Really looking for some ideas and can't think of anywhere better to ask than this board.

For the past few years, I've run a 'Christmas Crafts' slot at a fundraiser for a local charity working for adults with special needs. I've mainly concentrated on tree ornaments - you know - the covered balls, bells, stars etc. I'd really like to do something different this year.

The slot is 1.5-2 hrs long and everything is done by hand, so sewing needs to be fairly minimal. Also, I do provide all the materials and resources, so cost is a bit of a consideration. I had thought of scented coasters (one way to decrease my Christmas fabric stash :wink: ) - but would really welcome any ideas you might have. I'd like to start organising now and then I can pick up materials over the next few months. Thanks for any help or suggestions - they will be much appreciated.

Can't think of a thing so I'll just wish you good luck.

Someone posted a link to this, recently:

http://www.auntbeasfabric.com/Free_Patterns.asp

Maybe you'll find something here!

lots2do
PS Please ignore my snowpeople avatar, I have got to fix this, soon!

What about season greeting cards? Or small little xmas pillows to hang on the tree. We saw some of the little pillows at a trendy boutique a few years ago and they were selling for $6.95 each and were about 2" x 3" made from cute xmas material with gold or silver ribbon to hang. Very cute.

What about making cards using tagboard, fabric, trim, etc. glued on with craft glue (not the regular Elmer's)?

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/cheap-easy-crafts.html might be some ideas here.

What a wonderful thing to do. Looks like you have some great suggestions. I like the idea of scented coasters.

Terri on the board use to make mice with candy canes . You use felt. Let me see if I can find the pattern

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/merry-mice-660649/

Purchase small terra cotta pots and have small squares of Christmas fabric cut up. They would paint pots with watered down Elmer's glue and cover pots with fabric.

Or, make picture frames using the same technique. I would cut 5" x 7" pieces of cardboard and trace a "frame line". They would cover the frame with the fabric and picture would be glued in the middle using the same technique listed above.

Or, a really nice project would be to cut out wreaths and use fabric to cover surface. (same idea glue and pieces of fabric). At the Dollar Store, buy ribbons to make bows.

Let us know what you decide.

you could try to coat pine cones with peanut butter and roll in bird seed. Just tie a string at top to hang from tree. If you get the bird seed now, it is pretty cheap.

Thank you all very much for these great ideas - this is a super board where everyone is so friendly and helpful. I'll certainly find something to work on from your suggestons.

And - lots2do - I love your snowpeople avatar!!

I like this idea. 50 sheets of A4 card costs about 3 euro. Fold in half and you could use your bell, tree, star or any Christmas shape on the front.

Thanks Ann - these ideas are great.