How To Make Your Own Smudge Sticks At Home

On Wednesday 24th, it was my Mum's birthday, and as we're currently in partial lockdown and trying to be safe with our loved ones, we had an isolated birthday celebration. So, in the spirit of celebrating with a garden full of flowers, and having just made flower crowns to celebrate the Midsummer Solstice at the weekend, I suggested we make some smudge sticks for the next full moon. Using the herbs and plants found in our beautiful garden, these are the three smudge sticks we created. We had so much fun making them that I thought I'd share a little step by step guide so you can create them at home too. 

There are so many different elements of foliage you can include in your smudge sticks, the world really is your oyster when making them. If you are unsure as to what you are adding from your own garden or woodland, I would advise just to double check the safety of burning the plant before you create it. Otherwise you can just use it to hang up as it looks just as pretty as a decoration, as it is useful. As you are collecting your foliage, you will also get to know what smells you prefer, so keep this in mind as you're making them!

What you'll need: 

Herbs, foliage, plants and flowers
Twine or string
Scissors

1.  Gather all of your herbs, foliage and flowers together on the table to make it easier to pick and choose as you build up the shape of your smudge stick. Using herbs as your base structure, with sturdier stems at the bottom, just start adding more and more to your pile. You want to aim for about six inches in length. You can make it bigger, or smaller, if you like, but this is what I have gone for here. 

For my smudge sticks, I have used a combination of: 
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White & Purple Sage -  for purification and cleansing, and to aid in meditation
Rosemary - for protection and purification, to attract positivity and peace
Lavender - to promote peace, and to attract love, happiness and calm
Chamomile - to promote love, peace and to aid in meditation
Thyme - to promote courage, healing and strength
Jasmine - to sustain love, attract money and aid prophetic dreams
Rose - for self love, beauty, passion, healing and goddess vibes 
Feverfew - for protection, purification and to aid in meditation

2.  Once you are happy with the size of your bundle, gather all the stems together and just trim the ends to make sure its tidy, and this will make tying it a whole lot easier! 

3.  I've added rose petals on last, on top of the bundle, as this just shows a pop of colour through out the length of your smudge sticks, and it also ensures you get an even amount of rose as you burn it. 

4.  Now for the tying! Cut about 70cm of twine and fold in half. From this halfway point of your twine, start wrapping it around your smudge stick bundle in opposite directions, over and under, until you secure all of your leaves and flowers in place, and tie in a knot at the base. Alternatively, you can use the end of your twine, allowing a little slack to tie a handle with, and wrap it around the smudge stick bundle, going up and then back down, and tying together in a knot. Both methods will achieve similar results, just pick what's easiest for you, or what aesthetic you'd prefer.

5.  Once you feel that everything in your bundle is secure, and you've tied it in a double knot at the bottom, you can tie another knot with the remaining ends of twine in order to hang your smudge stick up to dry. If you haven't got any twine left in the 70cm strip you cut, just cut and add another piece in order to tie it up with. 

6.  If you've still got herbs left over from your foraging, just make another smudge stick! They make such lovely gifts for friends and family too, so you can never have enough!  Then you want to leave your smudge sticks hanging upside down in a cool, dry place for at least a week or two. Make sure they are completely dry before you use them as any dampness in the foliage will make burning it more difficult. 

7.  Once the smudge sticks are dry, you can light the top end allowing a little flame to burn for a couple of seconds before you blow it out and let the cleansing smoke do it's thing! You can burn them in your home to purify the area, ensuring all corners of the room, and doors and window get extra attention to smudge out bad vibes and negative energies. They can also be burned during rituals, special events, and to aid in daily meditation. Just make sure they are resting in a fireproof bowl, and you don't leave them unattended in the house, or where they can catch fire to other items. 

I really hope you enjoyed this step by step tutorial! I absolutely love making smudge sticks, as it's such a lovely thing to do by yourself, setting intentions for all the things you would like to manifest. However, it's also such a wonderful thing to do with friends and family. You could even host a smudge stick making party where everyone brings one element, and you all make them together! By the way, if you do decide to host a party, make sure my invites in the post too, just saying ... 

Lots of love, and happy making,

​Rosie x