Simple materials [crafts using newspaper] for seniors

water-drip paper art

Let's make squeegee art with newspaper!

“Mizukirie” is a craft where you moisten newspaper with water, cut out pieces, and paste them onto a backing to create a picture.

It’s a type of torn-paper art that uses the colored sections of newspapers to complete the work.

Because you cut out the damp newspaper with your fingertips and paste it down, it helps train fine motor skills.

In addition, tasks like planning the color placement while envisioning the finished piece stimulate and activate the brain.

For older adults who may be hesitant to draw, creating pictures by pasting pieces in mizukirie can be easier to try.

The style changes depending on which parts you take from the newspaper, so the finished pieces are full of individuality.

By all means, encourage older adults to create works that make the most of their own ideas.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Cute cat

[Healing ♡] Let's make a cute cat out of newspaper

There are all sorts of ads printed in newspapers, aren’t there? Let’s use the colors of the ads and text to make a “cute cat.” The method is simple: roll up sheets of newspaper to form the head and body.

The action of rolling newspaper with your fingers and hands—while thinking about the finished piece—is said to stimulate the brain.

As you enjoy creating your project, you can also gently train your fingers and hands, with potential brain-training benefits as well.

Try using the colors from newspaper ads and text for the facial features and body patterns.

Of course, you can also color it with pens to make it look lovely.

A newspaper cat displayed at home or in a care facility can bring a warm, soothing feeling.

By all means, try making other animals too, not just cats.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

eco bag

Newspaper eco-bag

Since 2020 (Reiwa 2), due to global environmental concerns, plastic shopping bags used at supermarkets and other stores have been subject to a fee.

With this change, more people may have started carrying reusable shopping bags (eco bags).

So let’s try making an “eco bag” that you can use for quick shopping trips.

The steps aren’t complicated, making it an easy project for older adults as well.

You can make not only the main compartment but also the handles out of newspaper.

As for durability, it’s sturdy enough to hold a water bottle.

Beyond serving as an eco bag, it’s also versatile enough to store documents or letters you have at home.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Heart-shaped bag

A large heart-shaped eco bag made from newspaper or wrapping paper (6x speed version for the impatient)

Let’s try making a cute “heart-shaped eco-bag” using newspaper or wrapping paper.

We’ll create the compartment for holding items by folding the paper the way you fold an origami heart.

The folding steps use your fingertips dexterously, which stimulates and activates the brain.

You can expect a brain-training effect while having fun.

Fold and make the handles too, then attach them to the heart-shaped bag.

It’s also recommended to use English-language newspapers or patterned wrapping paper sold at 100-yen shops.

You’ll end up with a piece that has a different feel from ordinary newspaper.

It seems perfect as a small organizer at home or as a bag for your grandchild’s gift.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

slippers

[Make them to fit your foot size!] How to make newspaper 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?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Mixed paper collection bag

How to make a mixed paper collection bag

Items like tissue boxes, postcards, and wrapping paper are recyclable paper known as mixed paper.

Even if something is made of paper, not all items count as mixed paper.

To make sorting easier for trash day, it’s handy to prepare a “mixed paper collection bag.” Try making one using newspaper or a completed copy of your city or town’s newsletter.

If you use thicker paper like a newsletter, you can use a single sheet to make the bag.

If you use thin paper like newspaper, layer two sheets together before making it.

Once you’ve filled the bag with mixed paper, you can set it out as is on trash day.

You can make it while seated at a table, so why not try making some while chatting with an older family member?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

a tall trash can

An occupational therapist teaches you how to make a tall trash bin out of newspaper!

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem