After experiencing a recent bout of shoulder strain I was reminded of a craft idea I picked up many years ago.  Within my freeze are two rice bags that can remain cold or can be heated in the microwave to a soothing temperature such as I had needed with my shoulders.  The deep ache in the joints and muscles was about to do me in.  My daughter reminded me of the self-forming bags we had and a dash to the freeze, followed by a couple of minutes warming up in the microwave just did the trick.  I laid the delightfully warm rice bag on the top of my shoulder and just sat on the sofa and relaxed.  These rice bags are such a treasure.  They also make wonderful gifts.

To make your own rice bags gather some very tight weave fabric in your color choice.  The two rice bags I have are a finished size of 6 inches by 12 inches.  Cut four pieces of fabric about an inch larger on all sides to allow for seam allowance.  You will actually be making two bags for each rice bag you create.  This is a safety measure just in case, over time, one of the bags should split a seam.  An avalanche of rice pouring all over you and your surroundings would be no fun.  The two bags will have three sides fully sewn with the fourth side having about a three inch gap on the outer bag and about a one inch gap on the internal bag.  Turn the bags right side out.  Stuff the internal bag inside the outer bag with both openings facing you when you are done.  I generally put in about a pound and a half of rice into my bags using a funnel.  I like the flexibility of the internal material (rice) shifting as I need it.  Some people like a firmer mass.  You be the judge after making this first bag. Once the rice is inside the internal bag firmly whipstitch the opening.  The same is done to the outer bag and you are done.

I keep mine in the freezer in an air tight bag.  It takes only a couple of minutes to heat the rice bag should warmth be needed.  Do NOT heat more than two minutes at a time.  Caution should be used not to place the bag directly on your skin if it is extremely hot.  You can always re-warm the bag.  Enjoy.