[For Seniors] Recommended for day services! Simple and cute small craft ideas
Craft time at the day service is an important activity that enriches both mind and body.
Each piece—like adorable pipe-cleaner bouquets and handy little organizers—shines with its own personality.
They’re lovely to use yourself, and they’d surely delight someone special as a gift!
None of the projects are very complicated, so you can take your time and work at your own pace.
Making them while chatting with other participants also helps expand your circle of communication.
Why not choose your favorite materials and colors to create a one-of-a-kind handmade piece in the whole world?
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For Seniors: Recommended for Day Service! Simple and Cute Small Craft Ideas (71–80)
Hero Owl
If you want to make an owl that’s a little different from the usual, how about this hero-inspired idea? Use a pine cone as the base.
Cut the face and wing parts out of felt, but add a twist! Instead of using ordinary brown felt, imagine a hero’s decorations and craft the pieces with armor- and shield-like designs.
Even the cute eyes can take on a cool, raptor-like look by adding just one extra piece.
Finish it as your ideal hero owl.
Shaker bookmark
Shaker bookmarks that are fun to tuck into a book make reading time even more enjoyable.
They’re great for yourself, and would surely delight a grandchild as a gift.
Decorate a piece of cardstock in your preferred size with stickers.
Place the cardstock into an OPP (cellophane) bag that’s larger than the cardstock, then cut it down leaving a margin.
Fold the excess flap over and neatly hide it with washi tape; add sequins inside, and you’ve got a shakety-shake bookmark that’s a joy to use.
If you prepare a selection so people can freely choose which stickers and which sequins to combine, they’ll have even more fun!
A bookmark you can customize with stickers
Let’s try making stylish bookmarks using flake stickers! You can find flake stickers at stationery stores, online shops, and even 100-yen shops, so it’s fun to look for designs you like.
If you’re incorporating this into activities at a senior facility, prepare multiple designs and let each person choose their favorite.
Arrange the stickers on a plain card.
Using tweezers makes delicate work easier, so give it a try.
Once you’ve placed the stickers to match your preferred image, trim the shape and tie a ribbon.
These chic bookmarks make perfect gifts!
Bookmark made with marbling
Do you know marbling? Marbling is a painting technique in which patterns created with water and paint are transferred onto paper or other surfaces.
The patterns change depending on the colors you use and how you mix them, so you can create highly unique pieces.
Put the paints you want to use into containers and dilute them with a small amount of water.
Pour about 1–2 cm of water into a tray, add an equal amount of liquid laundry starch (or laundry glue), and mix well.
Drop small amounts of three different paints in spots across the surface.
Gently swirl with your finger to create a pattern, then place the paper on top and lift it off carefully.
Once it’s completely dry, cut it to bookmark size, sandwich it in a laminating film, trim the edges, and you’re done.
A cute pouch made from fabric scraps
Let’s try making a practical handmade pouch! Here are some cute pouch ideas using fabric scraps.
Fabric scraps refer to leftover pieces or odd bits of fabric from cutting.
These days, you can buy scraps with character prints or floral patterns at 100-yen shops.
It’s a great idea even if you don’t have scraps at home or don’t have a craft store nearby.
Plus, pouches are convenient for carrying small items.
The time spent making one while thinking of the recipient will surely feel special, too.
name keychain
Here’s how to make a name keychain using plastic bottle caps.
Prepare caps in your favorite colors and cut them into small pieces.
Arrange the pieces on a sheet of baking paper, cover with another sheet, and press with a high-heat iron to melt the plastic.
Once it cools and hardens, cut it into your desired shape with scissors.
Punch a hole with an awl, add alphabet or other stickers, thread a chain through, and you’re done.
It makes a great little gift, so give it a try!
Flower-knot beads made with craft bands
Have you ever seen bags made with craft bands or eco-craft bands? Many bags woven from flat bands have a handmade warmth to them.
Here, we’ll introduce flower-knot beads made with craft bands.
Prepare three long, thinly cut strips of craft band and start weaving.
The technique may look complicated, but once you learn it, it should be easy to make.
Because you use your fingertips a lot while weaving, it can also help stimulate the brain.
Once you’ve finished weaving, trim the ends and sprinkle with water.
When water is applied, the adhesive on the band dissolves and then sets.
You can also make beads in different sizes and colors; thread a cord through them to create charms.
They’re recommended for attaching to keys or bags, especially for older adults.
