[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.
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[For Seniors] Handmade Strap Craft Ideas. Great as Gifts, Too! (1–10)
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.
Charm made with resin clay
Why not try making your own original charm decorations with resin clay? You can get everything you need at a 100-yen shop.
Pack resin clay into accessory findings and smooth it out so it doesn’t overflow.
After drying for about three days, remove the clay from the findings.
Add color with nail polish, or adhere fabric or decoupage paper and secure it with glue to finish.
It’s safe and easy, making it perfect for a small gift.
Since it uses fine motor skills, you can also expect some brain-training benefits.
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.
[For Seniors] Handmade Strap Craft Ideas. Great as Gifts, Too! (11–20)
Strawberry Milk Candy Strap
We’ll show you how to make a cute strap by reusing the wrapper from Sakuma’s “Ichigo Milk” candy.
First, take out the candy and wash and dry the wrapper.
Using air-dry clay, shape it into a triangle like the candy, then let it dry for a while.
Once dry, wrap it with the candy wrapper and make a hole for attaching the hardware.
Attach the hardware and secure it with glue, then add a strap or a ball chain to finish.
It’s safe and easy to make, so why not try it after enjoying your snack?
Macrame keychain woven in two colors
We’d like to introduce an idea that features the warm, hand-knit feel of macramé: the “Two-Color Braided Macramé Keychain.” After preparing a bag hook, tie four pieces of rope to it.
Braid the ropes while alternating the two colors and shaping the form as you go.
Tie a knot in the center, trim the ends evenly, and it’s done.
Because it involves only safe braiding work, it’s recommended both as a recreation activity in senior facilities and as a finger dexterity exercise.
Be sure to use your favorite colors and create a piece that suits your taste!
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.
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?