[For Seniors] Enjoy at Day Service: A Roundup of May Craft Ideas
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.
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- [For Seniors] May Calendar Craft: Fun and Easy
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For Seniors: Enjoyable Daycare Activities. May Craft Ideas Roundup (11–20)
Mini carnation arrangement
Here’s a mini carnation arrangement you can make with construction paper.
First, cut small squares from the paper and fold each one into a triangle three times.
Trim the edges to neaten it, then unfold to reveal a flower shape.
Use a bamboo skewer or toothpick to gently curl the petals for a more natural look.
Thread craft wire through the center and secure it with a pearl bead.
Gather the petals toward the center and glue them in place.
Layer a few flowers to add more dimension.
Decorate with a ribbon, and place the stem into a paper-cup vase for a perfect Mother’s Day gift.
Why not make one to show your appreciation?
three-dimensional helmet
We’ll show you how to make a three-dimensional samurai helmet (kabuto) out of construction paper.
First, make the template.
Use a compass to draw two circles on construction paper, then use a protractor to draw lines at regular angles as guides.
Cut along the lines to complete the template.
Prepare construction paper in the color you want for the helmet, such as black or red.
Place the template on it, trace the lines for assembly, and cut with scissors.
Use glue to form a cone shape, then curl the fukikaeshi (side flaps).
This will shape the helmet.
Make the kuwagata (crest) with gold paper and glue it on to finish.
Although it requires some prep work, the process itself is very simple, making it ideal for recreational activities at senior facilities.
It’s a good idea to pre-cut the parts in advance.
Paper tag for carnations
Recommended for Mother’s Day gifts! Here’s how to make a carnation paper tag.
Cut red construction paper into a flower shape.
A craft punch is handy for this.
Cut the flower in half and refine the shape.
Use a toothpick to add curvature.
Make four of the same piece.
Apply glue to the center of the flower and layer the pieces, offset so the petals are visible.
To give the flower a rounded look, as you build upward, glue while gently bending the pieces.
Attach the flower to a paper tag along with leaves and a calyx made from green construction paper and a wire stem.
Thread a string through the tag, and it’s done.
Try making it with heartfelt gratitude.
Carnations made from tissues
Here’s how to make three-dimensional carnations out of tissue paper.
Prepare two tissues and fold them in half.
Lay a plastic bag underneath and color the folded (looped) edge with a pen.
Mist with water, place another plastic bag on top, then press the colored area with your finger to spread the color.
Let it dry once, and make a second one the same way.
Cut the folded (looped) side into a zigzag, then separate the tissues sheet by sheet.
Accordion-fold the tissue around the middle, bring the ends together, and twist.
Make six of these.
Align their heights and bundle them together, secure with wire, then trim any excess.
Fluff and shape the petals to finish.
You’ll be surprised at how intricate it looks—hard to believe it’s made from tissue.
It’s also great for finger dexterity training, so it’s recommended as a recreational activity in senior care facilities.
Tulips at the mall
These are tulips made from chenille stems (pipe cleaners) with lovely spring colors.
First, make the petals.
Use 30 cm pipe cleaners.
Prepare green and your preferred flower color.
Fold a pipe cleaner in half, combine two pieces, and twist them together.
Slide the twisted section downward, twist again, then fold the end upward to secure and shape it.
Make three petals like this.
Next, make the leaf.
Fold a green pipe cleaner in two, layer the two sides together and twist, slide it downward, shape it, and secure.
Use a hot glue gun to attach the petals and fasten them to a wire.
Fix the leaf with floral tape to finish.
Preparation and steps are simple, so this craft is also recommended for activities and recreation in senior care facilities.
Koinobori wall decoration made with craft bands
How about making a wall decoration packed with the charm of May using origami and craft bands? First, prepare a craft band and attach double-sided tape to the end.
Shape it into a ring, then wrap thread around it as if drawing a line through the center.
Also wrap thread so that it hangs down on the left and right.
Using your favorite origami paper, make carp streamers (koinobori), streamers, pinwheels, samurai helmets (kabuto), and a banner flag, then use double-sided tape to attach them to the threads.
Secure them from the back with glue so they don’t fall off.
Add embellishments with pearl stickers, adjust the ring shape, and you’re done.
Although there are some fine tasks, using your fingertips can help prevent cognitive decline, so this is also recommended as occupational therapy or recreation in senior care facilities.
[For Seniors] Enjoy at Day Service: Summary of May Craft Ideas (21–30)
Iris made with tsumami-zaiku
Let me introduce a tsumami-zaiku iris that beautifully highlights the fabric’s texture.
Cut your chosen fabric into squares and fold each piece three times with tweezers.
Apply adhesive and open it to form a petal.
Make several of these.
Next, fold smaller pieces to create the inner petals as well.
For the leaves, fold the fabric three times, then cut it into a long, narrow shape.
Slowly open it while securing the edges with glue, shaping it into a leaf.
Attach a round paper base to a wire, and then glue the parts you made onto the base in order to complete the iris.
Since this involves fine, delicate work, it’s best to proceed slowly, one step at a time.