[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] DIY Strap Craft Ideas. Great as Gifts, Too! (31–40)
[Macramé] Natural Stone Strap
![[Macramé] Natural Stone Strap](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OW7ByttRBVs/sddefault.jpg)
Making natural stone strap charms involves fine motor work, which can also serve as fingertip training for older adults.
The finished piece can be attached to a bag or house keys, and it’s perfect to take home as a memorable craft.
Thread natural stone beads onto a thin waxed polyester cord and tie off the ends to complete the charm.
By using beads of different sizes and various designs, you can create a unique, personalized charm.
The ends are tied using macramé, but if that seems difficult, try making them together as a group.
bag-shaped keychain
Bag-shaped keychains that can hold small items are so convenient! Since they’re tiny bags, you can make them even with fabric scraps.
Adding a zipper or a button keeps the contents from falling out, so it’s reassuring.
They also look very stylish when attached to your bag.
You can pop in a few coins, some candy, or even important medication.
They’re great for seniors to make for themselves, and they’re also recommended as gifts for someone special.
the straps of zori sandals
When doing recreation activities, you want to make items with a unisex design, right? A sandal-style strap (zori strap) is familiar to many older adults, and everyone can have fun making it together.
All you need to prepare are two colors of waxed cord made from polyester processed with wax.
Before you start, get ready by either sticking an awl into a dresser drawer to hook the cord onto, or taping the end of the cord to a table to secure it.
You’ll braid it using the two colors of waxed cord, and for the trickier parts of the braiding, care staff can sit at the table and make them together with participants—it should make things lively.
There may even be people who already know how to make it.
You might discover some unexpected talents!
Flower keychain
Let’s weave the yarn threaded through the keychain part and shape it into a flower.
Using not only yarn but also thicker materials like colored cords is recommended, as they offer different design possibilities and make your hands easier to see while working.
It’s a simple process: layer yarn of a different color over the yarn threaded through the part’s hole and braid it while paying attention to the order.
Be particular about your choices of colors and materials and how you layer them, and create your own unique design.
The way you tighten the layered yarn will also change the overall look, so it could be fun to try various patterns.
seashell strap
This is a strap that makes use of the distinctive shape of a seashell and is completed by adding decorations.
Apply adhesive to the shell, attach fabric to it, and create a design that wraps the shell with the fabric.
You can also use a matching pair to create a design that looks like the shell is closed, or even a single-sided shell might produce an interesting design thanks to its unique indentations.
Finally, attach a cord to complete the strap.
It also sounds fun to think about variations, such as changing the size and shape of the shells or the patterns of the fabrics you apply.
[For Seniors] Handmade Strap Craft Ideas: Also Great as Gifts! (41–50)
How to crochet a fluffy flower motif
Let’s try making this with a crochet hook! Here are some ideas for a fluffy flower motif.
By crocheting back and forth on the front and back, it turns out three-dimensional, so it’s super cute as a keychain—highly recommended! Use medium-weight yarn and a size 7 (Japanese) crochet hook, and take your time stitching carefully.
The soft, fluffy flower motif is an easy and enjoyable project even for crochet beginners.
Since it finishes with a puffy, three-dimensional look, turning it into a keychain is a lovely touch.
Take this opportunity to give it a try!
Perler beads
Let’s make iron beads by processing straws and use them to complete handmade accessories.
Cut the straws to a uniform width and arrange them according to a design sketch.
Cover them with parchment paper and apply an iron; the pieces will fuse together and complete the design.
Attach a strap or chain to the finished piece, and it becomes easy to incorporate into everyday decoration.
Another noteworthy point is that the repetitive motion of mass-producing small parts can also serve as finger exercise.