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For today's DIY post, Lauren has created a fun DIY project that I think all yogis will love! Hope you enjoy! We're having a wonderful time in Costa Rica - be sure to follow along on instagram on the YBC account the YBC Sneak Peek account as well as on snapchat (@yogaby_candace).
I grew up in a household where it was impossible to be bored. My mom was that mom who always had a fun recipe, project or craft on hand for those bad weather days we were stuck indoors. I always admired my mom for being super thrifty and absurdly creative. She NEVER ever bought our Halloween costumes; she always designed and sewed each one herself (remember, this was before the days of e-patterns that you could just google search quickly and print out). It's not like these costumes were glamorous or anything, but they were unique and my mom made them - so I was proud. Showing up to a costume party was the best part because I knew that no one else was going to roll up with the same costume (I mean, it’s what everyone worries about, right?!)
Me in my princess costume courteous of my mom
When I was around 11 or 12, she would often bring my sister and I to the local craft store on Saturday mornings and we’d be able to pick out one sewing kit each. We always went with a PJs pattern - probably because our sewing skills were lacking and we knew we couldn’t get away with making anything to be worn outside the house ha!
My Sister clearly enjoyed being a dinosaur :)
I never stuck with the sewing thing, but I was willing to put my basic skills to the test with this relaxing DIY eye pillow - which is going to be perfect to throw in my travel bag for our upcoming spring and summer yoga retreats!
What you’ll need:
- Elastic Headband
- ½ yard of fabric of your choice (or you could use an old tee shirt! #repurpose)
- Thread & Sewing needle
- Essential Oils or Dried Herbs (lavender buds or chamomile are great options!)
- Rice or Flax (1-2 cups)
Lavender & Rice {DIY Eye Mask}
The first thing you want to do is measure out your rice and place in a mixing bowl. I used about a 1 ½ cups but you might need more/less depending on the size and width of your mask. If you want to throw some fresh herbs or flower buds, throw those into the bowl too! Tip: mint, basil and rosemary are all great options. To give my mask a little scent boost I added a few drops of lavender essential oil. Mix the rice together to distribute the oil and herbs evenly.
Next, spread the rice and herb mixture on a baking sheet and pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes at 350º. This helps to infuse the rice to keep it smelling fragrant use after use. Set the rice aside to cool.
DIY Eye Pillow Pattern
Front/Back of your eye mask
Now we're going to make the template or pattern for your eye mask. I used a pair of sunglasses to help me roughly frame out the shape of my mask. Feel free to download a pattern or free-hand - whatever works best for you! Cut out two pieces from your fabric - one for the back and one for the front.
Sew the front and back together
Secure the two pieces of fabric, thread your needle and sew around the edges - leaving about ¼ inch of fabric. Sew the edges of your mask - leaving about a 1-2 inch opening. Flip your mask “inside out” so that the pattern is visible on the outside.
sewing the front and back together
If you have a funnel on hand, grab that.... but if you’re like me and don’t have one, use a liquid style measuring cup. Using whatever you have on hand, fill the eye mask with the cooled rice.
but don't forget to leave a hole!!!
Use a small piece of thread to sew the hole closed (I guess a glue gun could be quicker and a lot easier too). Take your elastic headband, cut it in half and secure each end to the edge of your eye mask with a few stitches.
DIY eye mask
pin now and make it later - diy eye mask
The great thing about this eye mask is that you can warm it up in the microwave, cool it down in the freezer or enjoy at room temperature. I also love that it stays put with a comfortable elastic band. And BONUS - this little gem is super affordable costing me just a few dollars to make.
I'd love to hear from you guys - do you use an eye mask? Would you add essential oils? If so, what scent relaxes you most?! Sound off in the comments section below :)