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

Making a calendar with a carnation stamp

[Eraser stamp] Making a May calendar with a carnation stamp 💕 Great for Mother’s Day too 👍

Let’s try making a calendar using a carnation rubber stamp carved from an eraser.

Eraser stamps are made by carving an eraser, and you can create a calendar with a unique, handcrafted charm that’s different from store-bought stamps.

A carnation stamp that evokes Mother’s Day can help older adults feel the season.

Of course, you could also make a calendar with stamps themed around May, such as the 88th Night (Hachiju-hachiya) or carp streamers (koinobori).

Eraser stamps don’t require much force and are easy to carve, so older adults should find the project approachable.

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Nakajima Junko

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lily of the valley

[Craft Idea] Lily of the Valley (April–May, spring) (Wall decorations, senior recreation, occupational therapy OT, day service) (Three-dimensional flower craft) (Easy craft, origami DIY, creative)

Lily of the valley blooms around April to May and is strongly associated with heralding the arrival of spring.

In this project, we’ll recreate this quintessential spring flower with origami, making the bell-shaped blossoms in three dimensions.

First, cut white origami paper into a flat shape like spread petals, then attach it to a long, rolled stem piece.

From there, overlap and adjust each petal to form the bell shape.

Once the flower components are complete, attach them to a backing sheet decorated with leaves and other parts to finish.

Aim for a design where the flowers appear to pop out.

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kappamaki

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Doll-style towel hanger

[Easy Craft] [100-Yen DIY] Hand Towel Hanger ☆ #100yen #DAISO #DIY #100yen #handmade #kawaii #recreation #craft #elderly

Here’s a project that turns a hand towel into a cute little doll.

If the hand towel you always use at home looked like a doll, it might lift the spirits of older adults, too.

Use a foam ball to make the doll’s face, then attach craft eyes and yarn for hair.

After fixing the facial parts to a wooden clip, decorate it with ribbons and beads.

Attach a towel folded into a triangle to the wooden clip, and your doll-style towel hanger is complete.

You can make one for yourself, and it would also make a delightful gift for families of older adults.

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Nakajima Junko

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Koinobori made with Japanese-style origami

[Easy] 3D ✨ Carp Streamer Craft 🎏 [100-yen Origami] How to Make Carp-shaped Streamers

Here is a three-dimensional koi nobori (carp streamer) made from Japanese-style origami paper that you can easily find at 100-yen shops.

You first make the koi nobori’s body flat, then add slits and fold along them to turn it into a three-dimensional shape, which is the fun part.

For the koi nobori’s pole, roll copy paper around a toothpick or skewer.

Apply glue to the slit section of the body and attach the pole there.

The colorful washi patterns are very cute and will brighten the atmosphere when placed in an entryway or living room.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Samurai helmet made of cloth

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

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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Nakajima Junko

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Three-dimensional helmet

Wall decoration for Boys’ Day in May made with colored construction paper: “Samurai Helmet”

Some households display May dolls and helmets for Children’s Day, don’t they? The kabuto helmets and armor of May dolls carry the wish that “they will protect our child.” Let’s make a kabuto that’s perfect for a May wall display and celebrate Children’s Day.

You can download the template in this video, so please have it ready.

Place the template on construction paper, cut along it, and make the parts.

A key tip is to score along the template in advance so it will fold easily later—you can do this easily with scissors.

Assemble the pieces so each one becomes three-dimensional.

Some steps are a bit challenging, so when making this with older adults, please have staff members work together with them to complete it.

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moko

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A simple rose

Simple! Felt roses you can make in 5 minutes ☺️🌹 #shorts #craft #parenting #childcare #handmade

Here’s a felt rose you can make in five minutes.

Cut a piece of felt into a 10 cm circle, then cut it in a spiral and roll it from the outer edge to form the flower.

Make a hole to pass the stem through.

Curl the tip of a green chenille stem (pipe cleaner), apply glue, thread it through the bottom of the flower, and secure it—that’s it, you’re done in no time.

Cutting the flower’s edge in a wavy pattern gives it a different look, too.

You can use it without a stem on wreaths or flower crowns, or make many to create a bouquet—there are lots of ways to enjoy it.

It’s safe and easy, so it’s also recommended for cognitive decline prevention activities and as occupational therapy in senior care facilities.

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kojifumi

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