[For Seniors] Recommended for day-service centers. A collection of craft ideas for April

Making a calendar using your favorite flowers and plants

[Making the 2021 calendar] April

When spring arrives, older adults may have more opportunities to go outside for a walk, don’t you think? When you visit a park, try picking some flowers and leaves and turning them into a calendar.

Creating with seasonal plants might help older adults recall memories of spring days from the past.

It could also spark conversation and broaden social connections.

For those who have difficulty going out, using dried spring flowers is also recommended.

Calendars made with dried sweet peas or mimosa would be lovely, too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Pressed Flower Calendar

A simple way to make a pressed flower calendar! Great as a gift, too!!

How about using pressed flowers for an April calendar? Some older adults may have fond memories of making and enjoying pressed flowers.

All you need are a calendar backing sheet and pressed flowers.

Use small and large blooms, and even stems together.

Traditionally, pressed flowers are made by placing them between heavy books, but you can also try quick methods using a microwave or an iron.

Once you’ve arranged the flowers in any design you like, place a cover film over the pressed flowers.

Creating a pressed-flower calendar with blossoms you find on a walk in the warm April weather would make a lovely memory.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

moko

Report a problem

clover

(Origami / copy paper) Easy! How to make a clover [DIY]

Here’s how to make an easy and cute clover.

A craft punch that cuts paper into heart shapes makes it go faster, but you can use scissors too.

Prepare two sheets of green paper—one dark and one light—and cut out heart shapes.

Layer the leaves with a piece of wire sandwiched between them, and glue them together.

Make several of these.

Bend the leaves, bundle them, and wrap them with green floral tape to form three-leaf or four-leaf clovers.

Pour pebbles or beads into a small container and insert the clovers to enjoy them like houseplants.

Since it’s safe to make, it’s also recommended as a recreation activity in senior facilities.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem

Lily of the valley corsage

[No-Sew] Felt Lily of the Valley Corsage / Entrance Ceremony / School Enrollment Ceremony / DIY felt lily of the valley

A corsage is an accessory worn on clothing for celebrations and festive occasions, typically a floral ornament attached to women’s dresses or outfits.

It might be nice to attend a special day wearing a corsage you made yourself.

Older adults may feel a special sense of joy, too.

Here’s an idea for a lily-of-the-valley corsage made from felt without sewing.

You’ll roll the felt to create the lily-of-the-valley.

As you make this charming piece, it may lift the spirits of older adults and spark lively conversation with those around them.

It also looks lovely when arranged on a hat or attached to a bag.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

cherry blossoms in full bloom

[Beginner Work Video] Creating a March Full-Bloom Cherry Blossom Calendar

When spring comes, even 100-yen shops line their shelves with items featuring springlike motifs such as cherry blossoms, wisteria, and strawberries.

So why not try making a calendar using items like design sheets—transparent film paper—letter paper, or origami? Here’s how: attach double-sided tape to all four sides of the design sheet, stick it onto slightly larger letter paper, and then collage on a calendar and decorations like flowers.

The soft patterns create a springlike feel and instantly brighten up your room!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

dandelion

@hirose_ds

TranslationElderlyRecreationMarchSpringfront-loading; taking in advance; getting a head start#dandelionPapercraftCalendarTranslationFinger exercises

♬ Young Man(Y.M.C.A.) – TRT Harajuku Yankees RC

Let’s turn dandelions made with lots of fingertip work into a calendar.

Cut the tip of a long, narrow strip of construction paper.

Then roll the paper round and round to form the dandelion flower.

Attach the dandelions you made, along with leaves, to the calendar to finish.

Because it uses the fingers, it can not only stimulate the brain but also serve as functional training for fine motor skills.

Creating calendars and dandelions can help older adults feel the seasons.

How about adding spring elements like butterflies and ladybugs as well?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Camellia brooch made of felt

[No-sew, can also be a brooch] Easy felt camellia craft suitable for care facilities and community salons where needles and thread can’t be used

The blooming season for camellias varies by type, but it runs from late November to early April.

They often bloom from February to April in particular, so they’re considered flowers that herald spring.

Let’s try making a seasonal camellia out of felt.

Cut six circles from felt and apply double-sided tape slightly offset from the center.

Fold each felt circle in half where you applied the tape.

Using the stamen you made as the center, wrap the six folded felt pieces around it.

Add leaves to finish the flower.

Attach a safety pin using double-sided tape and felt to complete it.

This is a project that seniors who enjoy sewing are likely to appreciate, even in facilities where using needles is difficult.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem