[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! Easy and Cute Small Craft Ideas (141–150)
Sophisticated Shaka-Shaka Strap
A shaker strap that makes a rattling sound with the beads inside when it moves, and sparkles with sequins.
Why not attach it to your everyday bag or pouch? Let’s make a shaker strap by filling the case with different kinds of beads.
You can create lovely pieces using craft supplies from the 100-yen shop.
If you put Japanese-patterned origami inside the case as a backing, you can make a piece with a more mature feel.
Of course, it’s perfectly fine to match the design to seniors’ tastes—whether cute, chic, or anything in between.
fabric keychain
Do you have any leftover fabric scraps from a craft activity? Here’s a fabric keychain you can make even with small, awkward pieces.
Cut the fabric into a rectangle, fold it in half twice, and sew both ends.
You can use a sewing machine, but hand sewing is fine since it’s a short seam.
Turn it right side out, push out the corners, and press with an iron.
Thread the hardware through the fabric and stitch it in place to finish.
You can use it as a keychain, or as a name tag.
It would also make a nice gift for your family.
Charm made with resin clay
Why not try making your own original charm decorations with resin clay? You can get everything you need at a 100-yen shop.
Pack resin clay into accessory findings and smooth it out so it doesn’t overflow.
After drying for about three days, remove the clay from the findings.
Add color with nail polish, or adhere fabric or decoupage paper and secure it with glue to finish.
It’s safe and easy, making it perfect for a small gift.
Since it uses fine motor skills, you can also expect some brain-training benefits.
Mizuhiki Star Strap
There seem to be many mizuhiki motifs, such as flowers, butterflies, and daruma.
Recently, books on mizuhiki motifs have also been published.
This time, we’ll introduce a star strap made with three mizuhiki cords.
Use your fingertips a lot as you weave the three cords together.
Watching the mizuhiki gradually take on the shape of a star may be enjoyable for older adults as well.
Since you can sit in a chair and make it while chatting with those around you, it also seems likely to promote communication.
Give it a try and create works in various designs with mizuhiki.
Simple smartphone strap
Macramé is a craft where you cross and weave several cords to create patterns.
By tying and weaving the cords, you can make a variety of designs and create pieces with personal flair.
Smartphone straps made with this technique are lovely, too.
When weaving, I recommend using clips to hold the cords in place.
This technique was apparently popular in the 1970s, so some older adults may have made macramé pieces before.
As they work, it might even bring back memories from that time.
You can create many different patterns, so give it a try!
Strap made with beads
Perhaps some older adults among you have experience making bead crafts.
One of the charms of beadwork is that there are beads in many shapes and sizes, allowing for a wide variety of creations.
This time, we’ll introduce a simple strap made by threading beads onto a cord.
Let’s try making it with several types of beads that older adults prefer.
You can secure the cord, such as nylon thread or fishing line, to the table with tape, but it seems easier to work if you prepare a board and clips to hold it in place.
Once it’s finished, adding a ribbon will make it even cuter.
Strap made with artificial flowers
How about making a lovely strap using seasonal artificial flowers from the 100-yen shop? It’s easy to make, and using your fingertips helps stimulate the brain.
It may also help prevent cognitive decline.
First, make a ring with craft tape and fill it with paper clay.
Insert the artificial flowers and leaves into the clay and arrange them freely.
Attach a handle with craft tape, wrap on a netsuke cord, and you’re done.
By using flowers of the four seasons, you can enjoy it all year round.