Simple materials [crafts using newspaper] for seniors
For those looking for crafts using familiar materials, here are plenty of ideas for “newspaper crafts.” Newspaper is a very thin material, which makes it easy to shape even with one hand or a light touch—one of its great advantages.
It also provides good tactile stimulation, so it’s highly recommended.
This time, we’ll also share ideas for practical items you can use in daily life.
If folding is difficult, how about trying torn-and-paste projects instead? Please choose according to the abilities and condition of the older adult.
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Simple materials [crafts using newspaper] for seniors (1–10)
a tall trash can
When you make a trash bin out of a flyer, it tends to end up too short, doesn’t it? Here’s a recommended “newspaper trash bin” for when you wish you could fit a bit more trash.
Since newspapers are larger than flyers, you can make a taller bin.
Plus, if you add an inner liner made from newspaper, it’s less likely to tip over and the bottom is less likely to tear.
You can make it at a table, so why not try folding while chatting with others? It’s easy to do and great for training your fingers and brain.
Make several, store them nested in a larger trash bin, and you’ll be able to pull one out quickly when you need it.
slippers
Here’s an introduction to slippers that are easy to make out of newspaper.
We tend to think of slippers as preventing dirt from the soles of our feet from getting on the floor, or conversely, as protecting our feet from dirt.
With newspaper slippers, you can throw them away as soon as they get dirty, making them very hygienic.
In recent years, natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons have become a problem in Japan.
When a disaster grows in scale, evacuation orders may be issued for homes and other places.
That’s why it can be handy to know how to make these newspaper slippers.
They’re simple to make and can be sized to fit your own feet.
Why not try making them together with older adults, while also talking about disaster preparedness?
roasted sweet potato
Recently, roasted sweet potatoes seem to be all the rage, and specialty sweet potato shops have become more common.
They used to be in season in autumn and winter, but now you can enjoy them all year round.
Let’s try making a “roasted sweet potato” using newspaper and origami.
Crumple the newspaper into the shape of a sweet potato, then stick origami paper over it.
Since the newspaper is crumpled, simply attaching the origami paper will create wrinkles.
Those wrinkles help give it a more authentic roasted sweet potato look.
Many older adults may associate roasted sweet potatoes with autumn and winter.
Crafts related to the seasons—not just roasted sweet potatoes—can be a great way to feel the changes of the four seasons.
Why not use newspaper to make something with a seasonal touch?
Simple Materials [Crafts Using Newspaper] for Seniors (11–20)
Hina dolls
Speaking of March, many older adults may think of the Peach Festival (Hinamatsuri).
Many care facilities also put up decorations related to the festival.
It’s wonderful to celebrate Hinamatsuri with “ohina” dolls you make yourself.
This time, we’re introducing a project where you decorate “hina dolls” using origami and other materials on a base made from newspaper.
You roll up a piece of newspaper half its original size and decorate it, so there aren’t many difficult steps.
If you prepare items like the scepter and fan the dolls hold, as well as kimono patterns, in advance, the process may go more smoothly.
You can also adapt it—for example, shape it like an egg for an Easter craft in May.
Through these seasonal projects, older adults can enjoy a sense of the seasons.
Wrapping paper wreath
Isn’t it common in care facilities and similar settings to decorate the walls to match various functions and events? In recreational activities as well, crafts are often made to suit the occasion.
One recommended project is a “wreath” made from a ring-shaped roll of newspaper.
You can decorate the newspaper using items like wrapping paper or crepe sheets sold at 100-yen shops.
Since most of the materials are easy to gather, it’s simple to make.
If you customize it—shimenawa for January, Tanabata for July, and Christmas for December—you can create them all year round.
We hope you enjoy making wonderful pieces!
art pumpkin
A cute, round little pumpkin.
Let’s make one by layering newspaper.
Cut out the pumpkin sections so that the folded newspaper pieces are the same size.
Since you’ll make two identical pieces, having a template is handy.
When attaching the newspaper cut into a pumpkin shape, pay attention to where you apply the glue.
Add a stem and leaves to the rounded, three-dimensional pumpkin to finish.
The multiple connected layers of newspaper give it a delicate look.
It’s also lovely to change the sizes, make several pumpkins, and string them together into a garland.
Because crafts use your fingers and hands, creating these pieces can also help stimulate the brain.
Shooting game
Here’s a fun “shateki” (carnival shooting game) that may bring back memories of the festivals you went to as a child.
Spread out some newspaper or flyers, roll them up into a long tube, attach chopsticks and rubber bands, and make pellets using tissue—your shateki is complete.
It’s not a complicated build.
If you prepare in advance by, for example, cutting the chopsticks shorter, it may be easier for older adults to make as well.
It’s enjoyable both to create and to play with the finished piece.
Be sure to draw targets on plastic bottles or construction paper and try playing a shateki game.
It might even spark some nostalgic memories.