[For Seniors] Recommended for September! Craft Idea Collection
September still carries the lingering heat, but it’s the time when we gradually move toward autumn.
September also features long-cherished Japanese customs and traditions, such as the Mid-Autumn Moon, Respect for the Aged Day, and the Autumnal Equinox Day.
We’d love for older adults—especially those who may find it hard to feel the seasons due to conditions like dementia—to enjoy a wonderful September as well.
With that in mind, here are some craft ideas for seniors to try in September.
These activities can serve as “brain training” by using fine motor skills, and through the finished pieces, can also lead to reminiscence therapy by recalling memories of past Septembers.
They might spark lively conversations and help create opportunities for communication.
We hope you enjoy a fun time with September crafts!
- [For Senior Care Facilities] Easy! September Craft Ideas to Feel the Autumn Season
- Wall decoration ideas for seniors recommended for September
- [For Seniors] Simple crafts that feel like autumn: a fun creative activity
- [Day Service] Craft Ideas for Seniors to Make in October
- [For Seniors] Recommended September Origami to Feel the Autumn Season
- For Seniors: Easy Crafts Recommended for October
- [For Seniors] Fall Wall Decoration Ideas
- For Seniors: Making a September Calendar — Recommended Motif Ideas
- [For Seniors] Enjoy September’s Autumn Fun! A Collection of Craft, Game, and Exercise Ideas
- Simple, Recommended Autumn Crafts for Seniors
- Recommended Moon-Viewing Crafts for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Easy Crafts Recommended for August
- [For Seniors] Crafts to Make in March! Recommended Project Ideas
[For Seniors] Recommended for September! Craft Idea Collection (1–10)
Mini bouquet of cosmos
A mini bouquet of cosmos flowers that’s recommended for fine-motor rehab for seniors and for craft activities at day service centers.
You can make it with simple materials like construction paper and wire, so why not give it a try? Cut construction paper into a rectangle, apply glue to the lower half, fix wires at equal intervals, then fold the paper in half and stick it together.
Next, using each wire as the center, cut the paper into 2 cm-wide strips and trim the paper into petal shapes.
Finally, bundle everything together, wrap the wires with floral tape, spread and shape the petals, and glue a decorative pom in the center to finish! A single stem is cute on its own, but bundling several together into a mini bouquet makes it perfect for display or as a gift.
Cosmos wreath
Would you like to design a wreath with cosmos flowers to mark the beginning of autumn? You can easily make a wreath with origami! Create the wreath base by assembling origami parts, then decorate it with cosmos blossoms.
Despite the simple steps, you’ll end up with a vividly colorful wreath—an activity well-suited for older adults that supports cognitive engagement and stimulates creativity.
Add autumnal hues like yellow and brown to enjoy the change of seasons.
As you pour your energy into each piece, past autumn landscapes and memories may come to mind, offering a chance to spend a rich, heartwarming time.
Origami gentian wall decoration
An origami gentian wall decoration is a perfect idea for September’s Respect for the Aged Day! The vivid blue really catches the eye and can be stimulating for older adults.
Make the gentian flower and calyx with small origami paper.
If smaller sizes are difficult to fold, regular-sized origami paper works just fine.
Arrange them on a backing sheet for wall decor, or add mizuhiki cords or chiyogami paper for a lovely traditional Japanese touch.
It’s also great for fine motor training, so have fun making it!
[For Seniors] Recommended in September! Craft Idea Collection (11–20)
A cute rabbit garland from the 100-yen shop
When you look at the moon, doesn’t it seem like a cute rabbit is pounding mochi? There’s even a legend about it, which is why rabbits pair so well with moon-viewing.
Let’s make a rabbit garland to brighten up your tsukimi! All you have to do is attach rabbit ears—cut from felt—to pom-poms made of yarn.
If you want an easier way to make pom-poms, you can use a pom-pom maker available at 100-yen shops.
You could also stick patterned fabric onto the felt ears for a stylish finish.
Grape decoration making
When it comes to the flavors of autumn, grapes are a top pick, aren’t they? How about making delicious-looking grapes and muscat clusters using toilet paper rolls and tissue paper? They’ll instantly brighten up even a simple wall when used as decorations in senior care facilities! They’re also great as a day-service recreation activity.
Cut toilet paper rolls, wrap them with tissue paper to recreate the grape berries, and add a bit of roundness for a cute finish.
Once you’ve made a few, glue them together to complete the cluster.
Use brown tissue paper for the stem and green origami for the leaves to create realistic grapes.
The 3D look makes them stylish as a garland, too—just thread a string through!
Autumn Picture Postcard
Picture letters may look difficult at first glance.
They do seem challenging, but if you can draw them, they look very stylish.
Why not try your hand at picture letters that you can not only give to someone but also enjoy displaying? Try depicting autumn motifs like the seven flowers of autumn such as pampas grass, the quintessential autumn blossom cosmos, as well as seasonal scenes like persimmons and moon-viewing.
First, draw line work with a brush pen, then gently add color over it with watercolors.
By laying the brush flat or splitting the tip, you can create expression not only through color but also through brushwork.
Receiving a heartfelt picture letter is delightful, isn’t it?
Pacific saury
Sanma—literally “autumn knife fish” in kanji and a familiar fish with “autumn” in its name—surely ranks in the top three flavors of the season.
For all you sanma lovers, here’s a recommendation: why not make a sanma wall decoration? Since it’s made with origami, it’s perfect for recreation activities at senior facilities, too.
A video carefully demonstrates how to make both right-facing and left-facing versions, as well as small fish, so be sure to check it out.
When decorating the wall, consider the balance between large and small fish to create a fun display!