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Styrofoam is lightweight, easy to work with, and perfect for beginners.
This time, we’re introducing craft ideas that older adults can easily enjoy.
There are plenty of projects you can make safely using familiar tools!
They’re great for rehabilitation or as a hobby, letting you move your fingers while having fun.
Using your imagination also helps train your brain.
Why not add some time for handmade Styrofoam crafts to your daily routine?
Let’s get started with simple yet satisfying projects!
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[For Seniors] Styrofoam Craft Ideas: Simple and Recommended (1–10)
Foam polystyrene bookmark
Here’s a bookmark made with slightly unusual materials.
This one is made using polystyrene foam.
Prepare a steel sheet or a food tray that you can also find at 100-yen shops.
Place a sheet of parchment paper under the polystyrene foam, and arrange construction paper cut into your favorite shapes.
In the video, the motif is a cat and a full moon, but feel free to choose anything you like.
Layer another piece of polystyrene foam on top, cover with parchment paper, and apply heat with an iron.
When the polystyrene shrinks and the design emerges, place a heavy object like a book on it while it’s still hot.
Once it cools, tie a ribbon, and you’re done.
kusudama (decorative paper ball used for celebrations)
Let’s make a kusudama strap.
This project uses small Styrofoam balls.
You can buy Styrofoam balls at 100-yen shops, craft stores, or online.
Insert a toothpick into the ball and apply glue all over.
It’s easier to coat if you put some glue on cotton and rub the ball against it.
Once you’ve applied and neatly smoothed on your favorite chirimen fabric, wrap thread around a piece of thick paper to make a tassel.
Thread string through the ball and tie on the strap and tassel to finish.
Because this project uses fine motor skills, it’s perfect for finger dexterity training for older adults.
Enjoy attaching the finished piece to a bag or a cane.
chirimen-dama (small dried juvenile fish ball)
Let’s use a Styrofoam sphere to make a cute chirimen ball.
The finished piece can be used as a hanging ornament, a keychain, or a traditional hair accessory.
Draw lines on the Styrofoam sphere so it’s divided into four sections, then make shallow cuts along the lines with a craft knife.
Cut the chirimen fabric so that each piece matches one of the four sections, and tuck the edges into the slits.
Using an awl makes it easier to tuck the fabric into the cuts, so it’s recommended.
Adding a gold cord will make it look even more elegant.
This is a great craft to enjoy making together with seniors.
teru teru bozu (a traditional Japanese handmade doll hung to wish for good weather)
Many of you have probably made a teru teru bozu, hoping for clear weather.
The classic way uses tissue paper, but this time let’s try a slightly different version.
Take a polystyrene foam ball (available at 100-yen shops), pierce a hole with an awl, wrap it in toweling fabric, and trim with scissors so it forms a neat sphere.
Make paper flowers with tissue paper, then attach the colored lace paper and the foam ball with ribbon and glue to finish.
Add facial features in any style you like.
Craft activities help exercise the fingers and can also aid in preventing dementia.
Please enjoy doing this together with older adults.
ladybug
Let’s make a ladybug decoration that warms your heart just by displaying it.
Take a foam ball you can buy at a 100-yen shop, mark guide lines with thread, and cut it in half with a craft knife.
Apply glue, then use the guide lines to attach fabric scraps.
If you use tweezers to tuck the edges of the fabric into the guide lines, it will look neat and tidy.
Add the ladybug’s spots with black felt, and it’s done.
Display it on a clover cut out of construction paper, and your room will instantly feel like spring.
It’s very easy, so give it a try!
Hina dolls
Here’s a craft project that’s perfect for the lead-up to Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day).
Let’s make hina dolls using spherical styrofoam.
You’ll stick chirimen fabric with double-sided tape onto the styrofoam balls to create them.
There are many small, detailed steps involved.
Seniors who enjoy crafting will likely get absorbed in the process.
Plus, the cute style makes it fun to make.
As you work, some people may recall past Hinamatsuri celebrations.
It’s a project that’s sure to spark lively conversation when done together.
Glider
How about making a glider using an empty cup-yakisoba container? Wash and dry the container, wrap a pre-cut band of the desired width around it, and use a utility knife to cut out the main wing.
Be careful not to cut your hand.
Use the remaining part of the container to make the tail wing.
Cut a square rod (available at 100-yen shops) and attach the tail you just made.
Balance it on your finger to find the center of gravity, fix the main wing in place, and trim each wingtip at an angle.
Make a simple catapult with a rubber band, and you’re done.
Head outside on a warm day and enjoy your handmade glider!