Rice Bags

Your guests will enjoy these inexpensive and easy to make rice bags for years. The lining keeps the rice from slipping through the lace holes. I used a battenburg cotton and lace piece approximately 6"x10". Keep in mind that men should feel comfortable using them too, so don't make them look too feminine. The note you attach is key for your guests to know exactly what they are and how to use them. Writing it by hand will add a personal touch. Here's what I like to write but you can make up your own poem if you prefer.

"Here's a rice bag made especially for you.
Just nuke for two minutes and here's what it'll do,
Relieve achey tummy, tired muscles, sore feet,
And remind you of our evening 'til next time we meet!"


If you have an embroidery machine you can personalize the outside solid part of the bag with a message, monogram or other design. In that case, omit steps 6-9 and add your own personality. Otherwise, decorative ribbon works in a pinch. Either way, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

Supplies
2 matching cotton lace doilies (preferably rectangular)
scraps of natural fiber fabric big enough to fit underneath lace doilies--solid, bright color is best
2 feet of 2 1/2" wide ribbon
1" x 6" light colored decorative paper
1-2 cup jasmine rice (you can use any kind but jasmine smells best)
marker or pen, scissors
white thread, sewing machine

Directions
1. Lay doily pieces on single layer of natural fabric.
2. Cut around outside edges to make two "linings".
3. Pin doilies to lining.
4. Using a small zigzag stitch, sew around the perimeter of the solid part of doily, attaching a single layer of doily to a single layer of lining.
5. Trim away excess fabric outside of zigzag being careful not to cut doily lace.
6. Cut length of ribbon to fit inside solid rectangle of one doily.
7. Remove wire from ribbon.
8. Place ribbon on the right side of doily's solid rectangle and pin in place.
9. Sew close to ribbon edge onto the front side of doily.
10. Place doilies wrong sides together and pin along inside lined edge.
11. Leaving a small area open for rice insertion, Sew around the perimeter of lined area attaching the two doilies together.
12. Using a metal or paper funnel, pour rice into sewn pocket ¾ full.
13. Pin opening together and slipstitch closed by hand.
14. Wrap remaining piece of ribbon around rice bag and tie an attractive knot or bow.
15. Slip note under the ribbon and place bundle in tissue paper in a gift bag.