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[For Seniors] Day service crafts: A roundup of June-themed ideas

Among the older adults who attend day service centers, there are people with a variety of physical conditions.

Many of them also look forward to recreational activities.

This time, we’re introducing “Recommended June Craft Activities for Day Service.”

We’ve gathered ideas that use classic motifs related to rain, such as hydrangeas and snails.

Doing crafts also serves as fine-motor rehabilitation, so it’s recommended for older adults.

Be sure to enjoy not only the finished product but also the process of making it.

[For Seniors] Day service crafts: A roundup of June-themed ideas (1–10)

Morning glories and goldfish ornaments

Let’s make use of scrap materials! Here are ideas for crafting morning glory flowers and goldfish ornaments.

In recent years, it’s not uncommon to have summer-like days in June.

How about getting a head start on summer by making morning glory and goldfish ornaments? You’ll need items like coffee filters, empty cheese boxes, paper straws, paper bands, washi paper, permanent markers, garden vinyl ties, and bamboo skewers.

By using coffee filters, the morning glories seem easy to create with just a few simple steps.

A wreath of gardenia flowers

Gardenias bloom around June, releasing a sweet fragrance reminiscent of jasmine.

Many older adults may know them from the famous 1970s song “Kuchinashi no Hana,” which even features them in the title.

How about making a wreath with lovely gardenias and displaying it? We’ll create each flower and leaf with origami, but the folds aren’t complicated, so it’s easy to make.

The displayed gardenia wreath may help some people recall memories of the song and the era when it was popular.

From there, conversations can begin, which can lead to deeper communication with others.

Origami Morning Glory Kusudama

I tried making a morning glory kusudama with origami! How to make a morning glory kusudama with origami. Modular origami. Paper craft.
Origami Morning Glory Kusudama

Why not combine morning glory origami to make a cute “kusudama”? When you think of an origami kusudama, you probably imagine a beautiful ball shape.

Some people might feel it looks difficult to make because of the shape.

But you can do it simply by using two sheets of origami paper, folding two different parts, and assembling them into a ball.

If older adults are making it during a recreational activity and find some of the folds difficult, please try creating it together with the staff.

A morning glory-themed kusudama with its gentle feel can give you a sense of fulfillment when you make it yourself! It’s also a piece that staff can make and present as a gift to older adults, which they’re likely to appreciate.

[For Seniors] Day Service Crafts: Roundup of June-Themed Ideas (11–20)

Father’s Day rose

In Japan, the third Sunday of June is Father’s Day.

Some older adults may receive gifts or take part in events on Father’s Day.

Traditionally, yellow roses are given, so why not try making some to decorate the facility walls? Making roses might sound difficult, but you can crumple colored paper, cut it into petal shapes, and glue them together to form the flowers.

This method lets you capture the delicate look of rose petals.

The three-dimensional yellow roses you create might even evoke fond memories for some seniors.

You can also change the colors and make a bouquet of roses—perfect as a crafting activity.

Hydrangea lampshade

Kimie Gangi: “Hydrangea Lampshade” made with tissue paper and hanshi (Japanese calligraphy paper) — hydrangea lampshade #ArtsAndCrafts #ElementarySchool #LightArt #EducationalContent #Seniors
Hydrangea lampshade

A craft using hydrangeas that you’ll want to make during the rainy season.

This time, let’s try a hydrangea lampshade.

It may sound difficult from the name, but it’s actually very easy to make.

All you need are tissue paper and washi paper.

Cut tissue paper in colors that match hydrangeas.

Then simply paste them so they form hydrangea blossoms.

There’s no rule for the shape, so seniors can arrange the flowers however they like.

It boosts creativity and provides great stimulation for the brain.

It looks stylish as a lamp, and it’s also lovely when you stick it on a windowpane.

Hydrangea Herbarium

How to make a herbarium with hydrangeas and small bottles – all materials can be found at the 100-yen shop!
Hydrangea Herbarium

A herbarium is a great addition to your room’s interior.

This time, let’s make a hydrangea herbarium.

You can get everything at the dollar store and make it using just hydrangea flowers, small bottles, and herbarium oil.

Simply cut the hydrangea flowers to fit the bottle size and pack them into the small bottle.

The steps are easy, so it’s perfect for beginners at crafts.

It’s also nice to chat with those around you about what flower shapes to create, helping users deepen their interaction with one another.

Be sure to display your finished hydrangea herbarium in your room.

Authentic morning glory made with five sheets of origami

[Origami] How to make a morning glory / How to make origami 'Morning Glory'.
Authentic morning glory made with five sheets of origami

Let’s make a beautiful three-dimensional morning glory! You’ll use five sheets of origami to create one bloom, so the difficulty may be a bit high.

Make five parts, then assemble and glue them together.

To prevent the glue from coming off, it’s a good idea to hold the pieces in place with clips or clothespins as you work.

For the finishing touch, slightly fold the rim to give the morning glory a 3D look.

You can also change the size of the sheets to make morning glories in different sizes—give it a try!