[For Seniors] Handmade gifts they’ll love: a roundup of simple ideas

Oshie Owl

[Netsuke Strap] Starter Kit: Oshie Owl [How to Make]

Owls with big eyes and fluffy feathers are very cute birds.

Small owl-themed items are also said to be cute and popular.

In addition, since the word for owl (fukurou) can also be written as characters meaning “no hardship,” it is considered a good-luck charm.

Here’s a strap kit for a padded picture (oshie) featuring an owl motif that is both cute and auspicious.

The kit includes a cardboard board and fabric.

Attach the keychain parts to the fabric and cut them out.

Apply glue to each piece and assemble them.

Add the eyes and cord to finish.

Because you can make a fabric craft without sewing, this kit is recommended even for seniors who aren’t comfortable with sewing.

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Nakajima Junko

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ring

[Origami] Easy-to-make heart ring — How to make an origami heart ring

This ring features a striking large heart motif.

Since both the motif and the band are made from a single sheet of origami paper, it turns out sturdy.

You’ll first create accordion folds and use them as a guide to gradually shape the heart, carefully making fine folds to give it a rounded feel.

If the small reverse folds with your fingertips or nails are difficult, using tweezers is recommended.

To keep the heart’s shape intact, be sure to tuck the back side of the heart securely inside the ring.

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kappamaki

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star

Origami star folding method Origami star tutorial

As a method to foster creativity in recreational activities at senior care facilities, making origami stars is recommended.

Here’s a star you can make from a single sheet of origami paper without using glue.

First, fold the paper and make a cut with scissors to create a pentagon.

From there, add crease lines, fold along those lines to bring it together, and finish by shaping it—done! Some steps may be a bit challenging at first, but you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you finish.

It’s also effective for finger rehabilitation, so give it a try.

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miyabi

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Momotaro

Recommended for senior recreation! The popular craft kit 'Momotaro'

The story of “Momotaro” has long been loved as a tale in which Momotaro sets out to defeat demons with millet dumplings made by his grandmother hanging at his waist, accompanied by a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant.

This time, let’s make the main character, Momotaro.

Cutting out small parts with scissors involves fine hand movements and thinking about “How should I cut this?”, which provides good stimulation for the brain and is expected to help prevent dementia.

If you’re doing this in a senior care facility, it’s safer to pre-cut the parts and have participants do the pasting.

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kojifumi

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lily

Recommended for senior recreation! Popular craft kit “Yuri” (Lily)

Lilies come into full bloom from early summer through mid-summer.

Some older adults may also be fond of lilies.

Here is a kit for making a lily-themed piece.

You can create a patchwork-like craft without any sewing.

Cut the included fabric to make parts, apply adhesive, and stick them onto the felt base.

The felt base is designed with a raised center, so the finished piece looks nice and plump.

It’s a work that conveys both the noble beauty of lilies and the gentle feel of felt.

This lovely lily craft is sure to delight older adults as well.

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Nakajima Junko

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celebratory crane

[Origami] How to Fold a Festive “Celebration Crane” — Origami Celebration Crane [With Voice Commentary] / Baaba’s Origami

When it comes to celebrations, you can’t go without the celebratory crane, can you? Many people give them as gifts to seniors on special occasions like New Year’s, Respect for the Aged Day, and birthdays.

Cranes have long been considered symbols of longevity and are auspicious birds for older adults.

This time, let’s make a celebratory crane with origami.

Once you master the basic way to fold a crane, it’s easy to create.

Using luxurious origami paper suitable for celebrations will result in a gorgeous, festive crane—highly recommended! Writing a congratulatory message on the wings would likely be appreciated as well.

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Nanaka

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Three-dimensional! A shikishi decorated with seasonal flowers

Kimie Gangi crepe paper ranunculus graduation message #Congratulations #MessageCard #Handmade #Celebration #March #3D #Stylish #ColoredPaper #WallHanging

Decorative shikishi boards featuring the birthday person’s birth-month flower or their favorite flowers would likely be appreciated as room decor.

They’re easy to make: first, leave space for the flowers on the shikishi board and write your message.

Then attach flowers made from tissue paper.

If making the flowers is difficult, you can glue on artificial flowers from a 100-yen shop with a hot glue gun.

You can also buy a glue gun at a 100-yen shop.

To hang the board on the wall, attach a string to the center of the back—and it’s done.

The finished piece looks very luxurious and makes a lovely decoration.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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