[Kenny_S]

Here in SE Kansas we use corn for the bags. Hmmm, I wonder why? Can heat it in microway for winteruse and freeze it in summer time. After freezeing Nuke it a little to get the moisture out. Never thought of using one to hold a carving. Noval .

[Callynne]

Thanks a lot Bandaid and Donna, I never would have thought of blue jean pant legs, would have gone looking for material, sewing, etc., I mean, that's like time I could have been carving!! Hmmmm, between the hubby, me and the grandkids I can easily AND quickly make a couple different sizes up in a jiffy! Thanks again!! Callynne

[Callynne]

P.S. I have one of those things for my neck Donna, seems when I'm roughing things out I tend to get a really stiff neck and it really helps get the kinks out! I think it has the barley husk things in it though, it smells 'funny' (in a nice way) when I heat it up, sort of reminds me Grandpa's barn. Callynne

[Callynne]

I made up my 'holding pillow', WOW, I love it, it's just the thing I needed to hold my carvings. One size does fit all though, thought it would take some different size ones but this one works just great!! The hubby's blue jeans were just the right size!!
I also use the 'non-slip carving mat', that stuff is terrific! I keep it on my carving desk all the time, in fact, it's perfect to put under the pillow, then it doesn't slip either! Thanks again for the great tips!! Callynne

You all are just a bundle of information! I came to the message board to relax and learn more about carving and you help me with a non related problem.
I have been in physical therapy for my neck for the last two weeks. They want me to put heat and sometimes ice on my neck. Ice is easy. Heat pad hard to stabilize on the neck.
Thanks for all the great s you all share. You gals and guys are the best. 8)
Guess I'll make a few some for the neck and some for carving.

Brad

[Callynne]

Hope the neck gets better fast Brad, I know what a....pain in the neck it can be! :
If you make the one for your neck horseshoe shape it will work the best and stay put while you wear it. Let me know if you aren't sure about the size, I'll measure mine, hubby has tried it and it fits him too! Callynne

Okay, I'm lost on this one....I'm familiar with the rice-bags for heating up for sore body parts - it works great on my arthritis.

But, I sure don't understand how you all are holding carvings with them!! Are you just laying the carving in there, and then working from above it, or what?

I have a carving arm, but I never use it - when I carve, I tend to go round and round the piece, and I don't like taking the time to move the piece that much. So everything I carve, I hold in my hand, turning it as I go. I guess that's why I'm so brain-dead about how the rice pillow thingie is used.

Educate me, please!

Teri

[Callynne]

Hey Teri, I love this rice bag holder. I've tried holding vices and have the same problem you do. All you do with this is lay it down, 'punch' an indent, lay your carving in and it holds it pretty darn nicely while you carve away.
I just bought a cheapo bag of rice, cut the leg off of hubby's jeans, sewed one end, filled it with rice and then sewed the other end shut. Putting a piece of the non-skid carpet stuff under it really works well because it keeps the pillow from slipping while you're working. Try it, I think you'll really like how it works! Callynne

To think of all the rice that's gone to waste in this house because we ate it!!