[For Seniors] Have Fun Making Things Based on Today’s Mood! Today’s Recommended Craft
There are so many types of craft activities that it can be hard to decide what to do.
For staff, planning in the midst of a busy schedule often leads to similar content over and over—many of you may share this concern.
This article is for those people.
We introduce recommended crafts that change daily!
Since the content is updated every day, you’re sure to find a favorite.
Please use it as a reference and enjoy a fun crafting time with older adults.
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[For Seniors] Create Joyfully Based on Today’s Mood! Today’s Recommended Crafts (11–20)
Stained glass-style fireworks
This stained-glass-style craft lets you feel the beauty of fireworks bursting in the night sky and is a vibrant project recommended for older adults as well.
Fold a sheet of black construction paper in half and mark the areas to cut so they form the shapes of fireworks.
After freely drawing the firework patterns, carefully cut along the marks.
Layer and attach colored cellophane—such as red, yellow, and blue—onto a piece of parchment (baking) paper to create multicolored fireworks.
Finally, place the cut black paper on top, and you’ll have stained-glass-style fireworks you can enjoy by holding them up to the light.
Display them by a window to catch sunlight or the evening glow for a sparkling effect that’s a treat for the eyes.
Using scissors and glue, this summery project offers gentle, hands-on work that’s enjoyable without strain, making it especially appealing.
Adult tanzaku decorations
This is a recommended craft for older adults that lets you enjoy the spirit of Tanabata while using your fingertips.
Cut origami paper into bamboo leaf shapes and paste them in a balanced way onto a circular piece of construction paper.
Adjust and place mizuhiki cords so they fit within the paper to create a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Combine patterned origami with white paper to make tanzaku strips, write wishes on them, then thread them onto chenille stems to bring the whole piece together.
The finished work has a calm color palette that looks beautiful on display, and the textures of washi and mizuhiki give it an elegant feel.
It can also spark conversations about memories of Tanabata from the past, making it perfect for indoor summer recreation.
Ornamental display of Orihime and Hikoboshi
These Orihime and Hikoboshi tabletop decorations are perfect for Tanabata and are a gentle, enjoyable seasonal craft for seniors.
Fold a toilet paper tube in half, then cut two rings about 3 cm wide.
Place a small, balled-up tissue inside each ring as a core and secure it with a rubber band to create a plump body.
Decorate over it with origami paper or lace as if dressing them in kimonos to evoke the look of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Finally, make facial features from origami or similar paper and attach them to finish.
Simply lining them up on a desk or shelf adds a touch of the season.
As you work with your fingertips, memories and Tanabata-themed conversations naturally flow, making it a delightful craft to enjoy.
Rabbit ema (a wooden Shinto votive tablet featuring a rabbit)
Let’s try making an ema plaque featuring the zodiac using a kit.
Many facilities probably create New Year’s crafts around the year-end and New Year holidays.
Using a kit makes preparation easy and allows you to create lovely pieces.
Cut out the parts with scissors and attach them to the ema plaque that serves as the base.
The process of applying glue to the small parts and sticking them onto the plaque seems like something you can really focus on.
There are reports suggesting that, for dementia prevention, concentrating on new tasks is more beneficial than doing familiar ones.
By using a kit to create a beautiful piece, you can also expect brain-training benefits.
matcha (powdered green tea)
It features the Japanese cultural art of tea ceremony, passed down since the Muromachi period and beloved around the world.
It depicts preparing matcha with a tea bowl, tea caddy, tea whisk, and tea scoop, evoking a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
There is an initial step of cutting out small parts, and using your fingertips is said to be highly effective in helping prevent cognitive decline.
In addition, the process of applying glue and attaching pieces in a set order engages executive functions involved in planning and carrying out actions, so it is likewise expected to help prevent cognitive decline.
If you do this as a recreational activity at a senior facility, it’s also fun to show each other the finished works.
Please give it a try.
Moon Lantern
Here’s a lantern craft idea that brings gentle light at night.
Inflate a balloon and paste tissue paper onto it.
If you’re working with older adults, prepare pre-inflated balloons beforehand.
Also, pre-cut parts such as stars or faces and have diluted glue ready.
Once prepared, secure the inflated balloon so it won’t move and apply hand cream over the entire surface.
Tear the tissue paper into suitable sizes and use glue to attach it along with the pre-cut parts.
Leave the top area uncovered.
After you finish pasting, let it dry overnight, then pop the balloon and remove it.
Attach a handle, and it’s complete.
[For Seniors] Have Fun Making Things to Suit Your Mood Today! Recommended Crafts of the Day (21–30)
Making a windsock
If you’re looking for a summer-themed craft for older adults to enjoy, we recommend making “fukinagashi” streamers.
These colorful streamers, displayed on Tanabata, evoke a cool, refreshing atmosphere.
With just origami paper, scissors, and glue, anyone can easily give it a try.
Whether someone is skilled at origami or not, working together can be a great opportunity to foster communication.
The activity can be done slowly while seated, so older adults can participate comfortably and safely.
Prepare some colorful origami paper and be sure to display your creations on Tanabata!