresher. True rosewater is made by distilling roses, and extract rose oil. Makes 2 1/2 cups.
10 cups of fragrant rose petals (traditionally Damask roses)
2 1/2 cups of distilled water
1 tsp. liquid storax
1 tsp. tincture of benzoin
Put the rose petals and water into a pan which has a tight-fitting lid, or cover the pan tightly with foil. Bring the water slowly to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer very slowly for two hours. Remove from heat, and simmer very slowly for two hours. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse for about 48 hours. Bring the water and the petals to a boil again, simmer for a further hour, and leave to cool. Strain through a non-metallic strainer, pressing the petals against the sides to extract the maximum fragrance. Stir in the storax and tincture of benzoin. Pour into bottles.

Sleep Pillow
Minimal sewing skills are required for this project.
2 oz. dried lavender flowers
4 oz. dried chamomile flowers
4 oz. fragrant rose petals
2 tsp. lightly crushed coriander seeds
1 small, cumbled cinnamon stick
2 tbsp. dried orris root powder
Enough fabric to be loosely filled with the herb mixture, preferably cotton.
Cut your fabric into two pieces. 7 inches by 5 inches should be large enough, but do not cut the fabric to be any smaller; the pillow should be loosely filled, not stuffed.
Place the fabric with the right sides together, and stitch them together on 3 sides only (you need one side open to add the mixture). Flip the pillow inside-out so that the right sides of the fabric are now outside.
Mix all of the ingredients together and store them in a tightly covered jar for two weeks, stirring or shaking the contents every day. Pack the dried mixture into the pillow.
Stitch the final, open side of the pillow closed, and you have your pillow! Whenever you'd like a huff, pull out your pillow and give it a shake to release the fragrance.

Lavender Bottles
You can place these into drawers, on coat hangers, or arrange three or more into a dish, or in the bedroom or bathroom.
22 long stalks of lavender in full flower
Approx. 2 feet of satin ribbon, 1/4 of an inch wide.
Gather the lavender stems together, with the flowerheads level. Tie them together with one end of the ribbon just below the flowers. Turn the bunch upside-down and bend the stalks downward, from just below the ribbon, so that they cover the flowerheads. Space out the stems in pairs and weave the free end of the ribbon over and under alternate pairs of stems so taht it encloses the flowers. Pull the ribbon more tightly at the top and bottom of the design, so that the "bottle" has more fullness in the center. Tie the ribbon in a bow, finish the ends, and trim the stalks.
This is how the finished product should appear:

Here are illustrated steps from downsizer.net:
The materials
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Weaving
Even more weaving!

Teapot Mats
Minimal sewing skill is required
Enough fabric to make a mat large enough to carry a hot teapot
Enough dried herbs (chamomile or lavender are best, you can try jasmine) to firmly pack the mat.
Cut the fabric into whatever shape you wish (circles, squares, stars, hearts, etc.). Place the fabric right sides together. Stitch the sides together, leaving a couple of inches unstitched on the sides. This will allow you to pack the mat.
Pull the fabric inside out so that the right sides face outward.
Fill the bag with the herb mixture and sew the mat shut. Every time you set a hot teapot on the mat, the herbal fragrance will be released!

Drawer Sachets
You can use these to scent drawers, closets, hang on door handles, light pulls, window shades, etc.
Small, spherical bags
Herbal mixture from your sleep pillow
Prepare the herb mixture as in the Sleep Pillow project. Pack the sachets with the herbs, and close the bags either by stitching them shut, or tying them tight with a ribbon.

Scented Paper
This project works great for rituals and spells. Hypnos also doesn't mind hymns and other things written upon lavender-scented paper. On a side note... I almost called this project "Smelly Paper", but I wanted to do the original some justice.
Plastic container
Plastic saran wrap
A drawer sachet
A few sheets of your favorite stationary or handmade paper
Place a few sheets of your paper into the plastic conainer. If you place too many, the scent will be far too weak. Place your drawer sachet into the box with the paper, and seal the seran wrap over the opening of the box. Close the lid onto the box; the saran helps to seal in the smelliness of the sachet. Leave this in a cool, dry place for two or three weeks to fully impregnate the paper with your desired fragrance.

Food can make or break your sleep. Of course, food alone can't cure your sleeping problems, but a proper, healthy diet with regular exercise beats any quick-fix snacks or foods every time.
Foods that contain tryptophan, a slight amount of protein, and a high amount of carbs are helpful for relaxation. According to MayoClinic, tryptophan converts melatonin into seratonin, which induces sleep. Foods that are high in carbohydrates and low in protein increase the availability of tryptophan to your brain.
Foods that contain typtophan include warm milk, oats, bananas, poultry, and peanuts.
Avoid protein-rich foods before bedtime. That t-bone steak may make you ready for naptime, but foods that are high in protein usually contain tyrosine - "an amino acid that stimulates brain activity." Ever have a problem with your mind racing at night and causing sleep loss? Put away that T-bone steak topped with peanut butter, scrambled eggs, and hamburger. Not only will such a dish cause your arteries to erupt and heart to explode, but that protein-packed chum will keep you up all night.
Avoid spicy foods before bed. Even if you have an iron stomach, any discomfort can keep you awake. Avoid excessive liquids so you don't have to wake up repeatedly to use the restroom. You also don't want to wet the bed... that is, you know, kind of nasty. =P
Alcohol will make your sleep restless, make you use the restroom a lot, liquefy your liver, etc. Your friends will also do things to you while you are unconscious, like putting your hand in a cup of warm water, drawing obscene things on your body, or do something compromising to your pride and putting it on YouTube. Not that I'm suggesting anything. =D
Lastly - and obviously - DON'T CONSUME CAFFEINE OR ENERGY SUPPLEMENTS. A can of Red Bull won't put you to sleep. Caffeine takes effect within 15 - 45 minutes of consumption, and can remain in the body for longer than 6 hours.
If you want to eat just before bedtime, eat only a small snack... to much food will prevent you from falling asleep, or make your sleep restless.

Beverages

The beverages listed here are not the same as the medicinal tisanes I've added earlier on this page. These beverages are good served with meals, and will help relax you.

Iced Jasmine Water
This is a very simple but exotic recipe. Make sure the flowers you collect have not been treated with harmful pesticides.
"Grand Duke of Tuscany" jasmine flowers in bloom (arabian jasmine)
Enough filtered water or bottled water to fill an entire pitcher
Strainer
2 pitchers
Fill a pitcher with the filtered or bottled water. Rinse off the flowers and make sure that insects, dirt, and dust are cleaned off before adding several to the pitcher of water. Tightly seal the pitcher and refrigerate for 24 hours. This is enough time to allow the flowers to perfume the water. Strain the liquid into another pitcher and discard the used flowers. Your jasmine water is done! It's best served in a tall glass of ice on a hot summer day. If you like, you may top your drink with a jasmine flower, rose petals, English lavender, or white or blue borage.

Dessert

A sweet treat is just the thing to liven the soul. And the great news: CHOCOLATE does not contain a lot of caffeine! But here's a dish-served-cold for you chocoholics: if you down that whole box of super-dark cacao cuisine, you're not going to crash any time soon!
According to WiseGeek.com, dark chocolate has a higher amount of caffeine than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate can contain about 10mg of caffeine per ounce of chocolate, while milk chocolate usually contains around 5 mg or less per ounce of chocolate. White chocolate contains no caffeine, because the ingredients used for this divine concoction are caffeine-free!
Therefore, a piece of chocolate is okay to eat. By "a piece of chocolate", I do not mean the whole damn bar. =P
Peanut butter is high in carbs and low in protein, and helps your body absorb tryptophan. If sugar gives you a rush, why not try honey as a tasty substitute? Hmm... honey-coated peanuts? Yum!

Lavender Creme Fraiche Chocolates
Couverture chocolate provides a thinner, glossier coat than regular baking chocolate. Makes 8 candies, and this recipe may be doubled!
1 cup creme fraiche
2 tbsp. of finely chopped fresh lavender leaves, or 1 tsp. of dried lavender leaves
2 tbsp. of superfine sugar
Candy thermometer
4 oz. of bittersweet or milk chocolate, couverture chocolate, or semi-sweet, or milk chocolate baking squares
Combine the creme fraiche and lavender leaves in a medium-sized bowl. Stir well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours. This allows the creme fraiche to be scented by the lavender. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, and discard the leaves. Stir in the sugar until well-blended.
Line a colander with a damp cheesecloth. Pour the lavender-infused creme fraiche into the colander. Gather up the cheesecloth and fold it over the mixture. Drain at room temperature for at least 3 hours, or until the mixture is dry in texture. Refrigerate the mix until cold.
Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler set over very hot water, but don't let the water touch the bottom of the insert. When the chocolate is melted (88 - 91 degrees F. for dark chocolate, and 84 - 87 degrees for milk chocolate), transfer to a small, steep ceramic bowl or custard cup.
Remove the chilled creme fraiche from the fridge. Spoon up about a tsp. of the mix at a time, and form 8 spheres, about 1 inch in diameter. Gently shape these between the palms of your hands. Place the spheres on a cold plate. Dip each sphere into the melted chocolate so that it is completely enrobed. Lift the spheres with a spoon and return them to the plate. Set aside in a cool, dry place until the chocolate has firmed, and then store in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you store for several days, the flavors will mellow.

Violet Honey
Violet is a great additive for soothing insomnia. Try some of this violet honey with peanut butter and a whole wheat bagel before bed. Makes 1 cup.
1 cup of clear honey
1/2 cup of sweet violet petals
Pour the honey into the top of a double boiler, or a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir in the violet petals, cover, and heat for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and leave to infuse for seven days. Reheat the honey to make it easy to pour, and strain it into a jar for keeping.

Flavored Sugars
Superfine or confectioner's sugar
Herb of choice (such as rose petals)
Blend the sugar and herbs into a tightly-lidded jar, and leave for a week. The intensity will depend on the amount of herb you use... 1 tbsp. of herb per cup of sugar should be sufficient. Before you use any sugar, strain out any loose leaves or flower that may still be in the sugar.

Candied Flowers
Use only flowers that you know are edible.
Enough edible flowers to decorate as you wish (borage, pot marigold, sweet marjoram, thyme, sweet Cicely, lavender, sweet violet, or rose)
Small culinary brush
One egg-white
Superfine sugar
Wax paper or parchment paper.
Cut clustered flowers into small sprays. For rose petals, pull off each petal separately. For individual flowers, cut the flowerheads from the stalks.
Whip the egg white until it is just frothy, and use your brush to paint the entire surface of each flower. Make sure you don't leave any part exposed to air. Lightly sprinkle on superfine sugar to cover the surfaces completely. Spread the sugared flowers on wax or parchment paper and leave to dry for two hours. Store in single layers between paper in an airtight container.

Rose-Petal Pudding
This recipe is based on an 18th-century English dessert called "Junket", or "swaying cream". Serves 4.
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 tbsp. rose-petal superfine sugar
1 tsp. powdered gelatin
2 tbsp. triple rosewater
1 cup heavy cream or whipped cream
Candied rose petals, to decorate.
Heat the milk and sugar to boiling point, stirring once or twice. Remobe from heat and stir in the powdered gelatin and rosewater. Pour into a glass dish and leave uncovered for 30 minutes, until the dessert is just set. Once the pudding is set, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks (or just buy whipped cream). Spread the whipped cream over the top and decorate with the candied rose petals.