Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Enjoy at Day Service: A Roundup of May Craft Ideas

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Worked as a certified care worker for 17 years.Nanaka
I’ve been working as a certified care worker for 17 years. I’m Nanaka, a caregiving web writer. I decided to pursue this profession because I wanted a job that would help people. Having worked in day care for many years, I’ve experienced a wide variety of recreational activities. Exercise set to music, in particular, always created a cheerful atmosphere and was very well received. I’d be delighted to continue delivering writing that resonates with readers through caregiving-related articles. Thank you for your support.

May is a lovely season of fresh green leaves, isn’t it?

Here are some easy craft ideas perfect for day-service activities in May.

May is full of events like Children’s Day and Mother’s Day.We’ve gathered craft ideas that tie in with those occasions.

Many of the projects introduced here can be taken home and displayed, so you can enjoy looking at them at home.

They also make great gifts for your grandchildren.

Some can even be used for a garden tea party or a stroll, so be sure to give them a try.

[For Seniors] Enjoy at Day Service: May Craft Ideas Roundup (91–100)

Lotus Blossoms and a Ladybug

[Craft Idea] Chinese Milk Vetch and Ladybug (May, Spring) (Wall Decorations, Senior Recreation, Occupational Therapy OT, Day Service, Preschool) (Origami) (DIY)

Lotus Blossoms and a Ladybug

We’d like to introduce a wall decoration featuring Chinese milk vetch (renge) that brings a springtime feel.

Because there are many steps that involve cutting origami into the same shapes, prepare templates for the petals, leaves, stems, and ladybugs in advance.

Cut pink origami paper into petal shapes and gently rub them with scissors; they’ll naturally curl upward, creating a three-dimensional look when displayed.

In the same way, use green origami to cut out the leaves and stems.

For the ladybugs, cut shapes from red and black origami, remembering to add the spots.

Once all the materials are ready, layer and glue the petals to form the flowers, then attach the leaves and ladybugs.

The ladybugs flying toward the blossoms look adorable and enhance the spring atmosphere.

Since there are no complicated steps, this craft is also recommended for recreational activities in senior care facilities.

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Poppy

[Craft Idea] Poppy Paper Craft (April–May) (Wall Decorations) (Senior Recreation, Occupational Therapy OT, Day Service) (Origami DIY) (Creative)

Poppy

Let me introduce a beautiful wall decoration featuring three-dimensional poppies.

First, prepare origami paper in the color of the flower you want to make.

Fold it in half twice, cut it into quarters, then fold each piece in half twice again.

Open it once, draw lines from the center outward, trace the lines with a bamboo skewer to score them, and make several pieces cut into petal shapes.

Next, create the stamens.

Cut a narrow strip of origami, round it further, fold it in half twice, make fine slits with scissors, and open it.

Layer the petals, place the stamen in the center, and glue it to complete the flower.

Finally, make the leaves and stem.

Draw leaves and their patterns on green origami and cut them out with scissors.

Attach everything to construction paper to create a three-dimensional wall decoration in which the flowers appear to pop up.

Although there are some delicate steps, it’s also recommended as finger dexterity training or for rehabilitation.

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kashiwa mochi (oak leaf-wrapped rice cake)

[Craft Idea] Kashiwa-mochi — Rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves (Children’s Day / May) (Senior activities) (Early childhood education) (Wall decoration) (Crafts) (Creative) (Origami)

kashiwa mochi (oak leaf-wrapped rice cake)

Let me introduce how to make kashiwa-mochi with origami.

All you need is white and green origami paper, so prep is super easy.

First, crumple up the green paper into a ball and open it.

Apply glue and fold it in half.

Cut it into the shape of an oak leaf, then fold diagonally to create the veins.

Next, crumple the white paper.

Shape it so it’s a size that can be wrapped by the oak leaf.

Once the size and position are set, put double-sided tape on the oak leaf and attach it.

In no time, your kashiwa-mochi is done.

It’s cute as is, but making a tray with double-sided origami paper will make it look even nicer.

Give it a try!

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banner flag

[Children's Day] 🎏 How to Make a Carp-Streamer Banner 🎏 [With a Bonus Calligraphy Segment at the End] Handmade Banner Flag DIY

Along with carp streamers and May dolls, some households also raise nobori flags for Boys’ Day (Tango no Sekku).

They’re especially essential for a child’s first Boys’ Day celebration.

Let’s try making one of these nobori flags by hand.

Older adults might enjoy reminiscing about past Boys’ Day celebrations as they craft.

Fold chirimen crepe or other Japanese-patterned fabrics to form the flag.

Since you’ll use double-sided tape for adhesion, there’s no sewing required.

For the family crest, craft metal parts make attachment easy.

You can also add a name, so including your grandchild’s name is a lovely touch.

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Koinobori (carp streamers) hung up for decoration

[Still in time!] How to Make a Tsumami-Zaiku Carp Streamer (Koinobori) [Hanging Decoration]

Koinobori (carp streamers) hung up for decoration

We’d like to introduce a hanging carp streamer decoration made with soft-textured chirimen (crepe) fabric.

The carp’s scales are created using tsumami-zaiku.

Tsumami-zaiku involves folding small pieces of fabric and shaping them with tweezers.

Through making this project, older adults can get plenty of fine-motor hand activity.

Even if you don’t use chirimen, it should still turn out cute with ordinary fabric.

You can attach a string to hang the finished piece, or turn it into a garland or wreath—your ideas can expand the possibilities of the project.

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Samurai helmet made of cloth

[Folded to Make] 🎏 How to Make a Samurai Helmet (Kabuto) 🎏 [Children’s Day] Handmade DIY

Samurai helmet made of cloth

Here is an introduction to making a kabuto helmet using your favorite fabrics or ones with lovely patterns.

People often make kabuto from origami or construction paper.

It’s said to be difficult to fold fabric into a finished piece.

However, there’s a tip: if you use craft glue to secure the folded sections of the fabric, it becomes easier to make.

Why not try making one with fabric, just like you would with origami or construction paper? Once it’s finished, place it on a stand to display it—it will make a wonderful decoration for Children’s Day.

It’s also recommended as a decoration for seniors’ rooms at home.

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Carnations made of fabric

Easy Fabric Carnations [Mother’s Day]

Carnations made of fabric

Here’s an introduction to an easy carnation craft made from fabric.

May is when we celebrate Mother’s Day.

Speaking of Mother’s Day, carnations are given to express gratitude and appreciation.

Some older adults may also receive carnations on Mother’s Day, right? This kind of carnation craft is perfect for May.

Cut the fabric into circles using pinking shears.

The cut edges will become jagged or wavy, like the tips of carnation petals.

Thread a wire through the center of the fabric and sew it in place.

Add leaves and a calyx, then wrap the wire with floral tape to finish.

It’s also cute to make the petals with fabrics in polka dots or checks.

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