[For Seniors] A Collection of Craft Ideas Using Paper Cups

Spinning Aquarium Craft

[Craft] A simple indoor recreation activity for elderly care facilities (home care, day service, nursing homes) using paper cups: “Spinning Aquarium”

This is a fun spinning aquarium craft idea where the drawings keep changing.

You’ll use two paper cups for this.

Cut a square window out of the side of one cup.

On the side of the other cup, draw illustrations of sea creatures.

When you’re done, stack the cups so that the cutout cup is on the outside.

Then, when you rotate the inner cup, different illustrations will appear one after another.

Of course, you can customize it by drawing animals, flowers, or anything else you like.

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yamamoto

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Paper Cup Calendar

DIY! How to make a perpetual calendar with paper cups — easy!

A slightly unique-looking idea is a paper cup calendar.

Besides paper cups, you can make it with materials you can find at a 100-yen shop, like pens and masking tape.

It’s easy to make: cut a slit in a paper cup.

Then prepare another cup and write numbers around the rim in a circle.

Stack the two cups, and only one number will show through the slit.

Using the same method, make another paper cup to display the date as well.

Since plain paper cups can look a bit plain, try decorating them too.

Add pipe cleaners or beads to give it a festive finish.

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yamamoto

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paper-cup wind chime

[Senior Recreation] Paper Cup Wind Chimes 🎐 A Summer Tradition You Can Make Easily. Includes Audio Commentary.

Here’s an idea for making wind chimes using paper cups.

First, attach origami paper with your favorite patterns to the sides and bottom of the paper cup.

That will be the outer appearance.

If you want to add decorations, using round or star-shaped stickers can make it look cute.

Once the outside is done, make a hole in the bottom, thread a string through, and attach a bell or a paper tanzaku (strip) to the end.

If you tie a ring to the other end, it will be handy for hanging by a window.

The steps are very simple, so please give it a try.

If you’re at a facility, hosting a wind chime design contest could be a fun activity as well.

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sasashina

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Cute! A stick-and-make basket

DIY Basket from Paper Cup / Cute Mini Basket Made from a Paper Cup #Very Easy #MiniBasket #PaperCup Craft

When you hear the word “basket,” some seniors may recall the picnics of their youth, packing lunches into woven baskets and heading out.

With that memory in mind, let’s make a charming mini basket using a paper cup.

You’ll need a paper cup, colored paper, a flower-shaped paper punch, and beads.

Cut off about 1 cm from the top of the paper cup.

Use this strip to create the handle.

Punch flower shapes from the colored paper.

Glue a bead to the center of each flower, then attach the flowers to the paper cup, and you’re done.

The handle is optional.

It would also be fun to gather a variety of colored papers and make them together with a group.

Simple small accessory case

Idea accessory container made from a paper cup [craft][handicraft]

There are times when you want to give a small gift or some sweets to friends living in the same facility or to your neighbors, right? Why not make a simple little container out of a paper cup for such occasions? It’s sure to look nicer than handing it over in a plastic bag.

Here’s how to make it: first, draw illustrations or write messages on the paper cup.

Since you’ll be cutting the cup in half, plan the placement of your illustrations and messages with that in mind.

Cut the paper cup into two around the middle.

Make slit-like cuts around the upper part, then weave those strips together to create the lid of the cup.

It’s a craft that becomes more fun the more you make it.

Paper-cup Hina dolls

Hinamatsuri dolls that pop out from a paper cup

These are Hina dolls made from paper cups that you can whip up in very little time.

All you need are patterned paper cups and origami paper—everything can be found at the 100-yen shop, so the low cost is another nice perk! They’re perfect for chatting and crafting together at a day service center.

First, draw the Hina dolls’ faces on the bottom of the paper cups and their sleeves on the sides.

Next, make cuts in the cup, leaving about 1.5 cm from the bottom intact, and cut out the sleeve areas as well.

Finally, fold the faces upright and adjust the sleeves so they lift slightly, then add accessories like crowns made from origami to finish.

Display them as ornaments and enjoy decorating your room.

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miyabi

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paper cup ghost

Simple Craft! How to Make a Paper Cup Ghost [Plus the Skills Kids Can Develop Through Play]

Why not try making a paper cup ghost using everyday materials like a paper cup and a plastic bag? It’s a very simple craft, and you can create an adorable little ghost! Drawing directly with oil-based colored pens or decorating with stickers and paper also helps train fine motor skills, making this craft especially recommended for older adults.

Just punch a hole in the paper cup, insert a straw, and tape it to a plastic bag to finish.

Store the plastic bag by rolling it up into the paper cup, then blow into the straw—the bag inflates and the ghost pops out! Blowing into the straw is also said to help activate lung capacity, so why not give it a try?

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miyabi

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