[For Seniors] Fun Recycling! A Collection of Craft Ideas Using Ice Cream Sticks
Why not make some lovely creations using ice cream sticks? The sticks left over from your fun summer memories are actually a versatile item for all kinds of crafts.
You can make plenty of practical pieces useful in daily life, like smartphone stands, small organizers, and coasters.
There are also ideas for play—such as 10-yen coin games, rubber band cars, and bows—so making them together with your grandchildren will surely be a hit.
Hands-on work also serves as brain training, making it perfect for supporting the health of older adults.
The methods are simple and fun, so give it a try!
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[For Seniors] Fun Recycling! A Roundup of Craft Ideas Using Popsicle Sticks (1–10)
Christmas wreath
Here’s a craft idea using recycled ice cream sticks: a “Christmas Wreath.” Use six sticks to form a hexagonal base, then wrap it with green yarn to create the wreath foundation.
Enjoy decorating it with cute touches like pipe-cleaner and pom-pom snowmen.
Finish by adding a “Merry Christmas” plaque or a ribbon to complete your original Christmas wreath.
Depending on how you arrange the sticks and choose the decorations, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece.
It’s an easy, enjoyable recycled craft idea that seniors can also make with ease.
Trick Savings Box
These trick piggy banks are fun to look at, but the real delight is the moment you put the money in.
Each one is simple to make, yet highly functional and full of playful charm.
The bank with the red flag lets you enjoy watching the coin spin as it goes in.
On the one with the flower illustration, lifting the door at the top sends the coin sliding inside like it’s on a slide.
There’s also a bank where the coin rolls down along a wall made from ice cream sticks.
They’re all wonderfully appealing, so be sure to try making them yourself!
cabbage white (butterfly)
Here’s how to make a cabbage white butterfly using ice cream sticks.
Glue the sticks together to form the wing sections.
Shape the wings so they have a rounded form by trimming, shaving, and cutting as needed.
Make the body and antennae, then attach them.
Paint each part, and once dry, glue them together in the shape of a cabbage white butterfly to finish.
Each piece is delicate, so assemble carefully.
The large wings have a three-dimensional look, as if the butterfly might take off at any moment.
Give it a try!
[For Seniors] Fun Recycling! A Collection of Craft Ideas Using Ice Cream Sticks (11–20)
rubber band car
Let me show you how to make a rubber band car where ice cream sticks quickly transform into a car.
Start by gluing the ice cream sticks together to create the base of the car.
Cut a straw and glue the pieces on to make the axle holders for the wheels.
Fit plastic bottle caps onto cut bamboo skewers and glue them in place to create the wheels.
Make a hook or catch for the rubber band, and once you attach the rubber band at the end, it’s complete.
The car launches using the spinning force from the rubber band, and it’s a lot of fun.
Try painting the ice cream sticks and make your very own original car!
small accessory case
Since ice cream sticks are made of wood, you can create proper crafts if you use them well.
Here is a small accessory box made from ice cream sticks.
If it’s hard to collect a large number of popsicle sticks, you can buy them at 100-yen shops and similar stores.
Lay the sticks flat like lumber and glue them together with a hot glue gun or adhesive.
For the side panels, glue them in an alternating pattern like a log house.
Once assembled, decorate it with lace or other embellishments.
Your very own accessory box is complete.
Puzzle
You can make a puzzle out of popsicle sticks.
After you make it, playing with it is good brain training, too.
It’s easy to make.
Stick stickers onto the popsicle sticks, then cut and separate them.
When you cut them apart, cutting from the back makes a cleaner finish.
Using large stickers makes a relatively easy puzzle, while using small round stickers can actually make it surprisingly difficult.
Try different kinds of stickers and see what works.
It’s also convenient because it’s easy to put away when you’re done.
Photo frame
Let’s make a photo frame using popsicle sticks.
The work is more delicate and hands-on than you might expect, so it could be good for finger exercises and brain training.
You can easily glue the sticks together with a hot glue gun.
Since it sets quickly and gets very hot, be careful when using it.
Once assembled, decorate it with origami paper, beads, and more to create your very own photo stand.
It would make a nice gift, too.