Easy and Best Gift Ever!

It is 2 frigid-degrees out here which reminded me of one of my all time favorite things: the corn filled heat pack. I have sent these to many people; my sister and her girls, my mom, my son-in-law, who took it out to sea on a 4 month naval tour in the Middle East(the other sailors wanted it!), my niece and her room mate at the University of San Francisco (they said they are surprised their microwave hasn't exploded from non-stop use); some seriously ill friends, whom these gave non-stop comfort. This is,by far,the most used and appreciated gift I have given.

If you can make a pillow, you can make a corn filled heat pack. Use whatever fabric you desire or cut up an old sheet,towel or table cloth.I found the darling vintage-style Christmas fabric at JoAnn's for half price. Make whatever size you desire as long as it will fit in your microwave.I have often wished I could make a body-sized heat pack that I could lie on but I still haven't found a big enough microwave. Stitch right sides together and leave about a 1 inch hole to pour in the corn. Use a tight stitch to hold the corn in better. Turn right side out.

Haul over a 10 or 50 lb bag of feed corn and load up your "pillow". I pay under 10 dollars for a 50 lb. bag and I manage to use it all. You can get 10 lbs for a couple of bucks and the ability to carry it yourself. Don't use your Orville Redenbacher corn kernals; they will pop all over the place and burn up your bag. Don't accidentally take home dried corn cobs like I once did; not comfy. Be sure you ask for FEED CORN.
When your bag is pretty full of corn, yet flexible, whip stitch the opening to close.Sometimes, I sprinkle in lavender flowers for aroma-therapy.
Put it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. You will learn just how long you can leave it in the microwave, to the second, before it gets too hot. My corn heat packs stay warm most of the night; better than a water bottle, better than a rice-filled bag.
Put it on your ice-cold feet, rather than putting your ice-cold feet on your hubby! This is a necessity for cramps; along with chocolate, of course.
I have never done this because I love the warmth and haven't yet needed an ice pack, but, put the corn bag in the freezer for a re-usable ice pack; works like frozen peas but better because it doesn't thaw and drip all over you.

Make a few of these for gifts. I guarantee you will have thankful and warm recipients!







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Thrifty Treasures~Easy-Fun-Cheap-Aromatic

Aroma Beads; little roundish, plastic pearls that absorb scented oils and color. I discovered these little gems about a year ago while looking for ingredients to jazz up my potpourri.

I am going to show you how to make inexpensive gifts that you can whip together bunches of, in about 30 minutes.

First of all, find and buy some plain aroma beads. I buy mine at a Denver company called Peak Candle Supply. You can buy a pound at a time and get a price break at 10 lbs. I love this company; their prices are the best I have found and they throw in a random bottle of scented oil with each online order.

I get out all my clear glass bowls, because it is the best way to see what I am doing, but you can use any glass bowl or plastic-ware.

I found these liquid dyes on ebay for cheap. They are intense colors and will last forever. I tried to use food coloring but it didn't work for me.

I, also, get my scented oils from Peak Candle. They have a huge selection and you can order a sample pack of 10 of your choice of scents for 19.99.

I try to match up the color with the scent: Green for Cucumber Melon.

Blue for Ocean.
Red for Pomegranite or Cinnamon

Yellow for Creme Brule or Vanilla

Brown for Latte or Nutmeg and so on...

A tiny bit goes a long way. The more you use, the darker/richer the color.

After you pour in the scented oil, the beads get translucent and shiny.

Here I stirred in orange dye with Pumpkin Spice oil. (Fall is in the air). I use plastic spoons but you can use popcycle sticks.

My daughter, Lilly, loves to make these. She said, " Mom, can I make a surprise combination for you?"

"Sure, remember, mixing too many colors together makes grey..."

She turned her back to block her work from me and revealed her masterpiece after about 2-3 minutes. She grabbed "Country Garden" scented oil and chose colors to make a beautiful floral mixture.

I never would have thought of it! What a great idea!

This shows how I like to make my Ocean blend.

Add a little blue dye.













Add a little green dye and it makes a beautiful "sea glass" or "spa" collection.

I add seashells and sea glass. This is a nice scented display in any dish.

I have many different colors of organza bags. Poor in the aroma beads and cinch closed. I add a little tag to the ribbon with the scent name.

I always end up with some extra that didn't fit in the bags. I put this leftover "Georgia Peach" in this hobnail creamer that I got at Goodwill for $1.

I had a bunch of pink "Pink Sugar Cookie" that I poured into this glass jar; another Goodwill buy for $1. Shall I throw in a couple of shells even though it is not an ocean scent or color? Sure, why not?!

This is just a start at what you can do with these beads. You can sew your own sachets or put in cellophane bags tied shut with pretty silk and organza ribbons.

I add pink rose petals to some blends, lavender to others. Dried orange slices can be mixed with orange scented aroma beads.

These make perfect teacher and co worker gifts and they are a child-friendly project.

They are great party favors, wedding favors, hostess gifts...

Pretty soon I will start making beads with the scents of Christmas: cinnamon (add cinnamon sticks), pear spice, eggnog, Christmas Tree and so on. Let me know if you play with these; I would love to see your projects!

You are invited to the Thrifty Treasures party hosted by Rhoda You will be sure to be amazed and inspired!