For Seniors: Come, Spring! Recommended March Craft Ideas for Daycare Services
In this article, we introduce March craft ideas recommended for seniors!
When it comes to March events, there are many with a cute image, like Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) and White Day.
Using lots of soft colors like pink and white in your crafts can put you in a gentle mood.
It’s the season when spring flowers begin to bloom, so let’s create a bright, festive atmosphere through crafting!
There are plenty of ideas you can use in senior day services and other elder care facilities, so please use them as a reference when making crafts together.
[For Seniors] Come, Spring! Recommended March Craft Ideas for Day Services (1–10)
Fan and Hina doll display
As a craft recreation activity for March, how about making a Hina display? This Hina display features a popular good-luck item—a folding fan—decorated with the Hina dolls (the Empress and Emperor).
Fold the dolls using origami, draw their faces, and add small accessories like a fan or a ritual scepter.
Make the fan by accordion-folding construction paper.
Finish by creating and attaching decorations such as pine or cherry blossoms.
The steps are simple and involve only a few folds, so it’s very easy for seniors as well.
Enjoy a pleasant time in a room adorned with your Hina display!
Pressed flowers made with cardboard and rubber bandsNEW!
Here’s an idea for making pressed flowers using cardboard.
Place a sheet of baking paper on top of the cardboard, then open a folded tissue and overlap it halfway.
Arrange flowers on top with some spacing, then layer the remaining half of the tissue and another piece of cardboard.
If using a microwave, set the cardboard sandwich with the flowers on a plate, place two more plates on top, and heat at 500W for 1 minute.
If the flowers are dry and crisp, they’re done.
If not using a microwave, secure the cardboard with rubber bands and let it dry in a warm place for 3–5 days.
Hanging decoration of cherry blossoms in full bloom
In March, when cherry blossoms start to bloom, here’s a recommended hanging decoration.
It’s a cherry blossom mobile made with paper plates and origami.
Cut out the center of a paper plate to make a donut shape.
In the open center, attach semi-transparent origami with a cherry blossom pattern.
Next, punch out small cherry blossom shapes and stick them onto the paper plate, then hang it up.
Stringing about three together also looks beautiful.
You can also decorate the cut-out center piece by attaching the cherry blossom shapes to it.
Because it uses a lot of fine motor movements, making this craft can help stimulate the brains of older adults.
The method is simple, but using transparent origami creates a delicate look.
All the materials can be found at 100-yen shops, so preparation is easy.
Pressed flowers made with an ironNEW!
To make pressed flowers, you need to remove the moisture from the blooms.
Let’s use an iron.
Once you have the flowers you want to press, arrange them on a sheet of parchment paper with some space between each one.
When you’re done arranging them, place another sheet of parchment paper on top.
Then iron over it at a medium temperature for 20–30 seconds.
Be sure to iron from the back side as well.
Repeat this process until the flowers are dry.
Occasionally lift the sheet to check whether the flowers still feel damp as you go.
Pressed flowers made with a book and paper towelsNEW!
Here’s a very simple and approachable method.
First, gently place the flowers between layers of newspaper and paper towels, then slip them into a book.
Put another book on top as a weight, and the moisture will gradually be drawn out of the flowers.
After leaving it for a while and opening it up, you’ll have gently flattened flowers.
Glue the finished pressed flowers onto a backing with wood glue, and you can enjoy displaying them or turning them into bookmarks—the possibilities open up.
It’s easy to start with things you have on hand, you’ll feel the joy of completion, and it adds a touch of color to everyday life.
Pressed flowers made with a book and drying sheetsNEW!
If you use drying sheets, there are no complicated steps, so even first-timers can try it with confidence.
First, take a drying sheet out of the moisture-proof bag and gently crumple some tissue paper to prepare it.
Place the flowers gently on top, then layer the tissue and drying sheets to thoroughly absorb the flowers’ moisture.
Continue layering in the same way, and simply store the stacked flowers in a storage bag while pressed to achieve a beautiful finish.
You don’t need any special tools, it’s easy to start, and moving your hands slowly can also calm your mind.
Incorporating seasonal flowers adds a little color to your daily life, and you can enjoy it at your own pace without any strain.
Pressed flowers made in a microwaveNEW!
This method is perfect when you want to enjoy pressed flowers without spending much time.
First, line a heatproof dish with microwave-safe paper towels, then arrange the flowers on top.
Place another heatproof dish over them to sandwich the flowers.
Start by microwaving at 600W for 40 seconds, flip the flowers, then 600W for 20 seconds.
After that, continue heating in 20-second intervals to drive off the moisture, and you’ll have soft, delicate pressed flowers in no time.
Flipping the flowers partway through and heating them gradually until dry helps preserve their color and shape.
They’re easy to make and ready to enjoy right away, and the finished pressed flowers are also great for cards, bookmarks, or framing as keepsakes to capture your memories.