[For Seniors] Let’s Start a Fun Craft Activity
In elderly care facilities and day service centers, craft-based recreation is essential.
Because it involves fine motor movements, it helps with rehabilitation and stimulates the brain.
In this article, we’ve gathered easy and enjoyable craft ideas that older adults can make with minimal effort.
Even those who have never done crafts and lack confidence will find it easy to get started.
Most materials are things you already have at home or can quickly pick up at a dollar store.
If you’re interested in crafts, give them a try!
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[For Seniors] Let’s Start Fun Craft Activities (151–160)
No-sew clasp pouch
Introducing a clasp pouch you can make without sewing.
Projects stitched with a sewing machine or needle can be fun for those who are skilled at or enjoy handicrafts.
For those who aren’t confident in sewing, we also recommend projects that use fabric glue for bonding.
Cut the fabric according to the pattern and adhere the pieces with glue.
Use an iron’s heat to set the adhesive.
Attach the metal clasp with craft glue.
It’s simple to make yet looks intricately crafted, and it’s likely to be appreciated by older adults as well.
Small accessory pouch made from fabric scraps
Let me introduce a small, cute trinket pouch made from fabric scraps.
Using a pattern, cut two pieces of fabric.
You can download the pattern from the website to make the process easier.
We’ll sew it with a sewing machine, but since it’s just a small pouch, the sewing lengths are short.
If you’re a senior who enjoys crafting, hand sewing works fine too.
You’ll press with an iron and sew the two pieces together as you go.
Once you shape it, the pouch is complete.
You can make it using leftover fabric from other projects.
Some 100-yen shops also sell fabric scraps in their craft sections.
You can choose scraps of any fabric you like and make it your own.
craft basket
Craft band works with a warm, inviting style.
A craft band is a type of handicraft tape made by recycling milk cartons and waste paper.
This time, we’re introducing a bag woven from craft bands.
Prepare several craft bands of different widths and start weaving.
Softer, thinner, and wider craft bands are easier for older adults to handle, making the project more approachable.
As the weaving progresses and the shape begins to form, it’s likely to spark excitement for older adults as well.
By changing the weaving method or the colors of the craft bands, you can create pieces with a variety of styles.
Enjoy making wonderful creations together with older adults.
Flower-knot beads made with craft bands
Have you ever seen bags made with craft bands or eco-craft bands? Many bags woven from flat bands have a handmade warmth to them.
Here, we’ll introduce flower-knot beads made with craft bands.
Prepare three long, thinly cut strips of craft band and start weaving.
The technique may look complicated, but once you learn it, it should be easy to make.
Because you use your fingertips a lot while weaving, it can also help stimulate the brain.
Once you’ve finished weaving, trim the ends and sprinkle with water.
When water is applied, the adhesive on the band dissolves and then sets.
You can also make beads in different sizes and colors; thread a cord through them to create charms.
They’re recommended for attaching to keys or bags, especially for older adults.
A scarf on a plate stand
You can knit using a rod-style stand for holding plates upright.
Wrap the yarn around the rods on the plate stand in order.
Place the yarn over the wrapped yarn, then hook the lower yarn over it.
By repeating this, you can make a scarf.
There’s a similar method in finger knitting, so some older adults may have made one with their fingers before.
Plate stands and yarn are available at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to get started.
Since you use your fingers a lot, it may also have brain-training benefits.
Easy fluffy mittens
Let’s make simple gloves using yarn.
Many yarn crafts involve knitting needles or crochet hooks, right? Some older adults may feel, “I’m not good at knitting.” Knitting often includes complicated methods.
However, here’s a way to make knitted gloves using just cardboard and wooden sticks like ice cream sticks.
Place your hand on the cardboard and draw an outline about one size larger.
After cutting out the outline, make slits at 1-centimeter intervals along the cut edge.
Wrap yarn around all the slits in the cardboard, then attach yarn to a wooden stick and start weaving.
The key is to pack the woven sections tightly together.
Once you’ve finished weaving, tie off the end of the yarn, remove it from the cardboard, and you’re done.
This easy method for making hand-knit gloves seems like something older adults can enjoy as well.
[For Seniors] Let's Start Fun Craft Activities (161–170)
minibasket
Here’s how to make a basket using a milk carton.
You will need one milk carton, two kinds of wrapping paper, lace, and adhesive.
Make sure the milk carton is completely dry, and use the three sides with fewer creases.
Attach wrapping paper to both sides, draw guide lines for assembly, and make the necessary cuts.
Fold from the inside in order, shaping the basket while securing it with adhesive.
Once the basket shape is formed, glue the lace around the edge to finish.
Changing the wrapping paper gives it a different look, so you can enjoy experimenting with styles.
Give it a try!
