Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Practical Crafts to Make in Day-Service Recreation: Idea Roundup

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Certified Care Worker / Former Day Service StaffAbe Eri
I worked at a day service for seven years and obtained my Certified Care Worker qualification in 2019. I have provided meal assistance and bathing assistance, as well as led recreational activities that involve physical movement and cognitive stimulation. I enjoy drawing and crafting. My motto is: “With a smile, anything is possible!” and I try to live joyfully every day. I’m also doting on my beloved Chihuahua.

At day service craft activities, there are times when participants make items to take home.

I imagine many people display them at home, too.

This time, we’re sharing craft ideas for older adults that you can make and actually use!

We’ve gathered practical crafts you can keep using after you make them, as well as stylish pieces that look great on display.

Simply changing the origami patterns or the types of beads and ribbons can create a completely different feel, so have fun using these ideas as inspiration.

[For Seniors] Practical crafts to make in day-service recreation. Idea roundup (301–310)

plastic bottle pen case

How to make a plastic bottle pen case! With a zipper, it’s super easy to carry around♪

plastic bottle pen case

We’re going to make a pencil case out of a plastic bottle.

A pencil case from a plastic bottle? It might sound surprising, but it looks cute and is practical, too.

Be careful when cutting the bottle, as that part can be a bit dangerous.

Try adding glitter in your favorite color or using any empty plastic bottle you like!

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paper ball

Paper Ball Made with Origami — How to Make a Paper Ball

paper ball

Let’s hand-make those paper balls you often see in displays! Prepare about 10 to 16 sheets of origami paper cut into circles of the same size, fold them in half, and simply glue them together.

You can use a single color, or alternate two colors for a cute look.

Thread a string through and hang them up—they’ll look adorable.

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origami fan

[Summer Origami Craft] How to Make a Fireworks Paper Fan with Audio Commentary ☆ Fireworks Paper Fan Tutorial

origami fan

A fan-like uchiwa that, when opened, reveals beautiful fireworks.

You’ll use origami paper and wooden stirrers.

Everything can be found at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to make.

Just use two colors of origami paper, accordion-fold them, make decorative cuts, and then layer and glue them onto the base sheet.

It’s practical, too.

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A basket made of paper

Paper Basket Craft ~ Recycled Crafts of Baskets ~ (Basket made of paper) (Recycled craft) (Paper craft) (Senior recreation / day program) (Easy) (Newspaper) (Psychiatric OT creation)

A basket made of paper

Paper baskets that can be used for various purposes are also recommended.

First, make the base of the basket using old newspapers and cardstock.

Next, apply paper napkins to improve the appearance.

It’s fun that you can show your originality by using paper napkins with patterns you like.

You do need to let each step dry before moving on, but since all the materials are paper, they dry relatively quickly.

That way, you can keep the work going at a steady rhythm.

By the way, patterned paper napkins can be purchased at 100-yen shops.

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In conclusion

We introduced many craft activities that can be enjoyed at day service centers.

Creating things with your hands—such as original bookmarks, three-dimensional bouquets, and washi paper underwater flowers—helps stimulate the brain.

Let’s use familiar materials and enjoy conversations together while making wonderful creations.

By displaying the finished pieces or giving them as gifts, you can spend even more heartwarming moments.