i’m not a super mom. in fact, i’m pretty sure it’s an oxymoron or the opposite of a double negative, or something that cancels itself out. most days i’m just doing what has to be done, making sure my babes have what they need and praying that everything else falls into place.
but there is one other thing i take very seriously…. that my kids feel loved. everyday.
it would be easy for this task to become overwhelming, but luckily my kids have taught me that it’s the little things that matter. just one act of love goes a looooong way.
this winter my default has been just about anything warm and cozy. letting them eat breakfast by the fireplace, adding an extra blanket to their beds, a hot cup of cocoa after being outside, a warm towel to wrap up in after tubs, or….
… reheatable hand-warmers to pop in their pockets on the way to school. so cozy.
(continue reading for the DIY instructions)
SUPPLIES: a fat quarter (or more) of this fabric or whatever fabric you have laying around the house, fabric scissors, pinking shears (optional), sewing machine or needle, long pins, rice, and thread.
DIRECTIONS:
1. using fabric scissors, cut the pattern from our spoonflower fabric OR cut 2-3/4 inch squares from your choice of fabric. you’ll need two per hand warmer.
2. place two squares of fabric wrong sides together and stitch a 1/4 inch seam around the outside, leaving a 1-1/2 inch opening and backstitching in the beginning and end. (if you don’t have pinking shears, place fabric write sided together, sew as instructed and then turn right side out.)
3. fill 3/4 of the way up with rice.
4. using a long pin, block the rice from falling out of the opening and sew closed.
5. using pinking shears, trim the edges…. it will keep them from fraying.
to use, warm up int he microwave for 20 seconds (or so), but make sure they aren’t too hot before handing over to little hands!
i also thought it would be fun to make some extras to give as love day gifts and made a little insert to include. you can download it (HERE).
so, i shared a couple of my little tricks, but would LOVE to hear about little things you do to show your kids you love them! let us know in the comments below.
xo . rae
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Us mammas in Minnesota LOOOVE this idea! Thanks for sharing!
omgosh… i bet it’s so cold over there! definitely perf for the snowy parts of the world! xo
These are so cute! I love the fabric!
thanks emily!
this is a great idea – looks like a good project while my wee one naps. Thanks!!
Love week is coming up for our family. I show my sweetie pies love all the time but I really pour it on during love week. These will be perfect. A little ice cream surprise after dinner or a cup of hot chocolate, a surprise Redbox movie or an extra chapter from our read-aloud are just some ways I daily love on my little guys.
This is such a cute idea! It never gets cold enough where I live to really use something like this but it’s a really sweet gift to give – thanks for the inspiration!
I love this, thank you for sharing! Did you use the basic combed cotton from the drop down list of fabrics for this?
What kind of rice did you use? These are adorable!
it’s brown basmati rice (sounds fancy, but we get it at costco) that’s pictured, but you can use any kind… except maybe instant!? thanks sam. xo
Just saw this on Pinterest….we made these for party favours for my 7-year-old’s ice skating birthday party last weekend. We made them with wool felt rounds, though, which stay warm longer. And we added a little lavender to the mix for a sweet smell (and if you leave them in the gloves in storage it should deter moths!). Your fabric is so lovely! Thanks for the tute!
Awesome idea! The husband works outside in the winter, and goes through a whole ton of these. He now has a microwave at work, so he can reheat ones like this now. I know what we can make for Daddy for Valentine’s Day!
oh my word meg…. i love that!!! thank you SO much for sharing.
Those are absolutely adorable! My mom would love these
Where did you get such lovely fabric?
withlov32012.blogspot.com
What a great idea but I want them as pillows!
good idea! oversized rice warmers would be cute and useful too! xo
This is the cutest thing ever!!! I was wondering where the arrow fabric is from?
head here for the fabric: http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1692835
thanks elisa!
xo . rae
About how long does the heat last? These are adorable and practical gifts.
oh this rocks! such a great idea – thanks for sharing!
I just love these! Your photographs are styled so cute as well! I hope you don’t mind I shared this link on my blog–LOVE!
This is a really great idea, and I love the arrow fabric!
How long do they last because I’m a skier and I ski for hours and I go through millions of hand warmers
Those look soooo cute!
so sweet! thank you for this DIY !!
Mom/Memere from NH here and we LOVE this sort of thing… and need them! I featured this post on my blog about handwarmers here: http://whittskitsfabricscrafts.blogspot.com/2013/03/mining-monday-handy-handwarmers.html
Thanks!!
Carrie