[For Seniors] Easy Craft Ideas to Make at Day Service in July
In July, the heat really starts to set in.
Older adults may also spend more time indoors as a way to cope with the heat.
To enjoy the hot days of summer, we recommend indoor craft activities.
If you’re unsure what to make, try choosing crafts that match July’s events.
July features a variety of occasions, such as Tanabata and Marine Day.
For Tanabata, there are traditional decorations you can make to fully enjoy the season.
Be sure to read this article and use it to help plan July crafts for older adults.
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[For Seniors] Easy Craft Ideas to Make at Day Service in July: Introductions (131–140)
decorative photo frame

Of course, there are plenty of summer-themed activities, and with family visiting during Obon, July and August are full of fun events.
That also means more chances to take photos.
So here’s an idea I’d like to share: decorated photo frames.
It’s a simple idea where you decorate photo frames purchased from 100-yen shops.
Using seashells and sand gives them a summery, beach-inspired vibe.
It’s perfect for preserving your summer memories.
Mini uchiwa with marble-painted patterns

Would you like to try making a handmade uchiwa fan that captures the feeling of summer? This method uses marbles to create patterns on the fan, so it’s also great for craft activities in adult day services! Dissolve paint in a paper cup, add a marble, and coat it evenly with color.
Next, place drawing paper in a tray, then roll the paint-covered marble over the paper to add color.
You can layer two or three colors if you like! Prepare two sheets of the painted paper cut into the shape of a fan.
Finally, glue the two sheets together with a split craft band along the edge, and you’re done! The lines made by the rolling marble are unique and result in a stylish uchiwa.
Tanabata

Many staff members are probably struggling to come up with craft ideas for July.
Decorations for Tanabata and the Milky Way are classics, but how about adding a displayed line from the children’s song “Tanabata-sama”? Also, it could be fun to make parts like bamboo decorations together with the elderly in a lively group.
Tanabata mobile

Let’s try making a cute, gently swaying Tanabata mobile! Using origami or construction paper, create various shapes like stars and circles, then string them vertically with thread to complete the mobile.
You can fold decorations like origami, or combine identical cutouts to make three-dimensional ornaments.
It’s also recommended to mix in felt balls or drawings made on shrink plastic.
Have each older adult make one strand and combine everyone’s to display on the wall, or have each person make about three strands and display each set as an individual piece—use these ideas to create festive Tanabata decorations.
[For Seniors] Make it at day service in July. Introducing easy craft ideas (141–150)
Tanabata Decorations – Double Heart

Let’s make a heart-shaped decoration that looks like a Tanabata casting net! Prepare several strips of origami paper cut into long, thin pieces in a few different colors.
Use each strip to form a heart shape, then link the hearts together so they connect like a net.
A stapler is handy for attaching one heart to the next.
Rather than using a single color, combining about two colors is recommended.
Linking around six hearts is enough.
Try hanging it as a wall decoration or as one of the ornaments on bamboo for Tanabata!
Tanabata decorations and the Milky Way

Let’s use drawing paper to make a Milky Way inspired by the night of Tanabata.
It’s a simple Milky Way that you create just by making slits and pulling, but if you also attach Orihime and Hikoboshi, stars, morning glories, and more, you’ll have a lovely Tanabata decoration.
Enjoy a display that captures the feeling of the season.
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!



