RAG MusicRecreation
Lovely senior life

[For Senior Daycare Centers] Ideas for Summer Take-Home Crafts

What comes to mind when you think of summer? In July, there’s Tanabata, and in August you might picture the sea or mountains, watermelon, shaved ice, and summer festivals—classic summer motifs.

This time, we’ll introduce easy-to-make, take-home projects that are perfect for summer and can be done at a day service.

Seasonal items like uchiwa fans, wall decorations, and wind chimes let you fully enjoy summer and are convenient to use at home.

If you’re wondering what summer crafts to make at a day service, please use these ideas as a reference.

[For Senior Day Services] Ideas for Take-Home Summer Crafts (21–30)

Sunflower wreath

[Easy] Making a sunflower wreath with paper plates [Activity for seniors] Sunflower wreath
Sunflower wreath

Here’s a sunflower wreath idea that will instantly brighten up your room.

First, prepare a paper plate.

Cut out the center to turn it into a wreath base.

Next, decorate the paper-plate wreath by wrapping it with construction paper and adding ribbons.

Finally, adorn it with sunflowers made from construction paper.

The yellow color will make a great accent in your room, and it will also create a cheerful atmosphere if you display it by your front door.

Watermelon fan

In summer, I used popsicle sticks to make a watermelon folding fan, handmade DIY, parent-child h
Watermelon fan

Here’s how to make a watermelon fan using popsicle sticks.

Gather popsicle sticks, wire, colored construction paper, and glue.

Prepare five popsicle sticks and drill a hole at the bottom of each stick.

Thread the wire through the holes to bind them together.

Cut the construction paper into a fan-shaped watermelon slice, and use colored paper to create the rind and seeds to form the watermelon design.

Open and close the fan as you assemble it so the shape and movement work smoothly, then finish it up.

Add your name or decorations to create your own original fan.

Coasters made from felt scraps

How to Make Simple, Cute Coasters! Using Felt Scraps | DIY Easy Felt Coaster
Coasters made from felt scraps

Coasters made from felt scraps are recommended as a craft activity for seniors.

All you need to do is cut four felt colors of your choice and stick them onto a template, making it quick and easy.

The colors you choose will create a coaster that matches your personal taste, so you’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind piece.

They’re great for personal use and also make wonderful gifts for someone special.

Because the process involves fine handwork, it’s ideal for rehabilitation for seniors.

Plus, discussing how to make them during the activity encourages interaction among participants, making it a highly recommended group craft.

paper-cup wind chime

[Senior Recreation] Paper Cup Wind Chimes 🎐 A Summer Tradition You Can Make Easily. Includes Audio Commentary.
paper-cup wind chime

Here’s an idea for making wind chimes using paper cups.

First, attach origami paper with your favorite patterns to the sides and bottom of the paper cup.

That will be the outer appearance.

If you want to add decorations, using round or star-shaped stickers can make it look cute.

Once the outside is done, make a hole in the bottom, thread a string through, and attach a bell or a paper tanzaku (strip) to the end.

If you tie a ring to the other end, it will be handy for hanging by a window.

The steps are very simple, so please give it a try.

If you’re at a facility, hosting a wind chime design contest could be a fun activity as well.

balloon goldfish

[Summer Origami] Traditional balloon goldfish – easy folding instructions with voice narration ☆ Origami Balloon Goldfish Tutorial / Tatsukuri
balloon goldfish

How about making a traditional origami balloon goldfish as a summer decoration? It’s great as an accent for your room’s interior or as a hanging ornament.

There aren’t any particularly difficult folds, so even seniors can try it with ease.

By blowing air into it at the end, it becomes three-dimensional and looks adorable! Since origami uses your fingers, it’s also perfect for finger dexterity training for seniors and for helping prevent cognitive decline.

You can add round stickers for the eyes, and using gradient or patterned origami paper would look lovely too!

small accessory case

[Senior Recreation] Easy Craft Using Toilet Paper Rolls: Small Accessory Holder That Can Also Display Artificial or Dried Flowers
small accessory case

How about making a small container out of a toilet paper roll? Create a base with thick paper, then decorate it to finish.

Wrapping it with jute twine gives it a tropical resort feel.

You can use the finished container to hold sweets or small items.

Displaying artificial flowers in it is lovely, too.

Also, if you attach a lace ribbon as a handle, you can hang it up.

Try choosing lace in your favorite color.

Wind chime making

Day service craft simple kit elderly recreation summer washi paper wind chime
Wind chime making

A perfect item to set the mood for summer: the wind chime.

Let’s try making one by hand.

Store-bought wind chimes are often ceramic, but this version is very simple—just washi paper, a hanging string, a small bell, and a tanzaku strip.

Even if you drop it by accident, there’s no worry about it breaking.

Choosing your favorite washi will lift your spirits even more.

The gentle sound of the wind chime is sure to bring a touch of coolness to the hot summer days.