[For Seniors] Fun Crafts Recommended for December
December brings fun events and major occasions like Christmas and New Year’s.
Let’s help older adults feel the season with crafts that capture the spirit of December! We’ve gathered many projects that are easy to prepare and simple to make, using recycled materials and items from 100-yen shops.
Moving the fingers during crafting can also have brain-training benefits.
You can display the finished pieces, or take them home to use if they’re practical items.
Enjoy a wonderful time with crafts that are perfect for wrapping up the year.
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[For Seniors] Fun Crafts Recommended for December (1–10)
Origami gingerbread man
Let’s try making a gingerbread man using origami.
Cut a regular sheet of origami paper into quarters; use two pieces for the body, one for the arms, and one for the head.
There are a few steps that require fine folding, but no particularly complex techniques are needed, so it’s perfect for dexterity practice.
Another factor that simplifies the process is that you can use glue to attach each part—the body, arms, and head.
It’s also fun that, rather than being pure origami, the method is closer to a craft project.
3D Christmas candle
This is a three-dimensional candle motif assembled from origami.
Use an accordion-folded piece of origami as the base, then place a white sheet with the same accordion folds over it.
Next, fold in the diagonal creases you made on the top sheet, attach the flame piece there, and it’s complete.
Its simple appearance makes it easy to add decorations, and your choice of colors can really show your personality.
It might also be fun to connect several pieces of origami to make a large candle.
Pom-pom tree
When it comes to Christmas decorations, a tree is the classic choice.
But many people find it challenging to prepare a large tree.
That’s why I’d like to suggest making a pom-pom tree.
A pom-pom is a palm-sized ball made from yarn.
By gluing several together into a tree shape, you get a pom-pom tree.
This size is perfect for decorating a desk or bookshelf.
By the way, using two colors of pom-poms makes for a beautiful finish.
Try coming up with your own original color scheme!
[For Seniors] Fun Crafts Recommended for December (11–20)
Origami: Poinsettia
When it comes to bright red flowers that color the Christmas season, poinsettias come to mind.
As they appear at florists’ storefronts when Christmas approaches, they’re even called “Christmas flowers.” Let’s make a poinsettia out of origami! It makes a lovely room decoration, so give it a try.
Fold and cut the origami paper to create petals.
It’s very easy, so it’s great for beginners.
Make about three layers of petals and paste them together slightly offset to capture the poinsettia look.
They’re cute not only in red but in all sorts of colors, too!
Pinecone Tree
As the trees in the park begin to change color, many seniors might enjoy taking walks and collecting pinecones.
Why not try making a “pinecone tree” using the pinecones you gathered yourself? It’s very easy to make and perfect as a casual Christmas decoration.
Pinecones look great as they are, or you can paint them—adding color changes the feel and makes it fun.
Brush on some glue and stick on beads, glitter, or any materials you like, and you’ll have a lovely mini Christmas tree!
Christmas card
What kind of Christmas card should I give this year? Here’s a simple Christmas card idea that’s perfect for anyone planning to send cards to grandchildren or friends.
It’s easy to make by hand, and because it’s a 3D pop-up card, it really boosts the festive mood! All you need to do is fold a sheet of construction paper in half, make a few cuts with scissors, and fold the cut parts.
Add paper cutouts of motifs like trees, ribbons, or snowflakes to make it look even more festive.
It’s simple yet stylish! Can’t wait to see the surprised look on the recipient’s face.
Fukumamori
Why not try handmaking a Fukumamori, a charm said to bring happiness? It’s a great idea both as an accessory for seniors to wear and as a gift for someone special.
Cut slits at both ends of the center of a piece of felt, then attach a string and decorative pom-poms onto tape and sandwich them between the felt.
After sticking fabric and buttons onto the felt, decorate with triangular fabric and beads, and finish by tying the string.
Create a heartwarming gift with a Japanese or Christmas theme!
