Arts and Crafts for Senior Citizens
From LoveToKnow Seniors
Arts and crafts for senior citizens is growing in popularity as more seniors discover the rewards of finding a new hobby or rediscover a pleasurable hobby from their past.
The Growing Popularity of Arts and Crafts for Seniors
As we age, physical limitations might hinder us from enjoying activities that were once part of our lives. Today’s seniors are replacing some of those activities with enjoyable arts and crafts projects that give them a sense of accomplishment while keeping them involved in life.
Many senior citizen centers, craft stores and continuing education groups offer arts and crafts instruction to the older generation. Residents of nursing homes, group homes and assisted living centers are creating arts and crafts projects that are enjoyable while keeping their minds and hands busy. Seniors living alone find creative expressions to be a pleasurable way to pass the time.
As the trend toward arts and crafts for seniors continues to increase, the growth of senior citizen fairs is becoming more popular. Many people have the opportunity to sell their creations and supplement their income.
Popular Arts and Crafts for Senior Citizens
Working with polymer clay, one-stroke painting and mosaics are only a few of the many kinds of arts and craft projects seniors enjoy.
Polymer Clay
Projects that involve working with polymer clay are a wonderful choice for seniors who suffer from limited dexterity in their fingers or hands. As they work and soften the pliable clay, they are also exercising their hands and fingers while creating useful or decorative objects including:
- Pens
- Vases
- Pins
- Holders for pens and pencils
- Beads
- Bowls
One-Stroke Painting
Many seniors are discovering the relaxing and creative hobby of one-stroke painting. With a few simple techniques, it is easy to create beautiful flowers, unique design, butterflies and birds. One-stroke painting is simple to learn by following the illustrated instruction books by artist Donna Dewberry.
Mosaics
Creating a mosaic surface is a craft project enjoyed by many senior citizens. This project can be easily modified by using different-sized pieces in the mosaic pattern, depending upon dexterity and eyesight of the crafter. The mosaic pieces can be preformed into a design before being laid onto the surface or they can be placed on the surface as you go along with no particular design in mind. Mosaic pieces that seniors enjoy making often include:
- Flowerpots
- Picture frames
- Mirror frames
- Small tabletops
- Trivets
- Garden stepping stones
More Arts and Crafts Projects and Resources for Seniors
- Photography is a wonderful art for seniors. Taking pictures of everything from people to flowers provides ready resource material for other crafts, too. Use the pictures to make collages, specialized stationary or begin scrapbooking.
- Seniors that love sewing and have difficulty with a small needle and thread may enjoy working with plastic canvass or string large beads for necklaces and bracelets.
- Create a lacey pincushion or custom stationary with step-by-step instructions from craft expert Victoria Crayne from HGTV. These crafts are designed especially for seniors that are new to crafting.
- A few other great arts and craft ideas for senior citizens include:
- Ceramics
- Faux stained glass
- Container gardening
- Beading
Look for more projects on the following sites:
- At LoveToKnow Crafts, there are tips on knitting, candle-making, soap-making, rubber stamping, and crafts to do with children.
- Senior Ark is a fun-filled site.
- Find more senior craft ideas at The Cool Grandma.
- Craft Bits, All Crafts and Craft Pop also offer excellent crafting ideas, tips and resources.
Conclusion
Arts and crafts for senior citizens provides an outlet for their creativity while keeping their minds active. They generally are less depressed and have a healthier outlook on life. Make any project a social event by participating in special crafts classes at stores such as Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
Comments
Hi Arlene, thanks for stopping by.
- If you're looking for some solitary activities, maybe he would enjoy painting wood blocks or other wooden toys that you can later donate to a child services center.
- Also consider large piece puzzles with scenes that might be of interest to your father, such as the great outdoors. Use a special puzzle glue to hold the puzzle together and mount it on a plate rack as art he can enjoy.
- Another possibility, depending on whether he'd enjoy it, is to let him tie off the ends to those popular fleece throw blankets. Buy and measure off the two sides of fabric, and do a couple of baste stitches at the corners to hold the form. Measure and cut the tie "ribbons", and then let him hold the blanket on his lap and tie the ribbons together at his pace and leisure. The fleece is relatively inexpensive, especially if you're making a baby or toddler throw, and again, you can donate the blankets to charity. The fleece is very tactile and comforting, and perhaps your father would like the idea of making something for a baby. Just a few thoughts - open for more discussion!
I am trying to find things for my Dad to do. He is 80 and had to just move into an assisted living facility. He lived in our family home for over 50 years plus he just had his cataracts done so I am limited on activities for hm to do. But he needs something...
Thanks for the information anyway.
Respectfully, Arlene Nordstrom
-- Contributed by: ArleneThis page has been accessed 1,227 times. This page was last modified 05:51, 7 June 2008.
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