[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 (41–50)
Horse headgear, hat
Here’s an idea: try making a horse headpiece out of cardboard! The finished piece looks so elaborate it could be a store-bought item, so give it a try.
It seems there are kits available for purchase, so you can opt for a convenient kit, or enjoy making it from scratch with cardboard.
Once you cut out the parts, secure them firmly with double-sided tape.
Paint the nose and facial patterns with paints, and make the mane and forelock from construction paper.
This cardboard craft is sure to result in uniquely charming horses—why not incorporate it into a recreation activity?
[For Seniors] Let's Start Fun Craft Activities (51–60)
Horse Play Craft
This is a unique craft idea that uses yarn to create a mane.
You’ll need construction paper, yarn, cardboard, and cooking chopsticks.
Draw a horse’s face, ears, and mane on the construction paper and cut along the lines.
Prepare two pieces each for the face and ears.
After gluing the parts together, attach the yarn to the mane.
Using a craft punch to make evenly spaced holes will make this easier.
Fold the yarn in half, pass the loop through a hole, then pull the loose ends through the loop to secure it.
Thread two strands of yarn through each hole.
After attaching the eyes and nose, place a piece of cardboard between the layers to make it sturdy and secure the cooking chopsticks.
Decorate with cute embellishments to finish.
It’s a project that would likely be a delightful gift for your grandchild.
Brick-style coaster
Here’s an introduction to brick-style coasters made with disposable chopsticks.
Cut the chopsticks into 1-centimeter pieces.
Since cutting them can be a bit tricky, it might be better to prepare the pieces in advance.
Stick the cut pieces onto a cork sheet with adhesive on one side, arranging them to look like bricks.
Once you’ve laid them out in a brick pattern, color them and let them dry—that’s it.
You can go for a brick-like color scheme, or use your favorite colors for a charming finish.
It’s great to have a handmade coaster to set your drinks on.
Christmas gift-shaped charm
Christmas just isn’t complete without presents! So, here’s how to make a Christmas gift-shaped charm.
First, prepare some craft paper and design your favorite motif.
You can draw it with a pen, or use origami paper, colored paper, yarn, and other materials to give it a three-dimensional finish.
Next, put cotton and beads into a small transparent bag to create a snowy effect, then place your designed craft paper inside, seal the bag, and fold the top two corners to the back, securing them with tape.
Glue the bag onto a piece of felt that will serve as the base of the charm, and shape the felt into a gift shape.
Finally, tie a ribbon, and your charm is complete.
Santa made of felt
Here’s a handmade idea for a cone-shaped Santa Claus.
First, cut a piece of cardstock into a semicircle and roll it into a cone.
Cover it with felt in your favorite color, then glue a long, thin strip of white felt slightly above the center to represent the hat.
Cut out the face base and clothing pieces from felt and attach them as well.
For the beard, use yarn and a pen, creating it with a method similar to casting on stitches in knitting.
Once you’ve glued the beard around the face base, add eyes using rhinestones painted black and attach a larger bead for the nose.
Finally, add a star-shaped accent to the chest, and you’re done.
Just cut and paste. Shaka-shaka ornament.
Let’s handcraft warm, felt Christmas ornaments.
First, create your favorite shapes—like a stocking or a tree—using thick paper.
Next, use this template to cut 0.3 mm plastic sheet and the felt that will serve as the ornament base.
Cut out the inside of the thick-paper template to make a frame-only template, then use that to cut three felt frames.
Glue two of the felt frames onto the felt base to add height, and place your favorite beads or sequins inside.
Glue the plastic sheet and the remaining felt piece on top, attach a hanging component, and you’re done!
Easy wreath made from a single sheet of origami paper
There are various ways to make wreaths out of origami.
You can create a cute wreath with just a single sheet.
From a 15-centimeter square sheet of origami paper, cut it into nine pieces measuring 5 centimeters each.
Set one piece aside, and fold the remaining pieces into the parts for the wreath.
The trick is to make four pieces with the colored side facing outward and the other four with the white side facing outward.
Once the parts are finished, assemble them into the wreath.
Fold and cut the remaining piece to make a ribbon and decorate the wreath with it.
You can also enjoy customizing it by adding round or star-shaped stickers.
It’s a project that older adults can enjoy making while chatting with those around them.