Friends knew they were on the scent of something good, and created their own fair to share the joy

Gale Blasquez doesn't see the world through lavender-colored glasses - yet. But give the Albany crafter time, and she may find a way to make a pair.

Blasquez grows approximately 300 lavender plants of different varieties at her home east of Albany. Last year, she and a few friends turned her lavender harvest into a small event, with crafts and gifts made from the sweet-smelling blooms.

They had such a good time they decided to throw a full-scale festival this year, inviting the public to the Blasquez home on two Saturdays in June.

"I have two 'whimsical women-friends,' Diane Sjolander and Rosanne Beltram. They are my inspiration, the wind beneath my wings," Blasquez said fondly. "We all decided we needed a little joy in our life."

Joy being lavender-scented, the three spent several weeks crafting lavender soaps, creams, sachets and firestarters. They baked some 32 dozen lavender-flavored cookies and stirred up crocks of lavender lemonade. They drove to Portland to purchase six wooden doors for $1 each to use as vendor backdrops.

"Then we spent, like, $75 on paint to paint them," Beltram said with a wry chuckle. "That's our biggest joke of the day."

Last Saturday, the three friends dressed in lavender aprons (courtesy of Beltram) and welcomed guests to MoonShadow Farm for their first full-scale Lavender Faire.

Visitors were invited to browse 20 booths, featuring fused glass, jewelry and wooden planters mixed in with the lavender products. Live folk music drifted over the Pinot noir grapevines planted by Gale's husband, Ric, as visitors sampled lavender-flavored treats.

"I was inside frantically making lavender coffee this morning," Gale Blasquez said.

Guests included Bonnie Griffin of Albany, one of Gale's employees. She's allergic to lavender, but came to support her friend anyway, and to buy several products - to give as gifts.

"Allergies didn't deter me," she said, laughing.

Gale works at Senior and Disabled Services as a program manager. Ric retired in 2006 as principal of North Albany Elementary School. Both wanted a place with room to plant, Gale said.

Lavender, she said, "is a beautiful plant. It smells fabulous, it's relaxing."

"I think next year I might plant 500 more."

IF YOU GO:

What: Lavender Faire at MoonShadow Farm; gifts and crafts for sale, live music and demonstrations

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: 34556 Mountain View Place, off Scravel Hill Road approximately seven miles northeast of downtown Albany

Admission: $2 per person, which includes lavender-flavored refreshments