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[wildcat fan]

There is an assisted living facility near my house, and my husband and I have been visiting a few times each week. One resident likes to make necklaces and bracelets using wire and beads from Michael's. I was thinking we could make Christmas ornaments like wreaths, snowflakes, and icicles, but it's too early to find patterns at the store. Do you have any suggestions for online resources? Summer is the best time for me to get started on holiday crafts because if I wait until fall, I'm usually too swamped at work to do it. ☺️ Thanks for your help!

[Pamula]

That is very inspiring to me that you visit people at an assisted living place! Mmmm, maybe there is a place like that near me. I'm sure they appreciate your visits.

Anyway, I just visited Hobby Lobby yesterday that opened in our area.  They also have an online store.  This place was larger than my sister's store in Texas and they had so many arts and crafts supplies.

[qualitygal]

Library book sales. Martha Stewart books, even some of the library books have ideas. I got lucky at the last library book sale.

Even the chidren's section might be a good idea, since elderly sometimes have trouble with hands and fingers on some projects. So I would think with the children's books, there could be some ideas to help in that area.

HTH.

[Tigriss]

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1FDUM_enUS480US481&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#...

Try that site for various places to try.

[nursemegLPN]

I don't know if you are very computer-literate but Pinterest is a great place to find stuff like this.

[Still Raining]

Another idea is to use styrofoam shapes and stick sequins and/or beads in with pins and then hang with ribbon.  I have had kids do this and perhaps this would be an option too.

[wildcat fan]

I appreciate all these suggestions! Each time I tried to do an online search yesterday, I found ornaments that were already made. You've given me several good tips to build on. Thank you!

[novadc]

Are these the type of ornaments you have in mind?  If so, I made dozens of them many years ago as a relaxing thing to do in what little spare time I ever had.  Very easy---you just need some colored satin-covered styrofoam ornaments, pretty ribbons and/or lace.... and whatever beads, faux pearls, or other embellishments you can find at any craft store.  Also will need plenty of straight pins---I liked the kind that had beaded tops.