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[For Seniors] Recycle Everyday Materials: A Collection of Flyer Craft Ideas
There might be some of you who keep stacking up inserts and flyers thinking, “I’ll hang on to these just in case I can use them for something.” Especially if you subscribe to a newspaper.
You may end up not needing them after a while, but if you’ve got them, you want to make good use of them, right? What we’re introducing today is a flyer craft idea that’s perfect for older adults! It’s a great fit for recreational activities at day service centers and other senior facilities.
We hope everyone enjoys a fun crafting time together!
[For Seniors] Recycle Everyday Materials: A Collection of Flyer Craft Ideas (1–10)
tissue case
Let’s make a tissue box cover using unwanted flyers and brochures! You over there thinking, “Can you really make a tissue case out of flyers?” By weaving strips of folded paper, it transforms into a proper tissue case! The process of folding, weaving, and shaping it into a box may seem simple, but it actually makes you think.
It’s perfect for finger dexterity training for seniors and for dementia prevention, too! Another plus is that you can tailor it to the size of your tissues.
small accessory case
Here’s how to make a small organizer using flyers and origami paper.
Origami paper is widely available at 100-yen shops, so pick any pattern you like! Cut both the flyers and the origami paper into long, thin strips.
Wrap a sheet of newspaper around a pencil to form a stick.
Secure the end with glue.
Then wrap the origami paper over the newspaper stick.
Fold both ends inward, and glue together 12 sticks to create the base.
Attach two sticks at the edges and one in the center on top of the base, then continue stacking three sticks at a time in an alternating pattern to build up the height.
This makes a perfect holder for pens, scissors, and other small items.
Woven basket with a cobblestone pattern
Let’s try making a basket using the stone-paving weave by combining small cut pieces of advertisements! When you hear “stone-paving weave,” you might picture baskets made with craft bands.
In this video, we’ll take on the stone-paving weave using familiar ad flyers instead.
Fold the small cut flyers, and combine four pieces while they’re folded in half.
From there, keep adding more pieces to build the basket.
Even though the material is just paper flyers, the multiple interlocking parts create a sturdy basket.
Try making one together with everyone!
trivet
A flyer that every household has can be transformed into a trivet! Let’s make a handy trivet by repurposing flyers.
Fold the flyers into many thin strips and assemble them in an alternating, lattice-like pattern.
Since you’ll use your whole hands and fingertips, it’s also very effective for preventing cognitive decline in older adults.
You don’t even need glue or tape, because the remaining ends are tucked to the back and slipped into the weave.
Try making one to match the size of your pots!
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?
Simple coaster
Introducing a simple and stylish woven cobblestone-pattern coaster.
First, cut the flyer into small, narrow strips.
Fold both sides inward along the crease you’ve made in the center.
You’ll need lots of parts, so split up the work among everyone.
Combine four parts and shape them.
Then add two more strips and continue weaving in the cobblestone pattern.
When you’ve reached your desired size, tuck the ends inside to finish.
It’s a piece you’ll grow attached to by using it under your cup every day.
Highly recommended for personal use or as a gift for friends and family.
single-flower vase
A single-flower vase to display blossoms can make a nice accent in your room.
This time, we’re introducing a single-flower vase made from a flyer.
Prepare colored varnish spray, craft glue, chopsticks, double-sided tape, and an aluminum can.
Roll the flyer tightly to make a long, thin stick.
Trim the tip to adjust the length.
After making both long and short sticks, attach them to the aluminum can following the video as a guide, and secure them with string.
Attach wire so that it wraps around the second row of sticks and form a loop for hanging.
Shape it, spray with colored varnish, and it’s complete.
openwork basket
There are many crafts you can make with advertising flyers, but how about trying a large basket this time? Older adults may be surprised that you can make such a big basket from flyers.
Cut the glossy flyers into long, thin strips and roll them diagonally from the corner.
Secure the end with glue when you finish rolling.
Hold four and five of the thin rolled sticks in each hand, cross them, and wrap them as if tying the bundle while bending one stick at a time.
Pair the vertical spokes in twos and weave them together; once you’ve made the base, continue weaving the sides.
It’s a craft that requires concentration, imagination, and time, but because it’s a substantial project, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment when it’s finished!
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!
A decorative box with traditional Japanese patterns
If you’re doing flyer crafts, how about a cute box with Japanese patterns? Once you’ve prepared unwanted ads or catalogs and some patterned chiyogami paper, fold the flyer so it becomes long horizontally and cut it in half; also cut the origami paper in half.
Fold the flyer in half, leaving a small margin at the top, then wrap it around a pencil, gluing here and there as you go.
Once it forms a stick, attach the Japanese-patterned chiyogami.
Make many of these in the same way, then assemble them.
Glue adjacent sticks together with craft glue to form the base, then attach the sides in the same way to finish.