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Lovely senior life

For Seniors: Simple and Lovely Crafts – A Collection of Take-Home Project Ideas for Day Service

If you can take home the pieces made at day service centers and other senior facilities, you can display or use them at home, adding a little extra enjoyment to everyday life.

Many older adults also enjoy focusing on the act of making things.

So this time, we’ve gathered ideas for projects you can take home.

We’ve included practical items you can use at home, like small organizers and photo frames, as well as pieces you can simply display and enjoy!

The materials are easy to prepare, and we also make use of recyclables like empty jars.

Crafting involves using your fingertips, which can stimulate the brain and help prevent cognitive decline, while also providing a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment from creating something.

Please have fun making these projects!

[For Seniors] Simple and Lovely Crafts: A Collection of Take-Home Project Ideas for Day Service (221–230)

Air tube and bead strap

With an unexpected item!? Sparkling autumnal charms made with 100-yen store supplies #handmadeToys #easyCrafts #handmade #atHomePlay #DIY #kidsCrafts #preschoolIdeas #preschoolCrafts
Air tube and bead strap

Let me introduce a strap made with an air tube and beads using materials from a 100-yen shop.

Cut the air tube to your desired length and use a hot glue gun to seal one end.

Once the glue dries, add beads in the colors you like into the tube.

Seal the other end with the glue gun, attach the strap hardware after the glue dries, and you’re done.

It’s simple and safe to make, so anyone can enjoy creating it.

Try arranging different beads inside to design your own original strap.

Macramé strap with a double half-hitch knot

Macramé DIY: How to Make a Macramé Strap Using the Cute Two-Color Double Spiral Knot / Macramé Double Spiral Wristlet Keychain Tutorial
Macramé strap with a double half-hitch knot

We’d like to introduce a macramé strap twisted into a spiral using two colors of cord or string.

Macramé straps are made with a technique called macramé, which is said to derive from an Arabic word meaning to tie with crossings.

Since you braid with several cords or strings, there may be some parts that feel complex.

However, because you repeat the same steps multiple times to make the strap, it may become easy once you get used to it.

If you enjoy handicrafts, you’ll likely find it fun to make.

The strap twists all the way around in a spiral.

It’s a lovely project designed so that, when you see the finished piece, even older adults can feel a strong sense of accomplishment.

Disney-style candy strap

[No-Sew] Handmade Disney-style Candy Strap with Felt / 100-Yen Shop DIY / Felt / Halloween /
Disney-style candy strap

Here’s how to make Disney-style candy straps using felt and yarn.

First, create a template for the silhouette of a Disney character.

Use the template to cut the shape out of felt, then apply glue.

Attach the end of the yarn to the felt and wind it around in a spiral.

Wrap yarn on both sides, attach the strap hardware, and you’re done.

Decorating with a ribbon or necktie adds extra charm and makes it even cuter.

It’s safe and easy to make, so it’s also recommended as a recreational activity in senior care facilities.

Petit Cigar Fleur

[Ribbon Lei] How to Make a Strap: Petit Cigar Fleur | For Beginners | Easy DIY Using Only Running Stitches
Petit Cigar Fleur

Let me introduce the sewn ribbon lei strap called Petit Cigar Fleur.

First, mark the thin ribbon, then sew it together with the wider ribbon.

Once you’ve stitched to the end, add a twist.

Thread on a jump ring and beads, then shape it into a bow.

Attach the strap hardware to finish.

You can create completely different color variations depending on the ribbons you use, so choose according to your taste.

Working with your hands and fingers stimulates the brain and may help prevent cognitive decline.

Macrame keychain woven in two colors

DIY Macrame Keychain Braided Two Color | Macrame Keychain Tutorial
Macrame keychain woven in two colors

We’d like to introduce an idea that features the warm, hand-knit feel of macramé: the “Two-Color Braided Macramé Keychain.” After preparing a bag hook, tie four pieces of rope to it.

Braid the ropes while alternating the two colors and shaping the form as you go.

Tie a knot in the center, trim the ends evenly, and it’s done.

Because it involves only safe braiding work, it’s recommended both as a recreation activity in senior facilities and as a finger dexterity exercise.

Be sure to use your favorite colors and create a piece that suits your taste!

Mini Zori Strap

I tried weaving mini zori straps in different sizes. Sending this from Kitami, the city of curling and mint!
Mini Zori Strap

Let’s try knitting a cute, miniature zori sandal strap.

We’ll use metallic yarn sold at craft stores.

Metallic yarn is a thread made from materials like hemp or rayon with fine glitter woven in.

Prepare a piece of Styrofoam board with toothpicks stuck into it.

Thread the metallic yarn through them and knit the zori shape.

It seems like a project that older adults can also do, focusing while using their fingertips a lot.

It helps exercise the fingers and may stimulate the brain.

Once finished, you can attach it to a bag or keys.

[For Seniors] Simple and Lovely Crafts: Take-Home Project Ideas for Day Service (231–240)

Mini Crane Strap

From fabric to a mini crane strap! Miniature DIY #9
Mini Crane Strap

Let me introduce a mini crane strap made with colorful chirimen crepe fabric.

Since there are many delicate steps, using tweezers makes the process easier.

Fold the chirimen as you would an origami crane, and secure each fold with glue so the creases hold.

Once the crane shape is complete, attach the strap hardware to finish.

You’ll need to work before the glue dries, so it can feel a bit rushed, but once you see the result, I’m sure you’ll feel it was worth the effort.