Christmas present idea

sazzy6

I have copied this from my thread on the OS board - apologies for double posting but someone pointed me in this direction over there.

I have been asked by my cousin (11 year old girl) for something crafty for Christmas. She wants a new craft and I am struggling to think of something.

She love modelling clay (but doesn't want anymore)
She used to love hama beads, but has moved on.

I did consider buying her a cheap sewing machine but I really think this is a false investment. So you wonderful people I have £30 to spend to get someone into a new craft - any ideas?!?

SuzySu

Has she tried Fimo? You can make all sorts of wonderful things (including jewellery) in a short space of time and no expensive tools needed to start. I know it's rather like modelling clay, but the finished product is quite different. Maybe some basic colours (I think they are around £2 a block) and a book to give her ideas?

Otherwise what about a beaded jewellery set so she can make for herself and friends.

Or skeins to make friendship bracelets?

sazzy6

She has used fimo loads - that was what I meant by modelling clay (didn't realise it was different, you learn something everyday!)

I have been given the idea of cross stitch from the OS board so I am now thinking of making up almost a trail pack of lots of different types of crafts. A bead making set sounds fab, are there ones that are aimed at the teenage market as the only ones I have seen are for much younger children.

sazzy6

Does this seem any good?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DELUXE-JEWELLERY-MAKING-FINDINGS-KIT-PLIERS-BEADS-TOOLS-/280595311791?pt=UK_Crafts_JewelleryMaking_GL&hash=item4154c8acaf#ht_3375wt_982

SuzySu

That's not bad at all sazzy but the tools won't be great quality. However, for an 11 year old just for a hobby I think it would be perfect. You might want to look around at some beading sites (if you're thinking of getting a set) and see what else is on offer for a bit more?

This looks good as you're not paying for tools she prob won't need so she's get more beads/findings (the clasps, wires etc) for the money

http://www.the-beadshop.co.uk/index.php/kits/starter-kits/jewellery-making-starter-kit-sp.html

sazzy6

SuzySu wrote: »

That's not bad at all sazzy but the tools won't be great quality. However, for an 11 year old just for a hobby I think it would be perfect. You might want to look around at some beading sites (if you're thinking of getting a set) and see what else is on offer for a bit more?

This looks good as you're not paying for tools she prob won't need so she's get more beads/findings (the clasps, wires etc) for the money

http://www.the-beadshop.co.uk/index.php/kits/starter-kits/jewellery-making-starter-kit-sp.html

Looks good - might take the plunge and buy it!!!

SuzySu

Good luck...hope she enjoys whatever you get her!

sazzy6

Just seen this -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JEWELLERY-KIT-GEMSTONE-BEADS-FINDINGS-TOOLS-TIGERTAIL-/280523955744?pt=UK_Crafts_JewelleryMaking_GL&hash=item415087de20#ht_1507wt_698

And I could buy the beads on their own. Gosh, this is all new ground, I literally have no idea what I am doing. lol I'm sure she'll love whatever I get her though.

laura16_2

I think that was the one i bought because I just wanted a go and I liked it but I'm no expert I just bought it to try and make a few bits every now and again