So aside from cooking, I like to get my craft on. I have decided that I will start sharing my little projects with you all. I know, get excited.

I used to have a bunch of these rice sack heating pads years and years ago. I don’t know where they all went, but they are amazing. Perfect for cold nights and aches and pains. You can also toss them in the freezer to use as an ice pack.

Then while surfing the interwebz last month, I came across this post from the totally awesome Bev over at Bev Cooks and then I immediately remembered how wonderful these little rice sacks are. I decided right then that I had to make some A.S.A.P.! If you know how to sew, these D.I.Y. rice sack heating pads are pretty easy to make. And actually, I’m a beginner and so if I can do it, so can you!

So after you read this post, go make a bunch for yourself. Then, go make a bunch for your family and friends to give as gifts this holiday season. They will love you forever.

Ok, let’s get crafty.

Here is what you need:

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

Materials:
– Fabric – You can buy single pieces of fabric (like fat quarters) from your local fabric store. Buy as many as you need.
– Needle and thread
– Rice. Lots of rice. The exact amount you need will depend on how many and the size of the rice sacks you make. For me, it was about 4 cups for 1.
– Essential oils – This is optional, but I recommend getting some because they smell so good, especially when heat the rice sack! I got a bottle of peppermint oil and grapefruit oil. I got mine at Whole Foods.

Alrighty, so the first step is to decide what size and shape you want your rice sack to be. I was able to cut each piece of fabric in half so I could make two rice sacks per piece of fabric. I made two sizes, some smaller rectangular ones (good for the neck, eyes, arms and legs) and then some larger square ones (perfect for the tummy or back). Cut your fabric in half. And this is the time to iron it all out.

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

Fold the fabric so the back side is facing up and then fold the edges over and pin like so:

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

Now it’s time to sew. I used my sewing machine because I wanted a nice and tight stitch, but you can certainly do this by hand. If you decide to sew by hand, I recommend doing a double stitch like Bev did.

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

After you sew up the edges, turn the rice sack right side out. Fill a bowl with the rice. Drop in about 5 drops of the essential oil and toss with your hands. Then pour it into the sack. If you are making a smaller sized rice sack, it may help to use a funnel to pour the rice in (or make your own with a piece of paper). DO NOT fill the sack up all of the way with the rice. You want to be able to bend the rice sack so it will conform to your body. Fill it up about 3/4 of the way.

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

Ok, now here is where things get a little tricky. Closing up the top. I wanted to use my sewing machine to do this which probably made this way more difficult. After doing a few, I got the hang of it though. Again though, you can also do this by hand if it is easier.

Fold the edges in like this:

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

Then, pin along the very edge.

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

Now, stitch up the top!

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

And hey, you’re done!! Now go stick it in the microwave for 1-3 minutes and then get all warm and cozy!

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

D.I.Y. Rice Sack Heating Pads

Oh, and no, the rice will not cook when you put it in the microwave. When you first remove it, it may smell a little “ricey”, but that will fade after a couple of minutes. And this is where those essential oils will help!

Alright, so there you have it, my first craft post. Stay tuned for next week when I will show you a fun holiday decoration idea!