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[For Seniors] DIY Strap Craft Ideas. Great as Gifts, Too!
Handmade strap crafting is recommended as an arts-and-crafts recreation activity in senior care facilities.
We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas—from simple ones that beginners can make easily to more elaborate projects suited for those skilled in handicrafts and DIY.
Because many of the tasks involve using the fingertips, they can also serve as fine-motor rehabilitation for older adults.
In addition, they’re said to provide good stimulation for the brain.
Parts for straps and the like are easy to find at 100-yen shops, so give them a look.
Find an idea that interests you and try making it together with everyone.
[For Seniors] Handmade Strap Craft Ideas. Great as Gifts, Too! (1–10)
Disney-style candy strap
Here’s how to make Disney-style candy straps using felt and yarn.
First, create a template for the silhouette of a Disney character.
Use the template to cut the shape out of felt, then apply glue.
Attach the end of the yarn to the felt and wind it around in a spiral.
Wrap yarn on both sides, attach the strap hardware, and you’re done.
Decorating with a ribbon or necktie adds extra charm and makes it even cuter.
It’s safe and easy to make, so it’s also recommended as a recreational activity in senior care facilities.
Amulet strap made with Indian embroidered ribbon
Here’s an idea for a charm strap using Indian embroidered ribbon from a 100-yen shop.
Doing your own embroidery or adding sequins can be tough, but with this, you can make it easily.
First, cut a plastic sheet into a small piece and round the corners.
Apply double-sided tape along all four edges, then place a sequin in the center of the ribbon.
Stick it onto the plastic sheet, and wrap the back side with the ribbon as well.
Punch a hole for a ball chain, thread the chain through, and you’re done.
The sequin sparkling inside the ribbon looks adorable—give it a try!
Mini Crane Strap
Let me introduce a mini crane strap made with colorful chirimen crepe fabric.
Since there are many delicate steps, using tweezers makes the process easier.
Fold the chirimen as you would an origami crane, and secure each fold with glue so the creases hold.
Once the crane shape is complete, attach the strap hardware to finish.
You’ll need to work before the glue dries, so it can feel a bit rushed, but once you see the result, I’m sure you’ll feel it was worth the effort.
fabric keychain
Do you have any leftover fabric scraps from a craft activity? Here’s a fabric keychain you can make even with small, awkward pieces.
Cut the fabric into a rectangle, fold it in half twice, and sew both ends.
You can use a sewing machine, but hand sewing is fine since it’s a short seam.
Turn it right side out, push out the corners, and press with an iron.
Thread the hardware through the fabric and stitch it in place to finish.
You can use it as a keychain, or as a name tag.
It would also make a nice gift for your family.
Macaron strap made with mizuhiki (decorative cord)
Here’s an idea for making a macaron strap using mizuhiki cords with materials from a 100-yen shop.
This time, prepare pink-toned colors.
First, straighten the mizuhiki to make it easier to handle.
Trim the ends, make a small awaji knot, and then form it into a plum blossom (ume) knot.
Once the shape is set, secure it with glue.
Attach a bell and strap hardware to a head pin, layer the ume knot on top, and glue them together.
Hold down the ends and round the shape to finish.
Since it involves a lot of hand work, it should provide plenty of stimulation for the brain.
It’s recommended because you can also expect brain-training benefits.
Mizuhiki Star Strap
There seem to be many mizuhiki motifs, such as flowers, butterflies, and daruma.
Recently, books on mizuhiki motifs have also been published.
This time, we’ll introduce a star strap made with three mizuhiki cords.
Use your fingertips a lot as you weave the three cords together.
Watching the mizuhiki gradually take on the shape of a star may be enjoyable for older adults as well.
Since you can sit in a chair and make it while chatting with those around you, it also seems likely to promote communication.
Give it a try and create works in various designs with mizuhiki.
Tassel-style strap
Here’s an idea for a tassel-style strap you can make just by tying.
Prepare seven suede-like cords, and thread a strap part onto one of them.
Adjust the placement so the hardware sits in the middle, form a loop, and tie it.
Secure it with a split ring, then trim the ends of the cords to finish.
If the cords tend to fray while you tie them, wrap tape around both ends to make the process easier.
It’s simple yet stylish, making it perfect for a small gift.
Why not give it a try as a little finger exercise, too?