[For Seniors] Introducing Fun Crafts Made with Plastic Bottle Caps
We’ve gathered practical craft ideas that use plastic bottle caps.
Bottle caps that would normally end up as trash—why not use them to enjoy some crafting?
You can easily make useful items like brooches, small containers, magnets, and memo stands.
They’re perfect for small gifts, too.
Moving your hands helps stimulate both body and mind, making this a great recreational activity.
Please use these ideas as a reference for craft activities in senior care facilities.
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[For Seniors] Introducing Fun Crafts Made with Plastic Bottle Caps (31–40)
Road sign
There are many different road signs.
Even when taking a walk with older adults, you may come across signs.
Many signs seem to have similar designs.
Apparently, even the pedestrian signs come in several varieties.
Write the same sign on a cap and on a sheet, and have the older adults match them.
Since many look alike, you can almost hear cheerful laughter and comments like, “Oops, I got it wrong.” It might also be nice to share little trivia about road signs while doing the puzzle.
Gaining new knowledge could make it an even more enjoyable time for the older adults.
Prefectural emblem
The prefectural emblems are marks that represent each prefecture in Japan.
Many of them are designed based on history, culture, geography, and other characteristics.
Older adults have probably seen the emblem of the prefecture where they live or their hometown at least once.
Let’s play with a PET bottle cap puzzle inspired by prefectural images.
Put the prefectural emblems on the caps and write the prefecture names on a sheet.
If you look closely at the prefectural emblems often found on PET bottles, you might find some hidden hints.
By the way, Ishikawa Prefecture is said to be the only prefecture in Japan that has not established an official emblem.
Never forget a dose! Portable pill case
To make sure you never forget your medication when you go out, a user-friendly and durable portable pill case can be helpful.
Prepare two plastic bottle caps, glue them together with their openings facing each other, and attach a handle-like part in the center to make it easy to carry.
If you store a single dose inside, you can take it out quickly whenever you need it.
By making use of familiar materials, you can create a pill case you like without spending much.
It’s a practical item that combines the enjoyment of managing your health on your own with everyday usefulness.
[For Seniors] Introducing Fun Crafts Made with Plastic Bottle Caps
PET bottle cap puzzle
[For Seniors] Introducing Fun Crafts Made with Plastic Bottle Caps (31–40)
spinning top
Even today in the Reiwa era, spinning tops are enjoyed by children as a retro pastime and are a nostalgic game for older adults.
How about making a top that everyone—young and old—can enjoy, not from a store-bought product but by hand using plastic bottle caps? As one example, here’s a craft method using two plastic bottle caps and one bamboo skewer.
You’ll make holes in the centers of the bottle caps using an awl or similar tool; if users feel uneasy about this step, have facility staff handle it.
Stack the bottle caps, insert the bamboo skewer through the holes, secure the two caps so they don’t move with masking tape or similar, and then cut the skewer to your preferred length—that’s it! It’s also fun to decorate with your favorite patterned tape or color it with pens in any colors you like.
A plastic bottle that trains fine finger movements
To open a plastic bottle cap, you need a firm fingertip grip and precise rotational movements.
This product uses the bottle-opening motion to train your fingertips.
First, cut the bottle so that the connection between the cap and the body remains, then use screws to fix them onto a board.
Next, attach tape with letters or symbols to each cap, and it’s ready.
You can arrange the caps in the order of the Japanese syllabary or form specified words—by adding these thinking elements, you can effectively train both the brain and the fingertips.
[For Seniors] Introducing Fun Crafts Made with Plastic Bottle Caps (41–50)
pincushion
Some people may be more familiar with the names “harisashi” or “hariyama” than “pincushion.” This craft idea shows how to make a sewing pincushion using a plastic bottle cap and leftover fabric scraps.
If you enjoy sewing, working with a favorite pattern rather than a plain pincushion can make the activity even more fun.
To make it, all you need are fabric scraps, stuffing, a needle and thread, and some glue for securing it.
Since needles and thread are used, please have a caregiver supervise the activity.