[For Seniors] Enjoy the Hot Summer to the Fullest! A Collection of Easy Craft Ideas
Summer is the season when we start to sweat more and more.
Even indoors, you may sometimes feel the heat.
However, some older adults seem to have a harder time sensing heat.
This time, we’ll introduce some simple, recommended crafts you can do indoors during the hot season, when outdoor activities tend to decrease.
By creating summer-themed pieces, you can help people feel the season, even if it’s become harder to sense it.
After making them, you can take them home or display them at a facility, which can also give a sense of accomplishment!
Crafting involves fine motor movements of the fingertips and thinking through the steps in your head, stimulating the brain and serving as brain training.
Please enjoy making them at your own pace.
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[For Seniors] Make the Most of the Hot Summer! A Collection of Easy Craft Ideas (91–100)
Tanabata Decorations: Sputtering Edition
Some senior care facilities may hold Tanabata events or activities in the summer.
Older adults might also hang tanzaku—small paper strips with their wishes written on them—on bamboo leaves.
How about adding a little twist to those tanzaku? Try attaching a backing sheet with a Milky Way-inspired design.
With a backing, you can hang the tanzaku directly on the wall.
To create the Milky Way pattern, the spattering technique is recommended.
It’s a method where you flick paint from a brush to create a scattered effect.
The fine speckles of paint look just like the Milky Way.
If you’re concerned about paint splashing around, try using a tool made from a milk carton or similar to help contain the splatter.
Tanabata garland
Here’s an introduction to making a Tanabata garland using transparent origami or transparent design paper.
Think of the Milky Way and the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi shining in the night sky.
We’ll use store-bought star-shaped cards that evoke those stars.
Of course, you can also make your own by cutting star shapes out of thick paper.
Cut the design paper to match the star-shaped cards.
Similarly, adding pieces cut into circles or diamonds will make the decoration even lovelier.
Make streamers as well and paste them onto the star-shaped cards.
Attach all the decorative pieces to a string and connect them together to complete the garland.
This charming Tanabata craft is something older adults can also enjoy making.
Tanabata Wreath Made with Origami
We’d like to introduce a Tanabata wreath you can make with origami.
When you hear “Tanabata,” what do you think of? Orihime and Hikoboshi, stars, bamboo? Let’s fold origami based on those Tanabata images and attach them to a wreath.
There are many origami designs for Orihime and Hikoboshi, ranging from simple to intricate.
An origami wreath is made by combining identical wreath components.
It seems like a lovely activity to do with older adults while reminiscing about Tanabata memories.
Fireworks paper cutting
When you watch fireworks, many of you probably feel your daily fatigue just blow away.
The loud booms echo alongside the beautiful silhouettes floating in the night sky, giving you an indescribable sense of exhilaration.
This time, let’s express those fireworks as paper cutouts.
All you need is origami paper and scissors.
Simply fold the paper and make a few cuts to create the fireworks silhouettes.
Paste them onto construction paper, and you’ll have a lovely fireworks scene.
Hang it on the wall, and it becomes a perfect piece to enjoy the summer.
Fireworks and Lanterns
Fireworks and paper lanterns are quintessential symbols of summer in Japan.
They move people and have a charm that attracts many.
For older adults in particular, they evoke a sense of nostalgia—perhaps bringing back memories of the summer festivals they enjoyed as children.
Making various kinds of lanterns with origami can be fun, too.
It nurtures imagination and provides good stimulation for the brain.
If you decorate your room with them, you can admire them anytime and let lots of summer memories come flooding back.
This year, it might be nice to plan a trip to see real fireworks as well.
lantern decorations
We’re pleased to introduce a perfect idea for summer wall decorations in care facilities: “Lantern Decorations.” They’re easy to make with brightly colored origami paper, so even those who aren’t confident with crafts can join in.
By cutting slits and gently puffing them into a rounded shape, you can create a three-dimensional finish that’s fun to look at.
String them together with paper twine or cord and hang them up, and the facility will instantly transform into a summer festival setting! The space becomes more vibrant, and residents’ expressions are sure to brighten.
It’s a popular wall decoration that makes it easy to bring in a sense of the season.
An ornament of a morning glory and a watering can
Here’s a recommended idea for a summer craft to make at a day service center: “Morning Glories and a Watering Can” ornaments.
Create the morning glories using double-sided origami paper and washi (thin calligraphy paper) for a colorful yet gentle finish.
For the pot, edge a paper cup with paper cord and add paper-straw supports to give it a three-dimensional look.
The watering can uses a kitchen paper or toilet paper roll for the body, with a paper straw inserted as the spout.
Since all the materials are paper, it’s safe to make.
The finished piece is a cheerful work that also makes a delightful summer interior decoration.