Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Recycle Everyday Materials: A Collection of Flyer Craft Ideas

[For Seniors] Recycle Everyday Materials: A Collection of Flyer Craft Ideas

Last updated:2025/5/13

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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

Handmade tissue case (tissue cover) – recycled craft: a tissue case made from flyers #Remakepaperwork #Recyclelife

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.

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Woven basket with a cobblestone pattern

[DIY] Handmade with Advertising Flyers: Making a Basket with Stone-Pavement Weaving • Handmade by the Kotatsu [Yukinko Channel] Recycled Crafts, Upcycling, Fourfold (Yotsudatami) Fold, Accessory Case, Basket

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!

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trivet

Easy! Make a trivet with flyers

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!

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pen holder

Pen holder made from flyers

pen holder

Wouldn’t it be lovely to keep the pens you use every day in a pen holder you made yourself? We’ll make one by cutting flyers into small pieces.

Please be careful and prioritize safety when using a utility knife.

It’s also a good idea for staff to cut and prepare the pieces in advance.

Roll the flyers around a bamboo skewer to make thin stick-like tubes and secure them with glue.

Once you’ve made a lot, trim both ends to even out the length.

Arrange the sticks in a pattern like the kanji character for "well" (井).

Make several of these sets, stack them upward, and attach a base at the bottom to complete your pen holder.

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small accessory case

[DIY] Small Accessory Holder Made from Origami and Flyers ❋ Ad-Flyer Handicrafts ❋ Handmade at the Kotatsu [Yukinko Channel] Recycled Crafts, Slow Life, Senior Daily Life, Simple Living

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.

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Simple coaster

[DIY] Handmade with Advertising Flyers: Easy Coasters – Recycled Crafts, Ishidatami Weave, Four-Strand Braiding

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.

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Eco basket

Make it from the catalog! Let's try making an eco basket!

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?

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