CUTE & Cozy

When warmed in the microwave for a minute or two, these rice-filled heating pads will ease tension in the neck and shoulders while emitting a calming lavender fragrance. To make one, cut two 6" x 21" pieces of fabric and pin them together with right sides facing. Sew along three of the four sides with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving one short side open. Turn the tube right side out, making sure to pull out the two corners, and iron flat. Fold the tube in half and lightly mark the middle with a pencil or a pin. Fold each half again and mark the centers of each. Place 4 cups of rice, 10 to 12 drops of lavender essential oil and 1/4 cup of lavender buds in a bowl and mix well. Measure out 1 cup of the rice mixture and pour into the tube. Pin across the material at the nearest marked spot and sew to create the first rice pocket. Repeat this process to create the second and third rice pockets. Before filling the end with rice, tuck the unfinished edges into the pocket and iron a 1/4" hem. Once filled, pin and sew the end of the pocket closed.