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

[For Senior Daycare Centers] Ideas for Summer Take-Home Crafts
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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 Service] Summer Take-Home Craft Ideas (1–10)

A lifelike sunflower made with origami

A realistic sunflower made from origami. Budget-friendly handmade craft. Use-what-you-have crafting [paper flower] [sunflower] [origami] [DIY]
A lifelike sunflower made with origami

Why not try making a sunflower out of origami that looks just like the real thing? All you need are yellow and brown origami paper, wire, tissue paper, and green floral tape.

First, cut the yellow origami into four equal squares and shape them into petals.

Next, cut the brown origami into thin strips and make fine slits along them.

Roll up the brown strips to create the sunflower’s center, then glue the petals onto a backing and attach the center to form the flower head.

Wrap tissue paper and green tape around the wire to make the stem, attach the flower, and you’ll have a sunflower that looks just like the real thing.

It’s full of summer charm, making it perfect as a gift or for room decor.

An ornament of a morning glory and a watering can

[Summer Craft] Morning Glory and Watering Can Ornament
An ornament of a morning glory and a watering can

Here’s a recommended idea for a summer craft to make at a day service center: “Morning Glories and a Watering Can” ornaments.

Create the morning glories using double-sided origami paper and washi (thin calligraphy paper) for a colorful yet gentle finish.

For the pot, edge a paper cup with paper cord and add paper-straw supports to give it a three-dimensional look.

The watering can uses a kitchen paper or toilet paper roll for the body, with a paper straw inserted as the spout.

Since all the materials are paper, it’s safe to make.

The finished piece is a cheerful work that also makes a delightful summer interior decoration.

Goldfish suncatcher

[How to Make] [Easy DIY] We’ll make a summery, translucent ‘Goldfish Suncatcher.’
Goldfish suncatcher

Here’s a recommended idea for a summer craft to make at a day service: the “Goldfish Suncatcher.” Goldfish made with transparent acrylic parts catch the light and sparkle, creating a cool, refreshing atmosphere.

By reusing an empty cheese box as the base, it’s easy, eco-friendly, and very stable.

Although it uses familiar materials, the finished piece looks highly polished.

The detailed finger work is also effective for fine-motor rehabilitation.

Participants can take their creations home and enjoy displaying this seasonally themed craft.

goldfish ornament

[Summer Festival Pretend Play] Goldfish Decorations #SummerFestival #PretendSummerFestival #PretendFair #AtHomeFestival #SummerFestivalCrafts
goldfish ornament

Here’s an idea for a summer take-home craft to make at day services: “Goldfish Decorations.” Shaping goldfish from red or orange tissue paper is great for finger movement and rehabilitation.

Place the finished pieces in clear wrapping bags and use blue or light blue cellophane to represent water for a cool, seasonal look.

Display them by a window to let the light create a summery atmosphere—your families will love them.

It’s a fun, soothing project.

Give it a try!

Translucent chopstick rest

[Senior Recreation] Rec Artisan Series Part 112: Making Translucent Summer Chopstick Rests with Resin
Translucent chopstick rest

Tanabata, the July festival, often evokes images of flowing rivers and clear, translucent colors.

By making familiar items like chopstick rests in transparent hues, you can easily capture that fresh summer atmosphere.

The idea is simple: use an ordinary chopstick rest as a mold with resin, then add decorations.

If you choose a Tanabata theme, go for a sparkling, starry-sky feel; if you choose an ocean theme, aim for a refreshing look centered on blues.

It’s best to decide on a clear theme and add decorations to match it.

Fireworks Milk Carton Fan

Let’s have fun making it with the scratch technique: A milk carton fan
Fireworks Milk Carton Fan

On hot summer days, many older adults have probably fanned themselves with a hand fan.

Here’s a perfect summer craft idea: a handmade uchiwa (Japanese fan).

Using an empty milk carton, you can make a sturdy fan.

Cut the milk carton into a circle and tape a chopstick to the outer (printed) side to serve as the handle.

Then cut another circular piece from a milk carton and attach it on top with the white side facing outward.

Draw fireworks on a round piece of construction paper, stick it onto the fan, and you’re done.

The fireworks motif enhances the summery feel and will help older adults enjoy the sense of the season.

Stained glass-style fireworks

[Summer Craft] Stained-Glass Style Fireworks! Sparkly, Cute Fireworks to Hold Up to the Sun [For 4-Year-Olds]
Stained glass-style fireworks

This stained-glass-style craft lets you feel the beauty of fireworks bursting in the night sky and is a vibrant project recommended for older adults as well.

Fold a sheet of black construction paper in half and mark the areas to cut so they form the shapes of fireworks.

After freely drawing the firework patterns, carefully cut along the marks.

Layer and attach colored cellophane—such as red, yellow, and blue—onto a piece of parchment (baking) paper to create multicolored fireworks.

Finally, place the cut black paper on top, and you’ll have stained-glass-style fireworks you can enjoy by holding them up to the light.

Display them by a window to catch sunlight or the evening glow for a sparkling effect that’s a treat for the eyes.

Using scissors and glue, this summery project offers gentle, hands-on work that’s enjoyable without strain, making it especially appealing.