How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers

        Huddling in your bed a few moments longer after your alarm goes off? Swapping your sandals for shoes or boots? Drinking hot coffee instead of iced? It is time to face the cold fact: summer is over and fall is here. It is only going to get chillier so prepare for the weather with some do-it-yourself eco-friendly hand warmers!

          
Materials Needed:

Warm, non-synthetic, recycled materials like old flannel shirts, heavy cotton, fleece, felt, natural wool, etc.

           Scissors

           Fabric marker
Needle and thread or sewing machine
Rice or barley
Funnel

Steps:

1. Take two pieces of your warm fabric, draw the desired shape with a fabric marker, and then cut them into equal shapes and sizes. 4” x 5” rectangles are the best size for adults, while 3” x 4” is more appropriate for smaller hands.

Photo by Rebecca from
 campwander.blogspot.com

2. Sew the two pieces together a ¼ or ½ inch from the edge. Remember to leave about a ½ inch gap in the seam to fill the hand warmer.

3. Use a funnel to add ¼ cup for kids or ½ to ¾ cup of rice or barley into the fabric pouch. Add lavender, chamomile, peppermint, roses, or even orange blossom to the mix to give it a nice scent if preferred.

4. Sew the gap closed. Decorate hand warmer as desired.

5. Heat the hand warmer in the microwave for 25-30 seconds. Enjoy!

      Now you can create your own eco-friendly, reusable hand warmers at home and just in time for the cold weather!