As we prepare to welcome winter, let’s also prepare our hearts and bodies for the change in season. Maybe it’s time to let the season shape your movements and decisions with a positive light. Rather than letting the chaos of the holidays drag us down, let’s look to rejuvenate our souls. These three wintry projects will help you do just that. Pinecone fire starters will help you settle in for a cozy night, while the whipped body butter and simple body scrub recipes will prepare your skin with exfoliation and moisturization. Try each one to brighten up this season and enjoy the darker days ahead.

Simple Body Scrub for Winter Exfoliation

by Kristy Doubet Haare from Willow and Sage Winter 2021

You Will Need

• • Bowl: small
• • ½ cup unrefined coconut oil
• • ¾ cup granulated sugar
• • Fork
• • 2 tsp. poppy seeds/dried orange peel

To Make

In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil and granulated sugar with a fork until a scrub-like consistency forms. Add the poppy seeds or dried orange peels. To use, scoop a small amount into your hand and massage in a circular motion, paying attention to areas that are especially prone to dryness. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Repeat one to two times per week.

Pinecone Firestarters for Cozy Winter Nights

by Amber Demien from Willow and Sage Winter 2021

You Will Need

• • Pinecones: open, dry
• • Wax
• • Tin can: large
• • Paper towels
• • Paper plate
• • Parchment paper
• • Potholder
• • Pot
• • Plastic fork
• • Oven mitts
• • Epsom salt

To Make

Choose pinecones that are open and dry to make sure they will burn easily. Clean any loose debris from the pinecones. Chop or break the wax into smaller pieces so they will melt faster. Fill a large tin can about three-quarters full of wax pieces. Set up your work area with paper towels to catch any dripping wax. Cover a paper plate with a piece of parchment paper so the pinecones have a place to dry, and set up a potholder covered with a paper towel for the hot can.

Make a double boiler by filling a pot with a few inches of water and placing the wax-filled can in the center of the pot. Bring the water to a light boil, and stir the wax constantly with a plastic fork. Once the wax is melted, turn off the heat, put on oven mitts, carefully remove the can, and place it on the potholder. Gently place a pinecone into the melted wax, and use a plastic fork to slowly turn and coat with wax. Remove the pinecone and place it on the parchment paper.

Repeat for the remaining pinecones. At first the wax on the pinecones will be transparent, but once it starts to dry it will become opaque. When the wax is semi-opaque, repeat the dipping process until you have the desired amount of wax. After the last dipping, quickly sprinkle Epsom salt on the pinecone before the wax dries. If the wax in the can starts to harden while you’re still working, place it back into the pot of water; the residual heat should be enough to re-melt the wax.

Natural Winter Skin Care: Whipped Body Butter

by Vivi Locicero from Willow and Sage Winter 2021

You Will Need

• • Double boiler
• • ¼ cup coconut oil
• • ¼ cup shea butter
• • ¼ cup cocoa butter
• • ¼ cup jojoba oil
• • Spoon
• • Bowl
• • Handheld mixer/Immersion blender
• • 2–4 tsp. vanilla extract
• • 35 drops sweet orange essential oil (optional)
• • 5 drops ylang-ylang essential oil (optional)
• • Glass jar

To Make

In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter over low heat. Add the jojoba oil, and stir until mixed together and completely melted. Remove from the heat, and let it cool down for about 10–15 minutes. Transfer the liquid into a bowl. Cover the bowl, and place it in the fridge for about an hour or until the center starts to solidify. Whip the mixture using a handheld mixer or immersion blender until it changes color and becomes fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and essential oils, if desired, and mix well. Store the body butter in a glass jar for up to one year in a cool, dark place.

Find more recipes to welcome winter in our latest issue of Willow and Sage.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.