How to Make a Rice Filled Stress Ball

If you are under stress, one of the best things to do is to release some of that tension with a stress ball. Creating your own rice filled stress ball is so simple, that you will not increase your stress while you are making it.

Things You'll Need

• 1 piece of fabric, twice as large as your stress ball design (a square measuring 6-by-6 inches is ideal)
• Enough raw rice to fill the space about 1/4 to 1/2 cup
• Needle and thread

Instructions

1. Take the 6-by-6 inch piece of fabric and fold it in half with the side you want for the outside of your stress ball on the inside. You should not be able to see the outside pattern.

2. Sew along 3 sides of the folded fabric to create an inside-out bag measuring 3 by 6 inches with a space at the top. Use small, tight stitches in order to prevent the rice from falling out.

3. Fold the bag right-side out.

4. Fill the bag with the rice through the opening.

5. Sew the final opening shut. Use small, tight stitches to keep the rice inside.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use your stress ball to squeeze to help alleviate tension, but you can also use it as a hot and cold pack. To use as a heating pad, simply put it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, wrap it in a towel and apply to areas of pain. To make a cold pack, store your rice filled stress ball in the freezer.

• Do not heat your stress ball too long in the microwave as burns could result. Do not use the stress ball on children or sensitive areas if using it as a hot pack. This could result in burns to children who may be unable to express in words that they feel pain from the heated rice. Do not use metallic fabrics or threads if you intend to microwave the stress ball.