DIY // spring smudge sticks

I am soooo excited for spring. It’s time for blossoming flowers, wardrobe refreshes, and, of course, spring cleaning! Reorganizing my space and clearing away winter’s dirt and debris has become a calming, introspective time for me — a treasured ritual I look forward to every year.

Just as important as the elbow grease and cleaning spray is smudging, aka using smoke to cleanse away negativity and cast out winter blues. Make your own smudge sticks for a fresh start to spring in a few easy steps.

I love this project because all you need are a few flowers and herbs from the yard and some household items. Plus, we’re sharing a few of our favorite combinations!

Tools

• floral sheers

Materials

• flowers
• herbs
• twine

Start by trimming your greenery to size and securing at the base with a short piece of twine. Next, cut a long piece of twine (about an arms-length) and find the middle, tie this around the base of your smudge stick and begin to cross it back and forth.

Make sure to tie it very tightly so that it stays bound when as the flowers dry and shrink. Once you’ve bound your smudge stick all the way to the top, tie it securely and trim the excess twine. Allow to dry for at least 2-weeks and enjoy in your own space or give as a gorgeous spring cleaning gift.

Heather, Rosemary & Aussie Bells

This is a lovely combination, with rosemary’s smudging properties of mental clarity and calmness taking center stage. Let go of any negative thoughts or emotions you’ve been holding on to and enter this new season with a fresh start.

Eucalyptus, Lavender & Acacia

I looooove the relaxing, spa-like fragrance of eucalyptus! Combining it’s healing properties of purification and protection with lavender’s use for attracting peace, happiness and restful sleep, this is the perfect smudge stick for a calm beginning to ease into spring. (editor’s note from Joanna: this is definitely the one I’ll be burning in my new house to cleanse the space before I move in!)

Garden Rose, Acacia & Dusty Miller

The rose is used for meditation, divination, increasing psychic abilities and communication… and of course because they smell so good! Add white sage to your smudge for extra purifying powers and nothing can stand in your way to a bright and happy fresh start.

To use your smudge stick, light with a plain wax candle until the end is fully lit and smoking. Start in the center of the space and move in a counter-clockwise motion, leaving a door or window open so the negative energy (and smoke) can escape.

Project and styling by Gwen McKenzie for Jojotastic.

Photography by Meghan Klein. 

pssst… more DIY projects right this way & check out our autumn smudge sticks!

Leave a comment and let us know what you think of this spring smudge stick tutorial! And if you make a batch, be sure to post a photo and tag @jojotastic on Instagram so we can see.