I need 'quick-win' ideas for Christmas things to make

[SugarMiceInTheRain]

Hoping you festive fans can help me think of some ideas. At the end of this month I have to run an evening class (along with one other person) on making things in advance for Christmas. I'd like for everyone there (will have anywhere from 10-25 people) to be able to learn to make a few different things in the course of 2 hours so that they can go home with a variety of ideas for quick homemade presents.

So far, I'm thinking of flavoured oils - olive oil, fresh herbs/ chillies etc as they are dead easy and quick and everyone can take a bottle of oil home, which will gradually become more flavoured in the run-up to Christmas.

Another idea I had (though I'm not sure how long they keep) was salt/ sugar body scrubs as these are dead quick to make.

Does anyone else have ideas for things we could do? We're hoping to do up to 6 mini-classes so things that take up to 15-20 minutes would be ideal.

These felt heart baskets might be suitable? If you already have the felt and a template, they shouldn't take long to make. Once made they can be filled with chocolates, hung on the tree etc.

Also, how about these clay ornaments?

these sound fab, will be watching with interest!!!

how about cookie mix jars although not much making involved, just putting together

I'm planning on making Christmas shaped chocolates and shortbread for my siblings

Oh those felt hearts look so cute, and simple too!

I'd forgotten about cookie mix jars - I made those for gifts a couple of years ago. Really simple and effective but inexpensive too.

Thanks for those ideas! Keep them coming...

I do some craft work with my job and a nice idea is a Christmas door mat.. Just buy natural brown cheap door mats and use a stencil and spray paint .. Car paint of all purpose sprays.. Snowflakes etc.

Also simple tree decorations.. Pine cone, tartan ribbon and button.. Just sew a square of ribbon to the of the cone, then a button and make a loop. Hope that makes sense.

I love craft ideas website...

www.craftideas.info/html/country_stars_d.html

Reindeer food - porridge oats/birdseed, mix with hundreds and thousands (to make it a bit colourful), put in a plastic bag and put a sticker on the front with a Christmas poem on it (google them, I think there's one about feeding the reindeer)

Children can throw it on the lawn/patio on Christmas Eve and the birds will eat it, and parents can pretend it was the reindeer.

Also tissue holders are very quick for anyone who can use a sewing machine - just 3 seams (I can't find the exact pattern, but you cut two squares of material, put right sides in, sew around leaving about 2 ins of a hole at the bottom through which you turn it right side out. Then turn two sides to middle, sew across both ends, then turn right side out). Takes about 10 mins including cutting out and finishing.

Pinterest is brilliant for links for easy crafts.

Bath bombs, massage/lotion bars, fabric covered notebooks, microwave handwarmers/hot lavender bags.

I did a craft afternoon for new mums put on by sure start when dd was a baby. We made pendants from Scrabble tiles which we stuck a hook on and a photo on the other side. We covered them in sort of oozy varnish from a tube and put them on leather thongs or key rings. We were told to bring the photo with us. I am not sure I have explained that very well, but it was very effective.

Candy cane sleighs, if you google (i'm on my phone so cant link) it will come up with instructions but they are very simple & look great. Basically its 2 candy canes (poundland or wilkinsons) with a pile of assorted chcolates & sweets making the sleigh, all tied up with ribbon.

I've seen those candy cane sleighs. They would be quick and easy. Will probably avoid anything involving sewing as I am rubbish with both a needle and thread and sewing machines! I am intrigued by the idea of making massage or lotion bars... will google those too.

Thanks for all the lovely ideas. I'm all excited now!! :-)

How about clove oranges?