[For Seniors] Get Hooked! Enjoy Crafting with Chopstick Art Projects
We’d like to introduce nostalgic toys and lovely interior pieces made from disposable chopsticks.
Boats, musical instruments, lampshades, and other creations that make you excited just by looking at them can be transformed into original works with a bit of ingenuity and ideas.
The hands-on process of assembling them feels like returning to childhood—a truly enjoyable time.
It’s also effective for finger rehabilitation and dementia prevention.
As you gaze at the finished pieces, you might find yourself reminiscing and sharing fond memories.
How about enjoying craft-making at a relaxed pace tailored to each older adult?
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[For Seniors] Irresistibly Engaging! Enjoy Crafting with Disposable Chopstick Projects (1–10)
Brick-style coaster
Here’s an introduction to brick-style coasters made with disposable chopsticks.
Cut the chopsticks into 1-centimeter pieces.
Since cutting them can be a bit tricky, it might be better to prepare the pieces in advance.
Stick the cut pieces onto a cork sheet with adhesive on one side, arranging them to look like bricks.
Once you’ve laid them out in a brick pattern, color them and let them dry—that’s it.
You can go for a brick-like color scheme, or use your favorite colors for a charming finish.
It’s great to have a handmade coaster to set your drinks on.
accessory case
Disposable chopsticks transform into a lovely little organizer.
The method is simple and you’ll have fun making it.
Prepare 12 sets of disposable chopsticks, colored construction paper, and glue.
Cut the chopsticks in half.
Using glue, attach the chopsticks to a square piece of construction paper.
Apply glue where the chopsticks overlap.
As you stack them up, be careful to keep them straight so they don’t shift out of place.
You can also paint the chopsticks if you like for a cute touch.
Give it a try!
boat
Let’s try making a boat using disposable chopsticks.
We’ll craft not only the hull but also the sail from chopsticks.
In addition to chopsticks, we’ll use wood glue and a hot glue gun.
These are sold at 100-yen shops, so they’re easy to prepare.
Cut and glue the chopsticks to match your boat sketch.
Once finished, it will look just like a real boat.
Because it involves a lot of finger work, it may stimulate the brain and help prevent dementia.
You can take your finished piece home and display it in your room.
Even older adults are likely to be captivated by the high-quality chopstick boat they made themselves.
[For Seniors] Get Hooked! Enjoy Crafting with Chopstick Projects (11–20)
Fish fishing game
Let me introduce a fishing game that’s fun to make and fun to play, where you can wind the thread like a reel.
Get some chopsticks, a straw, a paper cup, twine, and a magnet, and let’s get started.
Poke one hole on each side near the top of the paper cup.
Cut and attach the straw pieces to create the reel part of the fishing rod.
Make sure it rotates smoothly.
Thread the twine through and check the rotation so that it winds up as you turn it and can reel in the fish.
Secure the magnet firmly so it won’t come off.
See how many fish you can catch and have fun!
scarf knitting machine
Here’s a scarf knitting machine perfect for seniors who enjoy knitting.
Prepare a paper cup, scissors, chopsticks, and yarn.
After making a hole in the bottom of the paper cup, attach chopsticks evenly around the outside.
Stick the end of the yarn (with tape on it) to the inside, then start hooking the yarn alternately around the chopsticks.
When the yarn forms a star shape, lift the lower strand over the upper one and pass it under the chopstick.
Repeat the same process to continue knitting.
Once you reach your desired length, pass all the lower strands up and off the chopsticks and remove the work from the chopsticks to finish.
bow
Here’s how to make a large bow that boosts concentration and gives a strong sense of accomplishment.
Prepare chopsticks, rubber bands, baking soda powder, adhesive, a leather sheet, scissors, and a hole punch, and let’s get started.
When building the bow’s base with chopsticks, sprinkle baking soda powder over the glued areas to increase strength and help it harden faster.
The key is to assemble the base while carefully checking the angles.
Connect the rubber bands to create the part that hooks onto the bow.
When using it, make sure no one is around and try it out safely.
Washi paper lampshade
Introducing a washi paper lampshade with a gentle glow.
Prepare four chopsticks, ten half-length chopsticks, a hot glue gun, and a pendant light to hang inside, then let’s get started.
When building the frame with the glue gun, the key is to hold the pieces firmly in place at the moment you bond them so they stay stable.
When applying the washi paper on the outside, attach it one panel at a time, smoothing it out as you go while creating light creases.
Once you place the pendant light inside, it’s complete.
Try making this cute washi paper lampshade while imagining where you’ll use it.