Are you a DIY fan? That acronym stands for “Do It Yourself.” Survival in the current soft economy means that we must sometimes tighten our belt, in order to make ends meet. One of the best cost-saving strategies we can use is to find some DIY projects to save a few bucks here and there. Not only can such projects save us some greenbacks, but they can be a barrel of fun as well! Here are some easy steps to create your own hot stone massage kit:

Step 1: Visit your friendly neighborhood rock quarry or landscape company

These are excellent sources for river rocks, which are ideal for hot stone massage kits. The drawback of using such stones is that they are less attractive and symmetrical than the ones in hot stones massage kits on the market. However, in this case, it is okay to place function over form. Remember that you are not entering the stones in a beauty pageant!

Step 2: Choose your stones and choose them carefully

Select stones that are flat and relatively smooth. The flatness of the stones will help to maximize the surface area that they cover on a patient's body. Also, this feature will reduce the stones' probability of rolling off! Meanwhile, smooth stones will provide a more comfortable experience for the massage patient. Make sure to secure the following quantity and types of stones:

• 2 Huge oval stones (8 in. x 6 in.)

• 7 pairs of rocks you can easily grip in your hands

• 8 tiny stones ranging from a quarter's size, to a chicken egg's size

Step 3: Purchase a 6-quart crockpot

While you have many options for heating the stones, a crockpot is the best option if you want to continue with your DIY approach to hot stone massages. An alternative would be a tabletop skillet, with sides that are a minimum of three inches in height.

Step 4: Collect your hot stone massage accessories

In addition to the stones and the crockpot, you will need various accessories, which are instrumental in providing an outstanding hot stone massage. These accessories include:

• food thermometer

• strainer

• tea towels (2)

• tongs

Step 5: Create your DIY massage kit for a hot stone massage

Set up the crockpot. Next, wash the rocks thoroughly and stack them up in the crockpot. This is a vital step, as the stones probably are grubby. Afterwards, place enough water in the crockpot, to cover the rocks thoroughly.

Step 6: Get ready to “rock and rub”

Plug in the crockpot and then heat the stones to 120°-150° Fahrenheit. Use the tongs to remove the stones, the strainer to remove excess water, and the tea towels to hold the stones.

Today, many people are using DIY projects to cut their budgets. Creating a DIY hot stone massage kit is one such project. You can save a huge amount of dough, by gathering the items for the kit yourself. Give hot stone massages without taking out a second mortgage!