how do you make a homemade heater

Okay, cost of heater (less than $100) versus cost of house that burns down and all of its contents because you made something that didn't pass the electrical code.

Know what I'm sayin'?

A kotatsu is a great idea. You could easily live in a much cooler environment and heat only what's necessary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu

Here's a link that tells how to make one.

http://ask.metafilter.com/31368/making-a-kotatsu

You could use a hair dryer if you wire in a thermostat which will control the temperature under the futon/quilt. You also have to be careful that you never leave the futon on when you're not using it, ie. when your legs are not under the futon/quilt.

With due care, and I must emphasize due care, they are safe and nice and warm. Why heat a whole room to keep a body warm.

I have little 20 dollar heaters that are awesome, safe and good for small spaces - like a single room.

Are they ceramic heaters, LittleK?

They're electric coil heaters. They are suposed to shut off automatically if they over-heat / tip over. I don't run them unattended anyway.