Here's something different - a tussie mussie craft for your Tudor studies! In Tudor times many houses did not have running water and people did not bath as often as they do today. To help mask body odours they would wear nosegays or tussie mussies. These were small posies of strong-smelling herbs and flowers, pinned to the clothes.
To make your own tussie mussie you will need an elastic band (or piece of thread), ribbon or lace and a selection of strong smelling and pretty herbs and flowers. We used roses, cheerfulness, mint and rosemary but you can use any that you have to hand. The following are all good:
Carnations
Chamomile
Honeysuckle
Hyssop
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Lily Of The Valley
Marigolds
Meadowsweet
Mint
Parsley
Rosemary
Roses
Tansy
Thyme
Violets
Yarrow
Arrange your herbs and flowers together in a small posy. Tie with thread or fasten together with an elastic band. Tie a bow of ribbon or lace over the band.
