These patchwork baubles are thrifty, fun to make and, if last year's sellout V&A quilts exhibition was anything to go by, on-trend too. I have been making them for the last few years and it has become something of a Christmas tradition in our house. This is a great activity to do with kids, and makes lovely early Christmas gifts.

What you need

Plain baubles, shiny or matt. Mine were from a charity shop, but you could also try your local pound shop, or see if there are any lurking in the Christmas box that have seen better days

PVA glue, water, bowl and something to mix it with

An assortment of small bits of fabric (thinner fabric works best). This project is a great use for scraps, which, as an interminable hoarder, I have lots of

Ribbon for hanging

What to do

Patchwork bauble Photograph: Patchwork bauble

1. Mix PVA with water (about 50/50) in a bowl with a brush or old pencil.

2. String some pretty ribbon or strips of fabric through the ring at the top of the bauble.

3. Cut your fabric into small, similar-sized, square-ish pieces.

4. Dip each bit of fabric into the glue, squeezing out the excess glue on the side of the bowl, then smooth on to the bauble. Repeat with the rest of your fabric. If you're doing this with your kids, you might want to fill the gaps in afterwards, and it will probably get messy, but mess = fun.

5. You'll need to find somewhere to dry the baubles as you make them. I hang them on a knitting needle or kebab skewer wedged between two piles of books. Put some newspaper or a plastic bag down underneath them, as they'll probably drip.

6. You can use just one type of fabric for a more uniform bauble, or use multicoloured fabric for a true patchwork look.

7. Once dry, hang on the tree. Then step back with a glass of mulled wine and enjoy your handiwork.

• See some of Hannah Bullivant's other projects at seedsandstitches.blogspot.com