I am doing a talk in Sept. on a illness that is very dear to my heart(alzheimers). This will be to a mixed audience. I would like to make something to give to each person present that would ask them to think of someone with that disease and say a prayer for them each time they see it. It would have to be something for both sexes and something very simple and fast to make. I would need 20-30. I really don't want to buy anything-pens, bookmarks,etc. I feel those would just be put aside and forgotton about, but if it were homemade maybe it would more likely serve its' purpose. Does anyone have any ideas? I would appreciate your sharing with me. Thanks

something with a magnet for the refrigerator door.

My 1st thought was a refrigerator magnet with a "Don't Forget" or "Remember" embroidered on a tiny quilt. Who does not open the frig every day & would be reminded.

a crunchy/stretch bracelot they can put their key on

Boy did you give me something to think about when I go to work later today. I want to say something with a circle of life theme, Alzheimers awareness applique something...even small pins

Alzheimer's Ribbon on a fridgie?? Do a search for "Alzheimer's ribbon"

I love your post note. That is something I often forget to do-pray about it. Thanks for reminding me. That should be the first thing we do.

based upon what amandagramma said i quickly googled alzheimers awareness and see they are represented by purple ribbons.

How about making little yo yos and adding a magnet to the back

How about a small refrigerator magnet photo holder with a 'Forget Me Not' flower background. Made these type of magnets many years ago so I know there are patterns out there or can be made up with a little creativity.

purple yo-yos

mug rugs? If they don't take too long to make?

pot holders?

an ELEPHANT......they never forget!!!!!

Small coasters may be easier? Mug rugs can be smaller, too, though. They don't have to be pieced either.

a key fob. most likely they would use it every day

That's a great idea Jacqui!! or How about something portraying puzzle pieces. This is from the Alzheimer's Associ quilt display I saw last year. Some of the quilts were made with pieces missing or with a very faded picture where you coulnd't tell quite what was missing. Could you do mug rugs with this idea? Or, why not an elephant print?

A broken/divided elephant - to signify broken connections in the memory banks.

Ditto. My first thought. BrendaK

I really like to see how one thought just feed into the next with this board, such creativity! Hope we're giving you some ideas that won't take too long.

How about a small stuffed heart shape. I've heard of groups who make these for people with family members in intensive care units. They fit in a pocked or purse and can be held or touched...

Perhaps a forget-me-not flower pin that can be put onto a lapel for men or a small pin/brooch for the women?

I love this idea, Yo-yos in purple.

I immediately thought of miniature blocks with a "hanger" for their keyrings~~
Is there a symbol for alzeimers?

A mug rug, every one drinks something.
A simple idea is using a pinking shears but out two 6 inch circles, one solid and one print and a thin piece of flannel or batting. Sew a narrow seam around it, fold in 4 sides and tack down. Or,is your want to sew the circles with the batting, wrong sides together and turn. Presto ! you have a cathedral window mug rug.
Another I have made is using two 4 or 5 inch squares. Take a cinnamon stick, some whole nutmegs and cloves, put in a plastic bag and pound with a hammer till almost pulverized, put a little between the pieces of cloth and sew 1/2 inch around the perimeter. A warm cup of coffee or tea makes a nice aroma when used.

Carol J.

A purple elephant!

Excuse the typing errors, my fingers are not connecting with the brain this morning.
Cut two 6 inch circles,

Or, if you want to sew the circles with the raw edges inside, sew with the wrong sides together and a piece of batting, leave a space for turning. Fold to make 4 sides and tack.

Carol J.

You guys are great!!!!!!!! I have received so many ideas and I love them all. There is a symbol for alzheimers. It is two s joined together. Forget me not flowers are also used very much. I thought about making a purple yo-yo with a yellow button in the center, a magnet on the back and ribbon that say forget me not. But I cannot find the ribbon except ordering large amounts($200) that you can have personalized.

Ihave a pattern using a yoyo with a large paper clip for a bookmark. PM me and I will send it to you.

Carol J.

Isn't there a symbol or something for Alzheimers? How about a mug rug or pot holder with that symbol on it. Virg

My dad always kept a notecard in his pocket, and on it were the names of all the people he is praying for. Since his death last year, I am carrying on the tradition. It is amazing how many times a day I stick my hand in my pocket-at home and away.

I love the yo-yo idea. You don't need to have the printed ribbon, just explain the significance of the ribbon, and end your talk with "forget me not". so wonderful of you to share your thoughts with the audience craving info. God bless.

I spend a lot of time with Alzheimer's patients since my mother is among them living in a nursing home. I have been wanting to make a forget-me-not quilt to raffle at their next fund raiser but now also have been tickled by the purple elephant. Thank you all -- I can't imagine EVER forgetting friends on the Quilting Board!

Instead of making something, a collection of stones. Each person picks up a stone that calls to them. They keep it in their pocket and each time they touch the stone, they remember...

I lost my grandmother last night after a 14 year battle with alzheimers.
Everything mentioned are good ideas! Magnet is definately something that people will see evryday. This is a terrible disease that devastates entire families! :cry:

Last year, I made up over 150 "prayer rocks" and gave them as Christmas gifts. They were a HUGE hit with everyone who got one! I took a little square of fabric, trimmed the edges with pinking shears, wrapped it around a smooth rock, and tied it with a ribbon. Attached to the ribbon was the following poem:

I'm your little "Prayer Rock
and this is what I'll do.
Just put me on your pillow
'til the day is through.
Then turn back the covers,
and climb into bed.
And WHACK! your little Payer Rock
will hit you in the head.
Then you will remember
as the day is through,
to kneel and say your payers
as you wanted to.

Then when you are are finished,
just dump me in the floor,
I'll stay there through the night
to give you help once more.
When you get up the next morning,
CLUNK! I'll stub your toe,
so you will remember
your morning prayers before you go.
Put me back upon your pillow
when you bed is made,
and your clever little Prayer Rock
will continue in your aid.
Because your Heavenly Father
cares and loves you so,
He wants you to remember
to talk to Him, you know.

Last year, I made up over 150 "prayer rocks" and gave them as Christmas gifts. They were a HUGE hit with everyone who got one! I took a little square of fabric, trimmed the edges with pinking shears, wrapped it around a smooth rock, and tied it with a ribbon. Attached to the ribbon was the following poem:

I'm your little "Prayer Rock
and this is what I'll do.
Just put me on your pillow
'til the day is through.
Then turn back the covers,
and climb into bed.
And WHACK! your little Prayer Rock
will hit you in the head.
Then you will remember
as the day is through,
to kneel and say your prayers
as you wanted to.

Then when you are are finished,
just dump me in the floor,
I'll stay there through the night
to give you help once more.
When you get up the next morning,
CLUNK! I'll stub your toe,
so you will remember
your morning prayers before you go.
Put me back upon your pillow
when you bed is made,
and your clever little Prayer Rock
will continue in your aid.
Because your Heavenly Father
cares and loves you so,
He wants you to remember
to talk to Him, you know.

What about a 'broken dishes' patterned mug coaster? With "never forget" embroydered on the back. ;) I have alzhimers comming at me from both sides of my ancestry. I'm hopeing they find a cure before it catches up with me :| My dad died from complications from it in 2009. My Grandma on my mom's side died from it in 2008 :(

I'm impressed with what your doing..yo-yo's are easy and can be a mag for the men and a pin for the ladies..I made a beautiful wall hanging of the mountain.. my DM lived at for 40 yrs..she never forgot me or that mountain while ill with this horrible mind altering illness..got an honorable mention in a small show..let me know if I can help in anyway!!

How about a tissue holder like the one described in this tutorial: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-107636-1.htm in a fabric having a symbolizing connection to Alzheimer, e.g. the mentioned elephants or forget-me-nots.

These tissue holders are really easy and fast to make. I get about a dozen done in an hour.

How about buying a puzzle at the $ Store, spray painting the pieces purple and attaching a piece to a magnet. Cheap & Fast and it would be a wonderful reminder.

You could make refrigerator magnets from any design by printing them on your computer with the business card feature on paper used for making labels. Then stick them to a magnet. I think they even have sticky magnet stuff in 8.5 by ll so you could use regular paper to print on and then stick it to the magnet. Also look on iPrint site for printing ideas. reasonable I got 100 bookmarks for $29.99.