Alphabet beads are great for making necklaces. Combine them with other kinds of beads. The kids can make all kinds of messages on bracelets and necklaces including the school motto.
If you put a bunch of materials out, you'll be surprized how creative the kids are. Materials like paint, paper, unpainted wood, cloth items and ceramics, beads, mosaic tiles and almost anything else. Cards are nice. Framed art. Shadow boxes.
The older kids might get into making premade scrapbook pages or memory books- just insert photos.
Pottery and scultures could be fun.
Talk to the art teacher to see what he/she may suggest. You may ask for help with determining what to do for each grade level in the time you have as well.
We did much the same thing at the school where my children attend. We went to Oriental Trading for ideas and completed them with the support of our local Walmart for supplies. If you take a look at the trading company, you might find ideas for all age groups since your school has a wide range of ages like the one where my children attend.
Decorated garden "stones"--there are kits, and also molds/resin mixes for larger numbers available at larger crafting stores like Michaels. These lend themselves nicely to personalization by using mosaic tiles, marbles ceramic or glass "chips." Besides T-shirts and aprons you can also use tote bags (another take on this is if any of the kids are taking sewing, they can make the bags as well using patterns available from McCalls and Simplicity). Though it doesn't lend itself to handprints, having the kids "decoupage" plain ivy bowls or inexpensive vases with torn bits of colored tissue paper and a glue/water mixture is pretty. There are a lot of ideas to be had just walking around a good crafting store.
We are holding our auction in April and we will be having some student made items. I need more ideas on this. I am looking for things that are quick and easy, but very personalized by the children (apron with handprints, desk painted by kids, etc.). We are pre-k - 8th grade. I am also asking for ways to personalize items besides handprints, signatures, etc. Any ideas?
