Bison Caravan

Article by Chris Turley

With the growing popularity of hot stone therapy, more and more people are longing to try this variation in massage which incorporates the use of warm basalt stones that are effective in calming the body and releasing muscular tension.

With the hectic lives of people today, a relaxing therapy like this one is surely a welcome break. Not only is it a great way to unwind, it also does wonders for one’s physical and mental well-being, contributing to good health and positive outlook in life.

It’s true that the massage stones and supplies are widely available online and at the local department stores. But if you have time to spare, you can also make your own and save some money.

Here are the steps on how to make your own hot stone kit:

Step 1: Go to a rock quarry or visit a nearby river.

Step 2: Look for flat and smooth stones. You have to find two large oval shaped stones measuring about 8 inches in length and 6 inches in width. Then search for 7 to 9 pairs of smaller stones that can fit in the palm your hand. Lastly, pick out 8 other stones about the size of an egg. Make sure that the pairs of stones you choose are similar in shape, weight and size.

Step 3: Buy the necessary equipment such as a water warmer. You can use a table top skillet with sides that are at least three inches tall or a large slow cooker. You also need to have a strainer to hold the stones after heating, spoons or tongs to pick out stones out of the water, thermometer and towels.

Step 4: Wash the stones thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any dirt or soil residue. It’s not advisable to soap these stones.

Step 5: Arrange and stack the stones neatly into the pot or pan. Fill this with water and then heat on top of a stove. You may also use an electric heating device specifically designed for heating massage stones.

Step 6: Heat until the temperature reaches 120 degrees.

Step 7: Dry the stones with towels and then hold them first on your palm before touching it to the skin of the one receiving the massage to make sure they’re not too hot.

Of course, if you don’t want to go through all the trouble, there is always the option of buying ready to use hot stones. Online you will find a lot of great deals on these supplies. Just be sure that you choose a reputable store that will offer high quality and effective massage stones for a blissful hot stone therapy experience.

Chris Turley, a director of a massage stone supply company, is an expert on hot stones. Find out more on his site at www.tirmassagestone.com.

A very common word in the world is stone as the crust of the earth is largely constituted by it. Different types of stones are used for different purposes. In addition, in the stone-age things like Stairs, walls and tables, all were made in stone. Many eye-catching and appealing stones are found around the world. Many countries import several types of stone from different countries and therefore stone supplying business is established across.

People supply stones to various places for many purposes. Some of the beautiful stones are ruby, diamond, emerald, etc. Their size and available quantity identifies their price. Sources of origin of various stones are different. Some are found underwater, some on the surface of the earth while some others get formed because of some physical processes.

Travertine stone is often found near sulphur springs. It’s generally white or creamy to look at as it is made by calcium deposits. Used in building purposes, this stone is mainly found in Italy. It’s also found in various parts of the world. Colosseum is a kind of travertine stone which is a natural stone used in decorative purposes as it is bright in color. It is primarily used to make the floorings of a garden and also to make statues. There are natural pit holes on top of this stone which make a broken look after a while. It is thus supplied both in, filled and unfilled forms. Before supplying, these stones are smoothened and polished. It has become very well liked nowadays and is extensively used. But the problem with these kind of stones is that they are weak like lime stones. So, theses stones must be handled carefully. These stones are mainly imported from Turkey, Mexico and Italy.

Compared of this is Granite that is an igneous rock and it is very hard & strong. They’re grey in colour but can vary based upon composition. It is usually found in large sizes. Since it is naturally very strong, it is preferred in the field of construction. Nowadays the trend is to make floorings, platforms and tables in granite. It’s also trusted for its durability and longevity and can withstand fire, water, temperature etc. Aberdeen is built mainly by local granite and therefore has been named ‘the granite city’. Granite stones are found in abundance on earth’s surface, mostly in areas of England and Scotland. Due to its high availability its cost is relatively very low.

Today, stone is needed in all fields and from jewellery to floor; everything is being made of stone. Because they are so common, you should have all the information related to them.

Concrete stepping stones can make a beautiful, yet functional addition to you home and garden areas.

The items and tools needed are some scraps of 2×4′s at least 2′ long, a piece of 1/8″ masonite 4′ long and 4″ wide, a small roll of heavy plastic, a staple gun, a handful of 1″ and 2″ screws, a concrete edger,a wooden concrete float and sakrete or equivalent concrete mix. All of these items can be purchased at the local building supply,but many people have most of this laying around in the garage or shed.

The first step in this project is to build a form or mold. This is done by fastening the 2×4′s or masonite together with screws. 

For a square or rectangular stepping stone use the 2×4′s cut to the determined size. It can be any shape you desire so be creative. Use the 2″ screws to attach the sides of the forms together. Cut a piece of the plastic a bit larger than the outside widths or the form and staple it to the bottom of the form. Be sure to pull it tight when stapling. Now, mix the concrete to a pudding consistency and pour it in the form. Level it off with the wooden float and use the edger around the perimeter. After the concrete begins to set, relevel the concrete leaving the rounded edges of the wet concrete intact.

Let the concrete dry overnight and turn the form over and loosen the screws on one corner. A hand truck is the best way to move and placethe stepping stones as they are very heavy.

The same process will be followed for a round or oval form with the exception of using masonite instead of 2×4′s. The masonite will need to be lapped over each other at the joint to allow room to screw it together.

There are also concrete dyes available in many colors. Check with your local building supply to find out more on dying concrete. 

There are many shapes which can be made with these techniques. Have fun being creative with this easy to do project.