[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. Also Great as Gifts! (21–30)
fabric-covered button strap
This strap features a cute, softly rounded design inspired by macarons.
Using a covered button kit, you make buttons from fabric scraps and combine two buttons to create a puffy, rounded shape on both sides.
Pairing identical designs gives a unified look, while mixing different designs highlights the three-dimensional effect—another point worth noting.
Attach the cord at the end to complete the strap.
It’s recommended to choose the cord color to match the button design.
Depending on the fabric scrap patterns you use, you can enjoy a variety of creative variations.
Omamori strap
Let’s make amulet-style straps to wish for our grandparents’ health and safety.
Receiving a gift like this might make them feel truly loved and very happy.
It’s easy, so give it a try.
First, cut a card case into an amulet shape and prepare a ribbon of the same width.
Add glitter to the ribbon and attach the card case with a glue gun.
Add ribbon and pearls, then attach a strap to finish.
You could also consider making an amulet with an AirTag attached to help keep track of their location and safety.
Turtle strap with a decorative knot
This strap features a turtle motif, with craft bands knotted to recreate the shell’s distinctive bumps.
Fold three bands in half, layer them alternately, then weave; the knots that form are treated as the shell, to which you attach decorative parts.
If you tighten the knots too much, the shell won’t have volume, so be mindful of how firmly you weave as you go.
It’s also fun to customize your own design by changing the color of the craft bands and the size or shape of the parts.
cat strap
This is a cat-shaped strap made with paper clay.
The big advantages are that the material is light, easy to form, and allows for free design.
First, press the paper clay into a chocolate mold to create the cat shape.
The mold will give you indentations for the facial features, but if you plan to design the face later, it’s recommended to fill those in and make the surface flat.
Once you have the cat’s outline, let it dry, then paint the patterns and facial features with paints, and attach the strap to finish.
Add your own expressions and patterns to give it originality and aim for a cute cat strap.
Adding parts like a tail could be fun, too.
owl strap
This is an owl-themed strap made by weaving thinly split craft bands like strings.
It’s important to split the craft bands to the same width; adhere them in a radial pattern and then weave as if making a basket.
Along the way, incorporate strings of different colors to add a gradient effect.
Next, use fold-backs to shape it into a rounded form, and attach parts such as the face, beak, and the strap hardware to finish.
It’s also recommended to change the colors of the craft bands and strings to create your own unique owl.
Flower-knot beads made with craft bands
Have you ever seen bags made with craft bands or eco-craft bands? Many bags woven from flat bands have a handmade warmth to them.
Here, we’ll introduce flower-knot beads made with craft bands.
Prepare three long, thinly cut strips of craft band and start weaving.
The technique may look complicated, but once you learn it, it should be easy to make.
Because you use your fingertips a lot while weaving, it can also help stimulate the brain.
Once you’ve finished weaving, trim the ends and sprinkle with water.
When water is applied, the adhesive on the band dissolves and then sets.
You can also make beads in different sizes and colors; thread a cord through them to create charms.
They’re recommended for attaching to keys or bags, especially for older adults.
Temari and tassel strap
This is a strap designed with a motif reminiscent of a kusudama, a classic decoration for Tanabata.
With a simple process of attaching a tassel to a small temari ball, you can create a glamorous design.
Wrap fabric around a spherical styrofoam core to make the temari, then bundle lengths of cord, cut, and trim them to form the tassel.
Finally, combine the two and attach the strap hardware to finish.
Pay attention to coordinating the colors of the strap parts, the temari, and the tassel to create a cohesive and elegant strap.