[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! (11–20)
Sophisticated Shaka-Shaka Strap
A shaker strap that makes a rattling sound with the beads inside when it moves, and sparkles with sequins.
Why not attach it to your everyday bag or pouch? Let’s make a shaker strap by filling the case with different kinds of beads.
You can create lovely pieces using craft supplies from the 100-yen shop.
If you put Japanese-patterned origami inside the case as a backing, you can make a piece with a more mature feel.
Of course, it’s perfectly fine to match the design to seniors’ tastes—whether cute, chic, or anything in between.
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.
Petit Cigar Fleur
Let me introduce the sewn ribbon lei strap called Petit Cigar Fleur.
First, mark the thin ribbon, then sew it together with the wider ribbon.
Once you’ve stitched to the end, add a twist.
Thread on a jump ring and beads, then shape it into a bow.
Attach the strap hardware to finish.
You can create completely different color variations depending on the ribbons you use, so choose according to your taste.
Working with your hands and fingers stimulates the brain and may help prevent cognitive decline.
Simple smartphone strap
Macramé is a craft where you cross and weave several cords to create patterns.
By tying and weaving the cords, you can make a variety of designs and create pieces with personal flair.
Smartphone straps made with this technique are lovely, too.
When weaving, I recommend using clips to hold the cords in place.
This technique was apparently popular in the 1970s, so some older adults may have made macramé pieces before.
As they work, it might even bring back memories from that time.
You can create many different patterns, so give it a try!
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.
Smartphone strap with two tying methods
There are many crafts made by tying cords and strings.
Just by braiding, you can make everything from small items like friendship bracelets and straps to larger pieces like bags and tapestries.
There are various tying methods, but this time we’ll introduce a smartphone strap made with just two knots.
Let’s make a smartphone strap using the lark’s head (cow hitch) or snake knot and the square knot.
The technique may seem complicated at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll be able to braid smoothly.
It could be fun to try other braiding methods to create interesting pieces, too.
[For Seniors] Handmade Strap Craft Ideas. Also Great as Gifts! (21–30)
Strap made with beads
Perhaps some older adults among you have experience making bead crafts.
One of the charms of beadwork is that there are beads in many shapes and sizes, allowing for a wide variety of creations.
This time, we’ll introduce a simple strap made by threading beads onto a cord.
Let’s try making it with several types of beads that older adults prefer.
You can secure the cord, such as nylon thread or fishing line, to the table with tape, but it seems easier to work if you prepare a board and clips to hold it in place.
Once it’s finished, adding a ribbon will make it even cuter.