[For Seniors] Simple and Fun: Craft Ideas You Can Make with Everyday Items
What we introduce here are easy craft ideas for older adults.
They’re all easy to incorporate into recreational activities at senior facilities such as day service centers.
Using familiar, everyday materials, these crafts are simple to make, making it easy for seniors to give them a try.
We hope you’ll use craft-making to help stimulate both mind and body.
Since it involves using the hands, it also serves as brain training and can help prevent dementia.
Be sure to read this article and use it as a reference for craft activities.
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[For Seniors] Easy and fun. Craft ideas you can make with everyday items (91–100)
Flower ball made with a circular craft punch
@ayawangpaper Candy-like Origami Kusudama | A small, cute flower ball made with a round craft punch | Origami Flower Ball | AyaWangPaper#diy#papercraft#origamitutorialOrigami Kusudama
2:23 AM – Sharo
Making flower balls using origami paper and a circular craft punch is a perfect idea for senior recreation.
With simple steps, you can create lots of brightly colored petals and combine them to form a three-dimensional kusudama.
Handwork helps stimulate the brain, and the finished piece looks gorgeous and gives a strong sense of accomplishment.
Working together as a group encourages conversation and makes for an enjoyable time, which is another appeal.
It’s easy for beginners to try, so it’s highly recommended.
[For Seniors] Simple and Fun: Craft Ideas You Can Make with Everyday Items
PET bottle cap puzzle
[For Seniors] Easy and fun. Craft ideas you can make with everyday items (91–100)
Sunflower weaving with paper plates
We’d like to introduce a sunflower weaving craft made using a paper plate and raffia tape.
First, use parchment paper to shape a flower template, then place it over a paper plate and draw guidelines.
Cut along the lines with scissors, and paint the plate with acrylic paints in sunflower colors.
Wrap twine across the gaps between the petals, then use that as the warp and weave the raffia tape through like a loom.
You’ll end up with a colorful, summery, and cheerful sunflower.
Since it uses easily accessible materials, it’s also recommended as a recreation activity in senior care facilities.
Cardboard knitting
We will knit using corrugated cardboard with slits cut into it.
The surprising part is that you can knit with everyday materials, and the simplicity of the steps is a key highlight.
It’s a straightforward process: wind yarn around the cardboard by inserting it into the slits, then thread yarn of different colors alternately through it.
If you keep the final tightening in mind, you’ll end up with a sturdy piece of knitting.
By following the steps and making fine finger movements, you can turn this into finger dexterity practice and brain training.
Focusing on the task also helps you spend your time meaningfully.
chirimen-dama (small dried juvenile fish ball)
Here is an introduction to chirimen balls that can be used for a variety of items.
Cut chirimen fabric to a size that fits craft polystyrene spheres.
Use glue to attach the chirimen fabric to the polystyrene balls.
Trim any excess fabric that extends past the ball with scissors.
Press down the cut edges to finish, making sure it forms a neat sphere.
The finished pieces look even more charming as keychains or bag charms.
Try making them together with older adults while enjoying the process.
kusudama (decorative paper ball used for celebrations)
Kusudama made from flyers are also recommended as room decor.
Cut the flyers to make small origami-size squares.
After making four vertical crease lines, fold along the lines.
Make 12 of these parts.
The folding is simple, so once you learn it, you’ll be able to make them smoothly.
When you have all the parts, group them into sets of three and combine each set.
Then combine the assembled sets together to complete the kusudama.
It involves fine motor work, so it’s ideal for finger exercises for seniors.
It would also look great as a hanging decoration!
Eco basket
Let’s try making an eco basket using advertising flyers or catalogs.
Open one sheet, fold it in half lengthwise, then cut along the fold.
We’ll use 10 sheets this time, so cut all of them the same way.
Following the video, make two wide paper strips and 17 narrow paper strips.
Once the strips are ready, arrange them alternately and weave them together.
After weaving the bottom, use a tissue box or similar item to make crease lines.
Continue weaving the sides, using clothespins to hold things in place.
When you reach the fifth row, cut off any excess and fold it inward.
This activity helps train concentration, making it great for dementia prevention and fine motor exercise.
Why not give it a try?