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Crafty fundraising ideas

By Victoria Watts
November 11, 2009 at 4:35 pm

A ball of red woolAccording to those in the know, knitting is “the new yoga” and it has the celebrity following to prove it – Russell Crowe, Madonna, Sienna Miller, Kimberley Stewart, Cameron Diaz, the list goes on. What next – Man United crafting their own patchwork quilt, a Girls Aloud crochet range?

Although it’s unlikely Rooney and co will be showcasing their finest double cross stitch anytime soon, DIY fashion has certainly trumped the trends in these credit crunch times, unleashing a wave of craft across the nation.

From knit ‘n’ natter sessions to reclaimed clothes, people have been putting their creative hats on and saving pennies. And not content to be saving pennies themselves, Red Cross volunteers have been making use of their newfound skills with crafty fundraising ideas – putting those pennies where they’re needed most.

Our favourite ideas so far…

Why not join these innovators and hold your own creative fundraising event? With Christmas approaching it’s the perfect time to nurture your inner artistry. While making presents for friends and family, you can put aside some time to turn your new hobby into a fun fundraising event – or be like Bettylicious and donate one of your creations to a Red Cross shop.

Be sure to let us know what ideas you come up – if Russell Crowe can do it, I’m sure you can too!

Image © Nico van Diem (www.sxc.hu)

Comments (8) »

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 4:35 pm and is filed under Fundraising and events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • macca

    Russell Crowe does not knit, never has. He posed for a publicity photo some 15 years ago holding a photographic assistant’s knitting… as a prop, for a lark . Those pictures, if examined, show a man with no idea whatsoever what to do with the yarn and needles other than play around clumsily. He was asked years ago if it was true he knit. I’ll spare you his response.

    Crowe’s craft is acting, and he does it very well. He is also charitable and generous, sharing his craft based income with those in need …. just not wrapped in wooly scarves or beanies.

  • macca

    Russell Crowe does not knit, never has. He posed for a publicity photo some 15 years ago holding a photographic assistant’s knitting… as a prop, for a lark . Those pictures, if examined, show a man with no idea whatsoever what to do with the yarn and needles other than play around clumsily. He was asked years ago if it was true he knit. I’ll spare you his response.

    Crowe’s craft is acting, and he does it very well. He is also charitable and generous, sharing his craft based income with those in need …. just not wrapped in wooly scarves or beanies.

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk/ Victoria Watts

    Sadly, I’m not a knitter myself (yet) so didn’t spot this hoax. How disappointing – I loved the idea of Russell sitting back for a good old knit ‘n’ natter! However, I’m told Kimberley Stewart showcased her skills on screen so let’s try this again – if Kimberley Stewart can do it, then I’m sure you can too!

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk Victoria Watts

    Sadly, I’m not a knitter myself (yet) so didn’t spot this hoax. How disappointing – I loved the idea of Russell sitting back for a good old knit ‘n’ natter! However, I’m told Kimberley Stewart showcased her skills on screen so let’s try this again – if Kimberley Stewart can do it, then I’m sure you can too!

  • Mark Cox

    Russell Crowe does in fact knit. He’s also a professional-level crochet artist and, many say, a truly gifted seamstress. (Note: Some of the above facts may not be true.) But I loved the blog anyway.

  • Mark Cox

    Russell Crowe does in fact knit. He’s also a professional-level crochet artist and, many say, a truly gifted seamstress. (Note: Some of the above facts may not be true.) But I loved the blog anyway.

  • http://redcross.org.uk/ Katrina Crew

    Whether he knits or knot (sorry, couldn’t help myself), he looks darn good holding those knitting needles.

    These were some great tips, Victoria. I love any fundraising ideas that don’t require me to jump from a plane or run. I found one earlier this year that I thought sounded fantastic – a sponsored read-a-thon and write-a-thon. It’s something I’d definitely take part in!

  • http://redcross.org.uk Katrina Crew

    Whether he knits or knot (sorry, couldn’t help myself), he looks darn good holding those knitting needles.

    These were some great tips, Victoria. I love any fundraising ideas that don’t require me to jump from a plane or run. I found one earlier this year that I thought sounded fantastic – a sponsored read-a-thon and write-a-thon. It’s something I’d definitely take part in!

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Victoria Watts

Victoria used to write about all things fundraising for the British Red Cross, but now she's working overseas.

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