Easy Craft Projects for Seniors

If you have ever made something by hand, you understand the joy of creating something new and knowing that you did it yourself. Whether your goal is to add beauty to your surroundings or to create a gift for a loved one, you are sure to enjoy these easy craft projects for seniors.

Easy Craft Projects for Seniors

Painting Flower Pots

As we’re smack-dab in the middle of spring, we couldn’t resist including a gardening-based project. To turn a basic clay pot into a lasting work of art, you will need the following materials: terra-cotta pot with drip tray, wire brush or sandpaper, rag, acrylic paints, paintbrush, and clear acrylic sealer. You may also wish to purchase foam daubers, cotton swabs, stencils, and newspapers (to protect the crafting surface). When you’re ready to go, follow these steps:

1. Brush or sand the flower pot to remove dirt and irregularities.
2. Wipe down the pot’s surface with a damp rag. Let dry.
3. Paint the largest areas first, perhaps using a foam dauber to quickly create a pleasing texture. Remember to paint the drip tray as well. Let the paint dry.
4. Turn the drip tray upside-down and paint the exposed surface. Let dry.
5. Paint the rim and inside surfaces of the pot.
6. Embrace your creativity! Now that you have a solid foundation, you can paint a design onto your pot. You could use stencils, sketch your idea beforehand, or go freehand. If you mess up, remember that you can always paint over your mistake.
7. When the design is complete and the paint is dry, seal the artwork with a clear acrylic sealer. If you don’t seal all the surfaces properly (this includes the drain hole edges), moisture will seep into your artwork and spoil your paint job.
8. Finally, allow the sealant to dry for at least 48 hours before you attempt to plant a flower or an herb inside.

Decorative Multicolored Bowl

Have you ever tried building a beautiful bowl from Perler plastic beads? It’s incredibly simple. In addition to beads, you will simply need nonstick cooking spray and an oven-safe bowl to serve as a mold. To start, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat the inside of the bowl with nonstick spray, and then press enough beads into the bowl to form a single layer. Using the colorful beads, you can create intricate designs and patterns. Bake until the beads fuse together, usually about 12 to 16 minutes. Before you separate the bowls from the molds, allow them to cool. Wipe off the cooking spray, and then use your new bowl to hold your keys, decorate your home, or bring joy to a loved one.

Pressing Flowers

If you’ve ever dreamt of preserving the beauty of springtime, try pressing flowers. By carefully flattening and drying a blossom, you can maintain its lovely shape and color. Simply select flowers that are fresh, clean, and free of blemishes. Then, place them face down in a heavy book (like a telephone directory) lined with parchment paper. Close the book, place heavy objects on top, and wait two or three weeks. Although this is the simplest method, you could also try using a flower press, an iron, or even a microwave to speed up the process (for more information, click here). When the flower is completely dry, lift it carefully with tweezers.

You can incorporate your pressed flowers into other easy craft projects for seniors. For example, as a gift, why not press the recipient’s favorite flowers? Then, you can use them to create coasters by enclosing the pressed flowers in glass tiles edged with copper tape. Alternatively, you could make decorative lanterns that display a soft glow of candlelight through panels of flowers encased in waxed paper.

Decoupage

Finally, decoupage is the art of gluing cutouts (usually made of paper) to the object that you want to decorate and then applying layers of sealant to add depth. Decide what you want to decorate, prepare the surface, choose your materials, cut them carefully, and glue away. Magazine clippings, wrapping paper, foil, thin pieces of fabric, and pressed flowers all make great decoupage decorations. To make your project unique, consider using a variety of material choices or selecting a special finish (as opposed to a clear sealant). You can decoupage just about anything: picture frames, boxes, bird houses, flower pots, greeting cards, tables, and on and on the list goes! Just imagine the possibilities.

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These easy craft projects for seniors are perfect for springtime. To make them even more enjoyable, why not ask a friend or family member to join in on the fun? You could even organize a crafting party with art supplies, music, and snacks. Whether you’re a devoted artist or an enthusiastic amateur, we hope you have a great time!

Are you looking for an assisted living community in Tennessee? If so, be sure to check out Hearthside Senior Living Place, located in Bartlett, Tennessee. We would be happy to schedule a tour for you so you can explore the community, meet residents, and ask any questions you might have. For more information, please call 901-854-6590. We look forward to meeting you!