[For Seniors] Easy Craft Ideas to Make at Day Service in July

Make a summer greeting card

Simple: Summer Greetings

As soon as June passes and July begins, we reach Shōsho, the time when people start sending summer greeting cards (shochū-mimai).

Shōsho usually falls around July 7 each year, and the period for sending shochū-mimai lasts until about August 7, the day before the start of autumn (Risshū).

So how about a recreational activity in June where you make shochū-mimai? With a few ideas—like writing with a brush pen or using stamps carved from erasers—you can create lovely greeting cards.

You could send the finished cards to family members or facility staff.

It’s a recreation that brings a sense of the approaching summer.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Snow globe made from a plastic bottle

Mini Crafts at Home (2): Plastic Bottle Snow Globe Edition

The ornament known as a “snow dome” in Japan is called a “snow globe” overseas.

Since it’s dome-shaped, the name “snow dome” feels more fitting, doesn’t it? It’s said that they became popular after a snow dome featuring the Eiffel Tower was sold at the 1889 Paris Exposition.

How about making a lovely snow dome that brings a cool touch to the hot summer—using a plastic bottle? All you need is a plastic bottle, purified water, cooling gel, glue, and scissors.

You can substitute liquid glue for the cooling gel.

It’s easy to make: decorate it however you like, then pour a mixture of water and gel into the plastic bottle.

Arrange marbles, colored cellophane, small items made of modeling clay, and more in a cute way to create a one-of-a-kind snow dome!

Shaker-style goldfish from the 100-yen shop

[100-yen shop] I put the goldfish made with quilling into a shaker [Quilling]

This craft uses paper quilling parts shaped into goldfish and flowers, arranged so they can move inside a case.

By inserting a sheet of paper in the center of the case and attaching pillars to both the front and back, you can enjoy two different worlds—one on each side—which is a fun feature.

It’s important to decide how to spread and combine the coiled paper: make the elements you want to stand out, like goldfish or flowers, larger, and create the surrounding decorations smaller.

By changing the colors of the paper and how you coil it, you can design your own beautiful world inside the case.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

SUMMER Garland

【Origami】Sunflower Paper Fan - SUMMER Garland

This SUMMER garland will instantly brighten up any room with a lively vibe! It’s also great as a wall decoration at home or in senior care facilities, so give it a try.

First, attach a half-cut piece of brown origami paper to the center of a yellow-toned sheet.

Make two identical pieces, accordion-fold each one, and connect them.

While folded, round off both ends with scissors, tie a string at the center, open it into a circle, and secure the two seams with clips or glue—and you’re done! You can also have fun customizing it by adding not only sunflower blooms but also leaves and other summery motifs.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem

An Aquarium Made from Plastic Bottle Crafts

An aquarium with gently swaying fish: a plastic bottle craft

Here’s a perfect summer-at-home craft: an aquarium made from a plastic bottle.

The gently swaying fish are sure to soothe you, so give it a try! First, cut the plastic bottle below the halfway point, then press the cut edge against a hot iron to round it off.

Use an awl to make two holes in the bottle cap.

Next, draw your favorite fish on shrink plastic, punch a hole at the top, and bake it in a toaster to shrink it.

Then thread twine through the fish, and also through the bottle and cap, and secure it in place.

For the finishing touches, decorate a cardboard base with small stones and pipe cleaners to create a seascape, then place the bottle over it and glue it down—that’s it! It brings a refreshing vibe to hot summer days, and it’s also great as room decor.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem

firework ball

[Summer Origami Craft] How to Make a Fireworks Ball with Audio Guide ☆ Origami Fireworks Ball Tutorial — Decorations for July and August

Let’s make a firework ball that can be used as room decor, an accent by the window or entryway, or even as a hanging ornament! With fireworks as the motif, it’s perfect for summer decorations.

First, cut both black origami paper and colored origami paper into circles.

Fold the black paper, draw the firework pattern, and cut it out.

Next, paste the black paper onto the colored paper.

Make a total of six identical pieces! Finally, apply glue to each semicircle, attach them one by one, and attach a string before closing the last side to finish.

Make lots to create a curtain-like display, or connect a few together for a lovely look!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem

Fireworks craftsman with drawing paper and origami

A fireworks artisan with drawing paper and origami♪

We’d like to share an idea that lets you recreate the summer night sky’s dazzling fireworks using construction paper and origami, so you can feel like a master pyrotechnician.

This is a kinetic craft where the movement is part of the fun.

Place a folded origami firework inside a tube made from rolled construction paper; when you pull the tube, the firework spreads open as if it’s been launched.

It looks just like real fireworks bursting in the night sky, making it enjoyable both to make and to play with.

Using brightly colored origami gives it a striking visual impact.

The steps are gentle and senior-friendly, making it perfect for finger dexterity rehabilitation and for sparking creative motivation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem