A Spicy Trivet

"Trivet" is an old-fashioned word for "hot plate." This trivet not only serves to protect your table from hot serving dishes, it also creates a spicy scent. Older children can make it by themselves, while younger children can have the satisfaction of stuffing a trivet that is sewn for them. It is good practice in measuring since the stuffing must be measured three times! Here's how you make it:

1. Cut a square of fabric that is 7 inches on each side.
2. With right sides together, sew a half inch seam around three sides of the square.
3. Turn the trivet inside out so that the right sides of the fabric are showing.
4. Sew two parallel lines, so that the trivet is divided into three compartments. (Each line should be 2 inches from the edge and 2 inches from the other line.) The line should stop 3/4 inches from the open end so that the edge can be turned under later.
5. In a bowl mix 1/2 cup rice, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp. cloves. Use a funnel to pour the mixture into the first compartment. Make the mixture again and fill the second compartment, then repeat for the third.
6. Turn under the open edge and carefully stitch it closed without spilling the stuffing.
7. If you plan to give the trivet as a gift, seal it in a ziplock bag so it will stay fresh.