Handcraft an Organic Loofah
Loofah sponges stimulate your circulatory system, exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin, and massage and activate the nerve cells beneath your skin. Best of all, you can grow them yourself; and they're biodegradable.
The loofah vine is found growing naturally in the Middle East and in India and will thrive in other warm dry areas such as USDA Zone 10. However, with care, you can grow it indoors.
Steps
- Remove the loofah fruit from the vine when ripe.
- Peel off the outer layer of the fruit to reveal the sponge inside.
- Cut the loofah down the middle section.
- Cut out excess spongy area inside. The inside should end up looking hollow.
- Cut the loofah edges down to a small hand-held shape.
- You should now have two separate loofah pieces that are identical in shape and fit against one another.
- Cut a length of fabric. This will serve as the handle that lets you hold the loofah. It only needs to be long enough to fit across the cut-down loofah shape, with edges for tucking under.
- Place the handle across the loofah sponge.
- Tuck each end of the fabric strip into the middle section of the loofah sponge on each side and sandwich into place.
- Stitch the two loofah pieces together, firmly holding the fabric handle in place.
- When you have stitched around the entire loofah sponge, you will be able to hold it with the handle, as demonstrated in this image.
- Finished.
Tips
- Garden centers in home improvement stores often have the seeds, which may be called Loofah Gourd, Chinese Okra, or other names.
- Wrap in recycled paper or add to a basket to give as an organic gift.
- You can find seeds on ebay and other places on the internet if you search for "loofah seeds".
Warnings
- If a loofah is to be used, be sure to periodically clean the loofah by soaking it in a bleach solution. (Many health professionals do not recommend the use of a loofah due to bacteria.)
- Replace the loofah with a new one every 6 weeks if it is to be used daily.
- Do not be overzealous when using the loofah as an exfoliating tool as this may irritate the skin.
Things You'll Need
- Loofah fruit
- Fabric strip
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
Related Articles
- Make a Loofah Basket
- Soften a Hard Loofah
- Clean a Loofah or Natural Sponge
- Have a Relaxing Spa Day at Home
- Make Bath Bombs
Sources and Citations
- VideoJug Video demonstration of article; made by Giannyl. Original source of article; shared with permission & appreciation.
