Filler question

[saracura.livejournal.com]

Hello all!

Like many people, I have decided to make a majority of my holiday gifts this year. I am going to try out the owl tutorial that was posted a few months ago, as I am rather obsessed with owls.

But my questions are these:

I'm going to be making a few things that need different kind of filling and I'm not sure what to use...

1) I'll be making a few door snakes - the ones that you put on the floor so to cut down on drafts. I think I used to use sand in these when I was a kid, but somehow that seems like it could be messy and the sand would get out of fine holes or something.

2) I want to make arm rests for myself to use as I make glass beads (my newest, funnest obsession!). Simple square pads. I was thinking of putting more than just stuffing in those. I thought of small hard fill, like buckwheat or lentils or something.

3) I was wondering what y'all's favorite filler is for eye pillows, besides pure lavender or herbs.

Another factor I'm trying to keep in mind is price, of course. I'd like to know the best options, even if they are expensive, as well as some cheaper alternatives.

Thanks for any advise!!