Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Let’s Start a Fun Craft Activity

Worked as a certified care worker for 17 years.Nanaka
I’ve been working as a certified care worker for 17 years. I’m Nanaka, a caregiving web writer. I decided to pursue this profession because I wanted a job that would help people. Having worked in day care for many years, I’ve experienced a wide variety of recreational activities. Exercise set to music, in particular, always created a cheerful atmosphere and was very well received. I’d be delighted to continue delivering writing that resonates with readers through caregiving-related articles. Thank you for your support.

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!

[For Seniors] Let's Start Fun Craft Activities (161–170)

Heart-shaped woven basket

[Valentine Craft] February Valentine Heart Woven Basket [Easy Craft] Valentine work

Heart-shaped woven basket

A heart-shaped woven basket made with reversible crepe sheets is both eye-catching and practical.

Prepare two crepe sheets in different colors and cut them to the same size.

Make evenly spaced slits in each sheet, then weave them together alternately to create a lattice pattern.

Once the weaving is finished, cut the whole piece into a heart shape and attach a handle to complete it.

Tight weaving makes it sturdy, so it can hold sweets or small items.

Taking advantage of the reversible material to create a colorful design makes it even more festive.

It’s an easy project that offers a sense of accomplishment and helps with finger dexterity for older adults, making it a great take-home craft for day service programs.

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Shrink plastic initial key holder

Revolutionarily clean baking! How to make a fail-proof flower initial keychain using 100-yen store stickers on shrink plastic [DIY fan merch] – How to make shrink plastic

Shrink plastic initial key holder

Let’s try making an initial keychain using a plastic sheet, commonly known as a shrink plastic (Plaban).

Cut the sheet into the shape of an initial and heat it in a toaster oven.

It will shrink to about a quarter of its original size.

With the right baking technique, you can prevent the plastic from burning.

Before heating, sketch your design and color it with an oil-based marker or Posca pens, or try adding stickers after baking.

Older adults can enjoy making these too.

A one-of-a-kind initial keychain made from shrink plastic—once it’s finished, attach it to your house keys or bag.

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[For Seniors] Let’s Start Fun Craft Activities (171–180)

Mini uchiwa (small handheld fan)

[Super Easy] Mini Uchiwa Fan with Marble-Painted Patterns #DayService #DayCare #OutpatientRehab #ElderCare #Seniors #Crafts #Rec #Recreation

Mini uchiwa (small handheld fan)

Mini handheld fans that are easy to make are perfect for activities at day service centers.

Dissolve some paint in water and place a few marbles in it.

Drop the marbles onto a tray lined with drawing paper, then tilt the tray to roll them around and create patterns.

Change colors and roll multiple times to achieve a layered, dimensional design.

Once the paper is dry, cut it to match the shape of the fan and attach it to a craft band.

To make the handle with the craft band, draw a line 3 cm from the edge, make slits along the line, spread it open, and round off the opposite tip.

Assemble the parts to complete your mini fan.

It not only brings a sense of coolness but also lets you enjoy an original pattern, so give it a try as a take-home project.

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Mini bouquet at the mall

[With Kids] Handmade Gift: Pipe Cleaner Flower Bouquet 💐 Thank You, Teacher • Thank-You Party • Graduation Ceremony • Cute Handmade • Easier Than Origami • Pipe Cleaner Bear • Pipe Cleaner Doll • Elementary School Crafts • Kindergarten • Nursery School • 100-Yen Shop DIY • Craft

Mini bouquet at the mall

Here’s an introduction to making a bouquet using pipe cleaners.

Display it at home to brighten up your room.

Fold craft pipe cleaners to form the flower parts.

Use green pipe cleaners to make the leaves and stems.

The key is to add beads to the stems.

When you attach the flowers and stems, the beads look like pistils.

Make several pipe-cleaner flowers, bundle them together, and wrap them with lace-patterned paper or colored paper.

You’ll have a lovely mini bouquet.

Pipe cleaners are soft, so they should be easy for older adults to handle as well.

It seems like a craft you could enjoy making together while chatting.

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Marble-style accessory tray

Super Easy Marble-Style Trinket Tray #DayService #DayCare #OutpatientRehab #ElderCare #Seniors #Craft #PaperClay

Marble-style accessory tray

Let’s make a small tray that’s handy for holding little items like personal seals or keys.

Prepare three colors of lightweight clay, roll each into a cord, and twist them together.

Gather them into a ball, then flatten it with a rolling pin or the core of a plastic wrap roll to create a marbled look.

Use a small bowl or cup to trace the rim.

Drape the clay over the bottom of the bowl you used for tracing, and shape it to match the contour of the base.

Let it dry as is, then color the rim with a pen to finish.

The marbled pattern will look like marble stone.

It’s a chic piece, perfect for older adults who like a sophisticated vibe.

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Lampshade made of paper

[100-Yen Shop DIY] Paper Lamp Shade

Lampshade made of paper

Why not try making a lampshade inspired by seasonal flowers? A lampshade is a shade that covers a lamp or bulb, and the materials and designs you use can create many different kinds of light.

This time, let’s make one using shoji paper and washi.

Tear the shoji paper and washi, or fold them into flower shapes and cut them out in advance.

Dilute craft glue with water and brush it onto an inflated balloon.

The key is to apply the glue over an area that matches the size of the shoji paper you’ll attach.

Once you’ve covered the entire surface with shoji paper, add the flower pieces made from washi.

Finally, coat the entire surface with the diluted glue, let it dry, and then pop the balloon.

You’ll have a beautiful spherical lampshade.

It’s also nice to place a dollar-store LED light inside for display.

Seniors are likely to be very pleased with such a lovely creation.

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collage (paper collage; cut-and-paste picture)

Collage – Introducing stylish collages using leftover washi paper –

collage (paper collage; cut-and-paste picture)

This activity involves sticking small colored pieces of paper to create a picture with a sense of volume.

It really tests your ability to focus on detailed handwork, such as making tiny parts and carefully placing them while being mindful of shapes.

I recommend painting various colors onto white paper and then cutting it into small pieces—this lets you create color gradients even within the tiny parts.

After that, decide on the overall shape you want, and attach the pieces to match that shape until it’s complete.

As you work, pay attention to the overall color gradation and how layering can add depth and volume.

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