| Rice Bag Bed Buddies |
| Do you complain about cold feet or hands, or get really bad headaches? Do you use a heating pad a lot, but are worried about its safety? Well here is something that just might help. Just pop them in the microwave for a few minutes until they get hot enought. Depending on the size you make, they will stay hot up to 3 or 4 hours. What you Need: Heavy material such as canvas or denim. Two pieces at least 10" X 11" for the back or 5" X 12" for your neck. Some light weight material like cotton or a poly/cotton blend for the cover (cut slightly larger than the canvas). You will need at least 3 cups of rice to fill the bag (don't use the inute rice) and potpourri, spices or herbs for a nice smelling bag (optional). What to Do: 1. Cut the heavy material to the size and shape you want (you will probably have to experiment a little). Then cut the light weight material a little bigger to match (this will be the cover since you can't wash the rice bag). 2. Sew up all the sides with right sides together until you have just enough space left to pour in the rice. (using a funnel makes this so much easier) 3. Pour in the rice and sew the ends. If you don't like the smell of rice, you can add some herbs or potpourri. The smell of cooked rice goes away after you use the bag several times. These are great for children when they have an ear ache. Use cute material or make it in an animal shape. Or take the inside out of a stuffed animal and sew the rice bag in. Just make sure the aminal doesn't have any parts that will melt in the microwave and be sure you don't get them too hot. 4. Make the rice bag cover. Here's a quick and easy way to make a rice bag sent in by Bethany Davis or Birmingham, Alabama. "I took one of my husband's old athletic socks that was too stretched out to use anymore. (clean, of course!) Fill the sock with rice and tie a knot at the top. Instant rice sock, we call it. It's the perfect size for wrapping around your nec or shoulders, or for the small of your back in the car on a cold day. And even those of us who are sewing machine impaired can make this one!" * I would like to add that you can also use your Rice Bag as a cold compress for those Big boo's boo's. All you need to do is put it in the freezer for a couple of hours and it's ready. I would make at least two one for the freezer and one for the microwave. That way I will have both a hot and a cold available to me. |