[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] Simple and Fun: Craft Ideas You Can Make with Everyday Items (111–120)
collage (paper collage; cut-and-paste picture)

This activity involves sticking small colored pieces of paper to create a picture with a sense of volume.
It really tests your ability to focus on detailed handwork, such as making tiny parts and carefully placing them while being mindful of shapes.
I recommend painting various colors onto white paper and then cutting it into small pieces—this lets you create color gradients even within the tiny parts.
After that, decide on the overall shape you want, and attach the pieces to match that shape until it’s complete.
As you work, pay attention to the overall color gradation and how layering can add depth and volume.
Keychain made with masking tape

Masking tape sold at variety stores and 100-yen shops comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Let’s make the most of that variety and create a keychain.
Stick your favorite masking tape onto tracing paper, then cut it to the size of the tape.
Mounting it on the tracing paper adds thickness.
Place the cut pieces into a vinyl sleeve, wrap them with parchment paper, and press with an iron.
You can use either a clothing iron or a hair straightener.
Attach the metal hardware, and you’re done.
The prep is easy and the steps are simple, so it’s very approachable.
It also seems like a fun activity for older adults to make while enjoying conversation with those around them.
[For Seniors] Easy and fun: Craft ideas you can make with everyday items (121–130)
Japanese taiko drum strap

Let us introduce a Japanese drum strap that rings like a little bell when you shake it.
You can make it by combining two plastic bottle caps.
Thread a bell onto a string, place the bell inside one of the bottle caps, and pull the string out through the gap between the two combined caps.
Before assembling, draw a taiko drum pattern on the caps.
Wrap vinyl tape around the overlapped part of the caps.
Make a small slit in the vinyl tape where the string comes out so the string can pass through—this is the key point.
Since it can be made with everyday items, try making it together with older adults.
A flower made with a fork and yarn

We’re introducing a flower craft you can make using just a fork and yarn.
Wrap the yarn around the tines of the fork 12 times, holding it lightly with your fingers to keep it in place.
When you’re done wrapping, leave a longer tail and cut the yarn, then bring it to the back and thread it through from top and bottom.
Repeat this inward, tightening and shaping as you go—this is the key step.
Cut at two points, remove the bundle from the fork, and fan the yarn out into a circle to form a fluffy flower.
Finally, tie a pearl at the center to add a touch of elegance and create a piece with a nice accent.
It’s easy to make, and moving your fingers can help stimulate the brain, so it’s a recommended craft for older adults.
Simple coaster
@hitotema_sourcier I made colorful, personality-packed yarn coasters ♡TranslationHitotema#Shonan#WantToConnectWithCaregivers
♪ Original song – hitotema_sourcier – hitotema_sourcier
Brighten up your daily tea time! Here are some easy coaster ideas.
Coasters are flat items placed under glasses or cups.
They protect your table from condensation and stains that appear when a cold drink sits for a while, and they also serve as decorative accents to elevate your table’s look.
This time, let’s handcraft coasters using materials from a 100-yen shop.
You’ll need mesh used for plant pots, a yarn needle, and yarn in your favorite colors.
With so much freedom in design and color, it’s exciting, isn’t it?
sachet

Sachets are perfect gifts for seniors, offering both a pleasant scent and the comforting feel of fabric.
Fold the top and bottom edges of the fabric 1 cm to the wrong side and sew.
Trim the seam allowance to about 5 mm, turn it right side out, and press with an iron to shape.
Place a fabric scrap infused with essential oil in the center, then add more fabric around it to create a soft, fluffy finish.
Attach the handle to the edge at the end, and it’s complete.
They’re versatile—you can place them in a closet or by your pillow to enjoy the fragrance, or carry them in a bag.
Choosing scents like lavender or citrus to suit the recipient’s taste makes the gift even more thoughtful.
Gentle in appearance and filled with care, it’s a uniquely heartfelt handmade present.
Super Easy Aroma Sachet

Let’s give the gift of a handmade sachet.
Here are some simple aroma sachet ideas.
An aroma sachet is a scented pouch that you can place in closets, drawers, or around your room to enjoy a soft, subtle fragrance.
How about making an original aroma sachet with materials you can buy at a 100-yen shop and giving it as a present? All you need are a paper envelope or drawstring pouch in a design you like, cotton, and essential oil.
The steps are simple and easy to follow, so give it a try!



