Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Fun Recycling! A Collection of Craft Ideas Using Ice Cream Sticks

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Worked as a certified care worker for 17 years.Nanaka
I’ve been working as a certified care worker for 17 years. I’m Nanaka, a caregiving web writer. I decided to pursue this profession because I wanted a job that would help people. Having worked in day care for many years, I’ve experienced a wide variety of recreational activities. Exercise set to music, in particular, always created a cheerful atmosphere and was very well received. I’d be delighted to continue delivering writing that resonates with readers through caregiving-related articles. Thank you for your support.

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!

[For Seniors] Fun Recycling! A Collection of Craft Ideas Using Ice Cream Sticks (21–30)

bamboo-copter

I tried making a taketombo (bamboo-copter) for a summer vacation craft using an ice cream stick – easy craft, handmade toy, traditional game, how to make a taketombo.

bamboo-copter

Many older adults may remember playing with bamboo-copters (taketombo) when they were children.

Here’s how to make one using an ice cream stick for the rotor.

Use an awl to make a hole in the center of the stick, then insert a skewer or similar rod to serve as the handle.

To help it fly well, use a craft knife or sandpaper to add a slight tilt to the ice cream stick.

Once it’s ready, spin the handle quickly between your palms and let go to launch it.

Try competing with friends to see whose can fly the farthest!

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rotating propeller

Fluid analysis simulation: airflow changes caused by propeller rotation

rotating propeller

Let’s try making a propeller that spins fast using ice cream sticks.

The ice cream sticks will, of course, serve as the propeller blades.

It’s also a good idea to paint them before you start assembling.

Insert a skewer or similar rod to act as the rotational axle through the ice cream sticks, and combine it with a plastic bottle as the base.

Thread a string between them at this stage, and design it so that pulling the string causes the propeller to spin.

Once it’s finished, consider giving it as a gift to your grandchild.

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In conclusion

Handmade crafts using popsicle sticks are a wonderful activity to enjoy with older adults.

Working with the hands helps stimulate the brain and can be done while enjoying conversation.

The finished pieces not only add color to everyday life, but will also be appreciated as gifts for loved ones.

Let’s create a one-of-a-kind original piece together.