[For Seniors] Practical Crafts to Make in Day-Service Recreation: Idea Roundup
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.
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[For Seniors] Practical crafts to make in day-service recreation: Idea roundup (51–60)
Mini Crane Strap
Let me introduce a mini crane strap made with colorful chirimen crepe fabric.
Since there are many delicate steps, using tweezers makes the process easier.
Fold the chirimen as you would an origami crane, and secure each fold with glue so the creases hold.
Once the crane shape is complete, attach the strap hardware to finish.
You’ll need to work before the glue dries, so it can feel a bit rushed, but once you see the result, I’m sure you’ll feel it was worth the effort.
Mini kimono in Japanese style
Would you like to make a lovely strap shaped like a mini Japanese kimono? Since it uses a pre-cut base, it’s fun even for those who aren’t comfortable cutting tiny pieces.
First, apply tape to the fabric and draw lines according to the template, then cut it out with scissors.
Attach the template base to a foam sheet, place the fabric on top, and trim away any excess fabric.
Add the sleeve openings, gold cord, and obi to finish.
It turns out plump and cute, like a miniature, making it a great gift too.
Give it a try!
vase
This origami vase is recommended for anyone who loves flowers.
It’s perfect for displaying paper flowers you’ve made or artificial flowers! Its rounded shape is super cute, so why not give it a try? There aren’t any particularly difficult steps, but if you make crisp creases as you fold, you’ll end up with a nicely shaped, beautiful vase.
You can use your favorite colors or patterns of origami paper, and double-sided origami will also look great.
It makes a lovely little gift, so you can share them with friends and family, too.
Hanging ornaments of plum blossoms and Japanese bush warblers
Here’s a seasonal hanging decoration you can make with materials from a 100-yen shop.
First, make the base: cut paper straws into short pieces and thread a pipe cleaner through them to form a pentagon.
Next, the Japanese bush warbler.
Cut green origami paper and washi paper into circles, layer them, and glue them together.
Add a beak and tail from origami, and stick on eye stickers to finish the bird.
For the plum blossoms, cut pink origami into small circles, layer and glue them, and add a bead at the center.
Attach the decorations to the base, add a hanging string, and it’s complete.
The plum blossoms and bush warbler seem to herald the arrival of spring.
Please give it a try and display it!
[For Seniors] Practical Crafts to Make in Day-Service Recreation: Ideas Summary (61–70)
magnet
Cute and colorful magnets.
Let’s handcraft them using felt and felt balls in various colors! Use a milk carton for the base, cut it into a circle, attach felt to the surface, and then glue felt balls of your favorite colors and sizes on top.
Adding beads and other decorations also looks adorable.
Swaying origami bookmark
Let’s try making a gently swaying bookmark.
It’s easy to make with origami, so it’s also recommended as a craft activity in senior care facilities.
Fold both ends of a long, narrow strip of origami paper toward the center to make it one quarter of its original length.
Place a string in between and glue it in place, then attach the swaying parts.
It’s a good idea to make the parts using the leftover origami from cutting the strip.
Add small slits to the main body of the bookmark to make it easier to clip onto pages.
Please enjoy using this for a fun crafting time!
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!