Lovely senior life

Recommended November craft ideas for day service centers

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I worked as a physical therapist at a general hospital for about four years. I’ve supported a wide range of patients, from those needing emergency rehabilitation to those doing rehabilitation at home at a comfortable pace. As a writer, I’d be happy to share health-related information with many people. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you!
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

November, when autumn deepens and you can finally feel the approach of winter.

As this season arrives, the iconic sights of autumn—starting with the colorful leaves—are coming to an end.

Because of that, some people may want to go out and soak up as much of autumn as possible, but find it difficult to leave home.

In this article, we’re introducing craft ideas recommended for November that allow seniors to enjoy the feeling of autumn without going out! We’ve gathered a variety of crafts, including ones that evoke fall foliage and seasonal flavors.

Please make use of them for craft activities in day service programs.

Recommended November craft ideas for day service (81–90)

Mushrooms and hedgehogs

[Craft Idea] Mushrooms and Hedgehogs (November, Autumn) (Wall Decorations) (Activities for Seniors, Occupational Therapy/OT, Day Services, Childcare, Creative Projects) (With Templates) (Origami) (3D) (DIY)

Mushrooms and hedgehogs

Mushrooms and hedgehogs are adorable motifs that are popular with older adults, too.

In this craft, we’ll make mushrooms and hedgehogs using origami and construction paper.

The key for the mushrooms is to cut slits in the stem to give it a three-dimensional look.

You could also stick round stickers on the mushroom caps to add cute patterns.

For the hedgehog, cut origami paper into small triangles and glue them one by one onto the hedgehog’s body as its base.

Working with glue and scissors helps improve concentration and stimulates the brain, so it’s highly recommended.

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Mushroom papercraft

Mushrooms – Paper Crafts (October/November) (Autumn) (Senior Recreation) (Wall Decorations) (Creative) (Easy) (Childcare)

Mushroom papercraft

Speaking of autumn, it’s the season when mushrooms are delicious, isn’t it? This craft uses origami, so seniors can enjoy making it, and moving the hands helps with dementia prevention, too.

We’ll make autumn mushrooms out of origami; the key for the stem is to curl the tip, make it firm, and shape it neatly.

For the mushroom cap, using pinking shears to trim around the edge makes it look just like a real mushroom—highly recommended.

Once your mushrooms are finished, display them in your room and enjoy!

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A bagworm made by rolling it round and round

[Craft Idea] Spinning Bagworm ~craft~ (November Autumn) (Wall Decorations) (Senior Recreation/Day Service) (Childcare/Educational) (Origami) (Creative/Psychiatric OT) (Insects/Easy) (Hanging Ornament) (DIY)

A bagworm made by rolling it round and round

Bagworms collect small twigs and fallen leaves to protect their bodies and live inside them.

The key to making this bagworm craft is to take a sheet of origami paper folded in half, make fine cuts with scissors, then roll it diagonally into a spiral to form the case.

It’s a task that uses fine finger movements, but it’s simple and easy for older adults to participate in.

Once you layer the rolled cases and cut out some leaves, you’ll have an adorable bagworm! Adding eyes with round stickers is also recommended.

It’s great finger exercise, so please give it a try.

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Pacific saury

[Craft Activity] Let’s make sanma, a fish that represents autumn!

Pacific saury

When it comes to autumn flavors, Pacific saury (sanma) is a classic! You can make a realistic sanma using aluminum foil.

First, create a base fish shape with paper such as flyers or newspaper, then wrap it in aluminum foil.

Next, wrap it again with the glossy side of the foil facing outward, add color with a pen, and stick on round stickers for the eyes to finish.

If you make a shichirin (charcoal grill) out of a paper plate, it will enhance the feeling of grilling sanma.

This craft may help older adults enjoy the seasonal atmosphere even more.

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Collage of an autumn tree

Collage – Introducing stylish collages using leftover washi paper –

Collage of an autumn tree

Since collage art is just about sticking pieces of paper on, it’s easy for older adults to try as well.

Let’s include a collage featuring an autumn tree in the fall crafts activity at day service! First, use watercolor paints to color washi paper in various hues.

The trick is to balance areas where colors are blended with areas where they aren’t.

Once the painted paper is thoroughly dry, cut it into leaf shapes.

Finally, paste the leaves onto a sheet of drawing paper with a tree sketched on it.

Start by attaching the leaves in the background first, and continue pasting as if you’re filling the tree with foliage.

Whether you use a white or black background, it will have a stylish finish, making it a great gift for family members.

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