Hello Therapeutic
May 20, 2010 by Shelley
How Does She…keep her toes warm?
Let me introduce you to one of the cutest girls I know, who just happens to be my adorable cousin Lara.
You can’t help but love this girl! Lara has the most fun loving personality ever. She is a mom to an adorable little boy, a Utah photographer (she took all of the gorgeous pictures for this tutorial), and is one talented creator.
FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT LARA
1. Terrified of squishing any bug {gets a shoe and stands over it}
2. L.O.V.E.s bubble gum flavored trident
3. Really good at making dry ice bombs
4. Likes cake better without frosting
5. Someday wants to have a wood shop to build and refinish furniture
SUPERHERO POWER WANTED
“Superhero huh? Well,…I think I would like to be that thing on x-men that could duplicate itself a million times. That way I could get everything checked off my ‘to do’ list every day!
—
Today Lara is teaching us how to make the most adorable heat packs. Hello Therapeutic!?
Take it away Lara…
—
Now, I know I’m not the only one out there that gets cold feet… am I right ladies?
Several years ago, a good friend of mine made me a microwavable corn pack for Christmas. Let me tell you, this is one of the greatest/most used gifts I’ve ever received. I always had cold feet or hands {still do} so every night before I went to sleep I would warm up my corn pack to sleep with! Eventually I realized that one corn pack simply wasn’t enough, I needed at least two. I begged my mom to make me another one. BLISS. I had 2 to sleep with, one for my feet, and one for my hands! Over the years I have used these countless times. They have been so good for aches and pains, headaches, cold feet, keeping a bottle warm… trust me, they’re amazing.
Unfortunately the frequent use of these has resulted in thin, food crusted, dirty fabric. Not to mention… the fabric choice on these… well definitely not my first choice 
Time for a makeover! I decided to make a pack with a fabric cover and an inside pouch filled with the corn. That way when the cover gets dirty: throw it in the washer! Brilliant!
SUPPLIES
*16 – 5″x 5″ Squares of cute fabric {I just bought a package of pre cut squares, but you could get fabric and cut your own} You can get gorgeous designer fabrics like this from Fabric.com
*1/2 yard of fabric for the inner bag
*Cutting Board
*Scissors or Rotary Cutter
*Sewing Machine
*Bag of Whole Feed Corn {size depending on how full you want your corn pack}
*Funnel
*Velcro or Button {optional}
Corn stays warm for longer than any other filler, I’ve done my research and I’ve used other fillers. Nothing compares!
HOW TO MAKE IT
THE COVER
1. Lay out the squares and decide on a pattern you like before you start sewing. 2 across and 4 up.
2. Sew the squares together with a 1/4 in. seam.
3. Once front and back pieces are sewn, sew those together with a 1/4 in. seem as well. Sew around 3 sides leaving one short side for the opening.
THE BAG
5. Cut 2 pieces at: 15 1/2″ x 8″
6. With the right sides facing each other, sew around with a 1/4 in. seam leaving a 2 inch opening.
7. Turn the fabric right side out through the opening you left.
8. Sew around the outside edges of the fabric with a 1/8 or 1/4 in seam. DON’T SEW OVER THE 2″ OPENING YET.
You will probably end up with a rather large mess if you’re 18 month old decides to help {ok, total side note.. does he have the cutest toes or what!?! I am in love with them!}
10. Once the Gut is filled to your liking, fold in the opening and sew it closed {try to match the 1/8 or 1/4 in seam you already sewed around the outside of the gut}.
VOILA! Put the Bag inside the Cover and you’re finished! If you want, you can sew a piece of velcro in the cover opening to keep the gut inside. Or you could sew a button hole and a button to do the same. I just left mine open.
How to use this therapeutic corn pack:
1. To Heat: Microwave for 2-4 min {depending on the amount of corn} It will retain heat for 1-3 hours.
2. To Chill: Place in a ziploc type bag and throw it in the freezer for 1 hour. It will stay cold for about 30 min.
These are great for stress, tension, muscle aches and pains. They make a great cold compression as well. But for me.. they serve their purpose best on my cold feet in bed
Put a couple drops of your favorite essential oil (peppermint, lavender or orange would be nice) for an extra special treat.
Any questions? Just ask!
-You can head over to Lara’s blog to see more of her stunning photography.
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very cool! oh, how I wish I could sew
.-= shelly (cookies and cups)´s last blog ..Multiple Personalities =-.
I love this! Where can I purchase Whole Feed Corn?
Corn??? I am so glad I know that now! No more stinky brunt rice…that’s what I usually use!
Where do I get feed corn?
if you do a search for ‘whole feed corn’ online you can find it. Here is one site:
http://www.sweney-kern.com/catalog.asp?prodid=580292&showprevnext=1
Or if you have a local country store near you, they sell it as well. I got mine at a place called IFA Country Stores in Provo UT for anyone who lives around here!
.-= Lara´s last blog ..crushed =-.
if you do a search for ‘whole feed corn’ online you can find it. Here is one site:
http://www.sweney-kern.com/catalog.asp?prodid=580292&showprevnext=1
Or if you have a local country store near you, they sell it as well. I got mine at a place called IFA Country Stores in Provo UT for anyone who lives around here!
.-= Lara´s last blog ..crushed =-.
Holy Cute. Love this idea.
Smart idea Lara! All my girls have ALWAYS had cold feet. Don’t tell them that will be in their Christmas stocking! My guess is that a lot of people could find the corn at a place like “CalRanch” or at a local Grange.
I too have cold feet all the time.Thanks for the info. I had no idea you could do that!!!!!
how funny you posted this today…i am making 4 rice neck warmers for my activity day girls TODAY!
.-= Emily @ Help Emily Lose Weight´s last blog ..The Baby Shower =-.
Oh I am so loving this post!! That is so darn cute and what a wonderful gift it would make!
I am coming over from I’m Lovin It and YES I am lovin it!!! I am a new follower and proud of it! If you have time I would love for you to link up this post/tutorial in the “Crafty Mamas” Flock at Midchix.com……..it would be perfect and you can also link up your blog. I am going now to explore more on this fun cute darling blog! By the way that baby is oh so darling!!! Have a great day!
What a cute idea!!……..and simple enough even I could do it!!
Thanks for sharing and linking up! Have a GREAT weekend!
.-= TidyMom´s last blog ..I’m Lovin’ It! – 1st School Dance =-.
So cute, what a great tutorial! I am thinking that these will make some great Christmas gifts for next year, and if I remember right our farm stands here will have the dried corn out in October. Thanks for the great idea!
I came over from TidyMom, come check me out if you get a sec.
jennoreilly.wordpress.com/2010/05/21/its-giveaway-time/
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..It’s giveaway time! =-.
This is so great! I have a rice bag that I love to put in the microwave – it helps with aches, pains, and yes…cold feet! It’s great to have directions for making my own. – http://www.delightfulcountrycookin.com
Those are such fun! I would love one, guess I need to fire up my machine!
Thanks for sharing!
~Liz
.-= Liz@HoosierHomemade´s last blog ..Weekly Menu Plan~Goulash & Italian Biscuits =-.
I’m with you. My feet are even cold in the summer. Thanks for sharing … I’ve posted a link.
a craft that I always wanted to make-thank you!
Where do I get feed corn?
The comments above suggest a few different places. Let us know if you still can’t find any.
And Show us pictures when you are done! 
Oh I have always wanted on of these! I think my cold-footed sister and I will both need one of these this winter!
What a fantastic idea, and the fabrics you chose are simply adorable!
I just found your blog and it is so adorable. I love the idea of the cover for this warming bag. I’ve always filled them with rice, so I’ll have to try the corn now. Thank you!
.-= Sewfordough´s last blog ..How To Sew a Button on By Machine =-.
In these days of watching our pennies, we keep the heat low at our house. To make sleeping nice and cozy, I made economy sized warmers. They are about three feet long and 8″ wide and stitched across every 6 inches or so. Three and a half minutes in the microwave and placed down the center of your bed while you brush your teeth and change into PJs — AHHHHH! Talk about cozy! These are gifts I give all of my friends. They love them.
Do you know of any place in Boise that I can buy the whole corn that is not a 50 pound bag?
This may seem like a stupid question, but won’t the corn “pop”?
Hello there, I was utilizing some tips from your site to make a corn bag of my own and came across a problem.
I went to the local feed store and bought a 40lb bag of whole feed corn because I was going to go to town to make these as christmas gifts for friends and family.
Before I filled the fabric bags I had sewn, I decided to put a little bit of the corn in a bowl in the microwave (you know… just to make sure it wouldn’t pop) and I set it on 3 minutes.
After about a minute and a half I heard some popping and my kitchen actually began to smell a little like popcorn. I left heating, figuring maybe it was just one or two kernels and I could pick them out and use the rest for the bags… but when I opened the microwave after 3 minutes, I found about half of the kernels had slightly broken open and now my kitchen has that horrific burnt popcorn smell that never really goes away.
Did I buy the wrong corn? It says “Premium Feed Grains, Whole Corn” right on the bag – and now I have 40lbs of it!!!
Any advice?
I called tractor supply company they had no clue about whole feed corn. I am frustrated right now.
I’ll get Lara to answer this one for you.
Weird question, but where can you buy feed corn? This is better than regular corn, right?
My friend gave me a few of these and I LOVE them. I use them for my cold feet too.
To answer Lisa’s question, most of the corn is too dry to pop…but I have had a kernel or two pop. The rest of the bag has stayed un-popped for two years of use now.
I live overseas and want to make these but not sure i can find feed corn. Is there a second best after feed corn? Thanks!
can you use liquid potpourri in place of essential oils?
This is awesome! One question though – why doesn’t the corn pop?!
Can you use rice, flax seed or lavender buds in the packs, and can they tolerate a microwave? Thank you!
Hi Shelley,
I am messaging you regarding the heat pack. These look really quick and easy to make. I am helping my son and daughter to fundraise for their scout troop. Would you allow me to make these heat packs and sell them to raise funds. This would be very much appreciated and not expected.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue
