[For Seniors] Enjoy and Beat the Summer Heat! July Craft Ideas

Glowing & Moving Firefly

[Craft Idea] Glowing & Moving Fireflies (June/Summer) (Activities for Older Adults) (Early Childhood/Educational) (Wall Decorations) (Arts & Crafts) (Glow-in-the-Dark Stickers) (Origami) (OT)

These days, we see fireflies in nature less and less.

There was a time when fireflies would fly near rice paddies and marshes, their tails glowing.

Some older folks may remember spending summers watching them.

So here’s a craft that uses glow-in-the-dark stickers to make fireflies that shine in the dark.

Attach a glowing section made from the stickers to the body of a firefly cut out of construction paper.

Then tie a thread to the body and hang it up.

It will sway gently and look like a real firefly flying through the air.

It’s a firefly craft that can bring back nostalgic memories of summer.

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Nakajima Junko

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Star and Watermelon Decorations

Here’s an idea for a wall decoration that lets you enjoy both the Tanabata and summertime vibe: “Star and Watermelon Ornaments.” The watermelons are accordion-folded to create a three-dimensional look, while the stars are made from origami in coordinated colors and shapes.

Thread them and hang them from bamboo leaves for the finishing touch—the way they sway in the breeze feels refreshingly cool and makes for a visually delightful display.

The impression changes with different color combinations and arrangements, so there’s fun in experimenting, too.

Once you’ve finished decorating, the whole space is wrapped in the colors of summer, creating a bright, seasonal atmosphere.

It’s an easy yet festive wall art project that’s perfect for summer.

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kojifumi

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Fireworks made with simple yarn

Fireworks have the power to captivate people’s hearts, don’t they? When summer comes, many older adults probably feel like watching fireworks.

Seeing them also brings back memories of going to festivals as a child.

Let’s enjoy reminiscing while doing a craft together.

This time, we’re introducing a fireworks craft made with yarn.

The materials are simple and safe, so it’s highly recommended.

Just punch holes in construction paper and thread yarn through them—that’s it! By changing the yarn colors, you can create all kinds of fireworks.

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Nanaka

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Fireworks with string art

“Fireworks with String Art” is a wall display project for older adults that’s enjoyable both to look at and to make.

The method is unique: first, stack circular pieces of colored paper to create a base, then stretch colorful threads radially over the top.

The layered paper enhances the fireworks’ three-dimensional look, while the thread colors recreate the sparkle of a night sky.

Because the process requires care and precision, it naturally boosts concentration and is effective for fine-motor rehabilitation and cognitive stimulation.

The finished piece not only brings a summery atmosphere, but also fosters a sense of achievement and pride for the creator.

Give it a try!

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kojifumi

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Propping up fireworks

@aikoukai

Creating artwork with a 92-year-old client♪ Next, we’re planning to make a piece perfect for autumn♪Caregiving#WelfarefacilityFunctional TrainingCreating WorksOccupational therapy

♬ Cute heartwarming BGM(1490583) – sanusagi

Just by displaying a propped-up fireworks piece in your room, you can enjoy a festive mood every day.

It may look difficult at first glance, but the materials are simple and it’s easy to make.

First, soak colorful tissue paper in water and roll it into balls.

Attach laminate to a cut-out piece of cardboard, then stick the rolled tissue paper onto it.

As you work, memories of past trips to fireworks festivals may come flooding back.

It helps stimulate the brain and enriches your overall well-being.

This year, it might be nice to plan a trip for everyone to see real fireworks together.

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Nanaka

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Tanabata wreath made with materials from a 100-yen shop

Tanabata wreath making / origami / 100-yen shop / crafts

Let’s make a perfect Tanabata craft using wreaths and wire sold at 100-yen shops.

Cut origami or green-printed paper into bamboo leaf shapes.

Attach the leaves to the wire and group them in sets of three.

Then attach each set of three leaves to the wreath.

The key is to keep all the leaves facing the same direction.

You can decorate only part of the wreath with leaves, and feel free to add a ribbon or other embellishments.

A Tanabata wreath made from familiar materials will help older adults enjoy the feeling of the season.

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Nakajima Junko

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Colorful streamers

[Tanabata Decorations] How to Make a Streamer 🎋

In some places, the Tanabata Festival is held in summer, right? Nothing sets the mood quite like Tanabata decorations.

Here’s a colorful paper streamer you can make with origami that also works great as a wall decoration.

Leave about 1.5 centimeters uncut from one end of the origami paper, and make slits about 1 centimeter wide.

Attach a strip of origami paper the same width as the portion you left at the beginning, then roll the whole sheet into a tube.

Thread a string through, and your streamer is complete.

It looks lovely on its own, but making a paper kusudama (decorative ball) and attaching it to the streamer makes it even prettier.

Older adults who enjoy origami might also have fun making this.

By the way, the streamer represents the weaving threads offered by Orihime, and displaying it is said to carry the wish for improvement in sewing skills.

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Nakajima Junko

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