[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 Collection of Craft Ideas Using Ice Cream Sticks (11–20)
10-yen game
Here’s a 10-yen coin game where you aim for the circle marks and drop in 10-yen coins.
Glue ice pop sticks cut to different lengths onto a board to create paths for the coins to travel.
Add character illustrations and stick on circle and X markers.
After covering and protecting it with a clear case from above, cut the ice pop sticks to build the pinball-style launcher section.
Fine adjustments will make the gameplay even more fun.
Try making it with your favorite characters and enjoy!
catapult
Let me introduce a fun-to-play catapult.
Paint some color onto the popsicle sticks, stack five of them together, and secure both ends with rubber bands.
Take the remaining two sticks, band them together, then insert the stack of five between them and fix in place.
Secure the center by crossing a rubber band, and glue a plastic bottle cap to the end to finish.
Put a pom-pom in the bottle cap and launch it to play.
Making a target to aim at will make the game even more exciting.
It’s also fun to write numbers on the targets and turn it into a point-scoring game.
Watermelon fan
Here’s how to make a watermelon fan using popsicle sticks.
Gather popsicle sticks, wire, colored construction paper, and glue.
Prepare five popsicle sticks and drill a hole at the bottom of each stick.
Thread the wire through the holes to bind them together.
Cut the construction paper into a fan-shaped watermelon slice, and use colored paper to create the rind and seeds to form the watermelon design.
Open and close the fan as you assemble it so the shape and movement work smoothly, then finish it up.
Add your name or decorations to create your own original fan.
Pin Friends
Let me introduce some very cute “pin friends” made from popsicle sticks.
Draw faces on the sticks and add color.
Using washi tape or colored pens to create patterns will make them look bright and adorable.
Once you’ve finished drawing, glue the popsicle sticks onto clips and you’re done.
They’d look stylish and cute attached to a small message card or letter.
Making several in different sizes to create a set of pin friends would look festive when lined up, too.
Give it a try!
dragonfly
Let me introduce an original dragonfly craft made with popsicle sticks.
Use two popsicle sticks and draw patterns with colored pens to create the wings.
You’re free to choose any colors and designs, so try drawing your own vibrant, original patterns.
Do the same by adding color to the body.
Use glue to attach the wings together, then glue them onto the body.
Finally, stick on the eyes and draw a mouth to finish.
It’s a great way to brighten up your room with your own handmade dragonfly.
Accessory stand
Ice-pop sticks might seem easy to collect in large quantities during summer, but if you can’t gather many at once or are concerned about hygiene, you can also buy them at 100-yen shops.
Let’s make an accessory stand using these sticks.
For the part where you display the accessories, neatly apply masking tape to the sticks in advance.
It’s fun to create various designs to match the amount of accessories you have.
Since it’s a hands-on activity, it’s also great for brain training.
[For Seniors] Fun Recycling! A Collection of Craft Ideas Using Ice Cream Sticks (21–30)
wooden clip
Let’s try making something useful for daily life with popsicle sticks.
It’s very easy and practical, so give it a try.
All you need is one wooden clothespin and two popsicle sticks.
Place the two sticks together and apply glue to the middle area.
Clip the glued part with the clothespin, and you’re done.
It’s handy for sealing wider items like snack bags, so be sure to make one.