[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! (41–50)
Fukumamori
Let’s give a no-sew owl charm! Here are some ideas for a “Fukumamori.” Combining the owl motif—said to bring good fortune—with a protective amulet wishing for the recipient’s health, a Fukumamori is a gift that conveys how much you care.
You’ll need felt, fabric, buttons, bead stickers, string, beads, scissors, double-sided tape, and glue.
You can customize the design and colors, so try making one to match the recipient’s tastes and image.
Owl strap
Let's try making a cute owl-shaped strap! In Japanese wordplay, “owl” can be written with the auspicious characters 福来郎, meaning “good fortune comes,” and it’s also sometimes written as 不苦労, meaning “no hardships.” Because owls can turn their heads so well, they’re also associated with business prosperity and are considered lucky creatures.
For such a very lucky owl, using commonly seen brown fabrics to make the strap is nice, but colorful or patterned fabrics are also highly recommended.
Use felt and other materials to firmly attach the eyes and beak.
Adding a small bell or other accent charms will make it even cuter!
Macramé strap with a double half-hitch knot
We’d like to introduce a macramé strap twisted into a spiral using two colors of cord or string.
Macramé straps are made with a technique called macramé, which is said to derive from an Arabic word meaning to tie with crossings.
Since you braid with several cords or strings, there may be some parts that feel complex.
However, because you repeat the same steps multiple times to make the strap, it may become easy once you get used to it.
If you enjoy handicrafts, you’ll likely find it fun to make.
The strap twists all the way around in a spiral.
It’s a lovely project designed so that, when you see the finished piece, even older adults can feel a strong sense of accomplishment.
Mizuhiki Plum Knot Strap
As New Year approaches, I’d love for you to try making a mizuhiki plum-knot strap.
Using three strands of mizuhiki, you tie a “ume-musubi,” which forms the shape of a plum blossom.
Once the knot is finished, just attach the hardware and strap—it’s easy.
You can also get creative by attaching the plum knot to a New Year’s gift envelope, or adding earring findings to use it as an accessory.
The plum knot becomes simple once you learn how to make it.
Until you memorize it, try making it together with someone or keep a sample nearby to follow.
Sea glass strap
Sea glass found washed up on beaches and lake shores is glass shards that have been tumbled by waves until their edges are rounded and their surfaces frosted, resembling cloudy glass.
Besides naturally occurring pieces, sea glass is also manufactured for handmade crafts and can be purchased in stores.
The crafting method is simple—once you learn it, you can make pieces quickly.
By using waxed cord to create a net-like stone-wrapping pattern, you gently encase the sea glass while letting its transparency shine through.
If older adults aren’t comfortable with the stone-wrapping technique, you can first teach the stitches using yarn.
Chenille stem strap
When you don’t need many materials, preparing for recreational activities goes more smoothly, doesn’t it? A bear strap that you can make with just a single chenille stem (pipe cleaner) is easy to create.
For the eyes and nose, you can use parts drawn on construction paper to keep costs down.
Brown is great, of course, but it also sounds fun to use pipe cleaners in various colors.
Beyond bears, you can extend the ears to make a rabbit, or add a tail to make a cat or dog—there are lots of ways to adapt it and broaden the range of projects.
If it’s difficult for older adults to weave the pipe cleaners, try making it together or finding other ways to assist.
Crochet keychain
This is a keychain made by crocheting yarn, especially recommended for people who enjoy knitting as a hobby.
Its design makes the most of the material’s softness, giving it a warm and cute feel.
It’s made using a crochet hook, working outward in a circle from the center.
There are many different stitches in knitting, and by combining them, a pattern emerges when the piece is finished.
The important points are learning the steps for each stitch and taking the time to complete the work.
To finish it beautifully, you need to carry out each step with care, so it’s an activity that really helps you focus.
In conclusion
How did you like those handmade strap ideas? There are straps like the ones sold in stores, but once you know how to make them, even beginners can put them together easily.
You can get the materials at 100-yen shops or online, so try finding ones you like.
Attaching a handmade strap to something you use every day, like your smartphone or bag, will likely make you feel more attached to it.