[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] Small craft ideas: for yourself and as gifts!
[For Seniors] Make the Most of the Hot Summer! A Collection of Easy Craft Ideas (231–240)
Washi Paper Aquarium
When you think of refreshing summer imagery, water motifs are an essential element.
Let’s create an aquarium themed around creatures that live in the water.
The process is simple: arrange sand and artificial flowers in a jar, add creature-shaped pieces, pour in a special oil, and close the lid.
If you make the creatures out of washi paper, the material’s softness adds a gentle feel and a sense of depth, which is highly recommended.
Pay attention to the design and placement of each element to achieve a good balance, and create your own unique aquarium.
rotating propeller
Let’s try making a propeller that spins fast using ice cream sticks.
The ice cream sticks will, of course, serve as the propeller blades.
It’s also a good idea to paint them before you start assembling.
Insert a skewer or similar rod to act as the rotational axle through the ice cream sticks, and combine it with a plastic bottle as the base.
Thread a string between them at this stage, and design it so that pulling the string causes the propeller to spin.
Once it’s finished, consider giving it as a gift to your grandchild.
Morning glory vessel ornament
Introducing a “Morning Glory Bowl Decoration” that also serves as interior decor for your room.
The morning glory made with two sheets of origami has a three-dimensional shape, making it perfect for displaying in a bowl.
The bowl is also made of origami, and the key is to use a thicker type of paper.
First, crease the origami, then fold it into the shape of a bowl.
Although the steps are detailed, dexterous seniors may enjoy making it.
Adding leaves and vines to the origami morning glory makes it look even more like a floral arrangement.
You can also arrange various origami flowers in the bowl for a lovely effect.
Trellis and morning glory wreath
How about a wreath decorated with origami morning glories and a lattice wall? Although the origami morning glory has a delicate look, it’s made from a single sheet of paper.
By rounding the folded corners with a bamboo skewer, you can recreate softly curved petals.
Origami engages the mind while moving the hands skillfully, which can help stimulate the brain.
With simple steps—attaching parts like the lattice, leaves, and tendrils in addition to the morning glory—it’s a project that’s easy for older adults to try.
The finished piece can be taken home or displayed at the facility.
Sea and Yacht
Here’s an idea for a summery wall decoration that combines the sea and sailboats.
The sailboats are easy to make with origami, so they’re great for seniors to try.
Use two sheets of origami paper: one for the sail and one for the hull.
If you use double-sided or patterned paper, it will give the craft a stylish look.
It’s also fun to think about different color combinations for the sail and hull, so give it a try! When attaching them to the wall, a key tip is to slightly lift the sail part off the surface before sticking it down.
Adding clouds, waves, or seagulls will make it feel even more like summer.
Three-dimensional firefly
Some older adults may have fond memories of going to see fireflies when they were children.
Creating a three-dimensional firefly wall decoration could be a great way to help them recall those times.
Basically, it’s a craft that involves cutting and pasting origami paper.
By making a slit in the firefly’s tail, you can give it a three-dimensional look.
Since there are many small parts to make, it’s also recommended as a group activity for day-service craft sessions.
You can arrange it not only as a wall decoration but also as a hanging ornament, so give it a try!
spirit horse
Shoryō-uma are spirit horses made to welcome our ancestors during Obon.
They’re traditionally crafted from cucumbers and eggplants for the ancestors to ride, but since food spoils easily in summer, that can be a concern.
So let’s make worry-free spirit horses using origami instead! Use green and purple origami paper to create the cucumber and eggplant.
Then use brown origami paper to make the horse’s legs.
Make four thin stick-like legs each for the cucumber and the eggplant, and attach them with glue or paste to finish.
Now you can welcome your ancestors with peace of mind.