rice bag craft

**Sara Noel** · 08-18-2002, 04:59 PM

http://www.geocities.com/kraftprojec...ling-pads.html

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 minute rice) and potpourri, spices or herbs for a nice smelling bag (optional).

What to do:

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).
Sew up all the sides with right sides together until you have just enough space left to pour in the rice.
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 animal doesn't have any parts that will melt in the microwave and be sure you don't get them too hot.
Make the rice bag cover.

and poems for the rice bags:

This little pillow filled with rice
Is such a comforting device.
Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes on HIGH
And kiss those aches and pains good-bye.

Apply it to a troubled spot.
The heat will ease the pain a lot.
Or warm those little toes so cold.
You'll find this nice to have and hold.

Or freeze it for a little while
And fix that boo-boo up in style.
Instead of a compress made of ice,
Use this little pillow filled with rice.

Top to toes, front to back.
There are many uses for this little pack.
Tired and weary, feel like heck?
Heat and hang it 'round your neck!
Headache coming? The kind you dread!
Take it from the freezer and cool your head!
Who can sleep with ice cold feet?
This little friend can warm your sheets!
Aching back, sprains and strains?
Use this pillow to ease your pains!

When from too much work or play,
Aches and pains may come your way,
Just pop me in the microwave,
Two short minutes is all I crave.
Or store me in your freezer bold,
If your boo-boo needs some cold.
Then slip me in my little sleeve,
Your aches and pains I will relieve.

**Sara Noel** · 12-03-2002, 11:32 AM

and adding a comfort bag craft.

Mix dried fragrant herbs with flax seeds and sew into a small fabric bag. This bag can be put into the freezer for a cooling bag, or heated in the microwave for 11/2 minutes on high for a heated bag. The heating of the bag releases the soothing scents from the dried herbs to help comfort and relax you.

FLAX SEEDS: The seeds are able to hold heat and coldness for long periods of time making them the perfect material to use. The fine slippery texture of the seed fill out the bag nicely and make it very comfortable against you skin. Purchase the flax seeds from health food stores.

Dried herb blends for your comfort bags. Add approximately one
heaping tablespoon of dried herbs to one cup of flax seeds.

RELAXING BLEND: Mix equal amounts of dried lavender buds and dried camomile for a relaxing blend, This blend works well with bags that are heated and placed in your bed before retiring to help to slip into a restful sleep.

ENERGIZING BLEND: Mix equal amounts of dried peppermint leaves and dried lemon peel. Add a small amount of dried rosemary.

HEADACHE BLEND: Add an equal amount of dried peppermint, dried sage, dried lavender and dried camomile to help ease a headache.

Use a tightly woven cotton fabric for your comfort bag. Don't make the bag to large, a 10"x10" bag for general use, or a 3"x10" for a headache bag. Remember, the smaller you make the bag, the fewer seeds you use, and the lessser heat retention qualities it will have.

**heaven** · 12-03-2002, 11:33 AM

Thanks sara i will have to try these.

**captclearance** · 12-03-2002, 11:43 AM

These are great !!!! They will go great with all the free bath & body I got !!!!!!!!!!

**Katybird** · 07-10-2003, 10:21 PM

These are really easy to make, they just require minimal sewing. I have made them in the past and I added dried herbs to them so that when they were heated the herbs smelled wonderful. You just want to make sure that you don't put too many herbs in, you don't want a flaming rice bag, LOL.

http://www.craftplanet.com/Creations..._heat_pack.htm

**Missy** · 07-10-2003, 11:37 PM

cool! thanks Kathy!

**Katybird** · 07-11-2003, 12:22 AM

Your welcome. They feel great on cold feet in the winter.

I have put mine under the covers at the foot of my bed to warm up my side for my tootsies before going to bed.

**Michelle** · 07-18-2003, 11:18 AM

I've made several of these...the extent to my sewing capabilities

**Darlene** · 07-18-2003, 01:50 PM

Originally posted by Michelle
I've made several of these...the extent to my sewing capabilities

Looks like I may be able to do it too.

Bet you're a better seamstress than me Michelle.

**Michelle** · 07-18-2003, 02:18 PM

Don't bet on it Darlene LOL that and some quilt blocks are about all I've been able to do so far

**Katybird** · 09-04-2003, 02:48 PM

This is one of my favorite crafts. I love the scented rice bags. They are so nice to put at the foot of your bed after they have been warmed in the microwave, your cold winter tootsies will love it.