Craft Activity Ideas for Seniors & the Elderly
100s of creative ideas for engaging craft sessions suitable for the elderly. Simple, fun and fast activities to be enjoyed in a small group setting.My residents loved this activity, It was a great way to get them all thinking of what they are thankful for, even during the toughest of times! Plus, the tree looks beautiful in our facility for fall!
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Save DownloadHang these lovelydecorative fish crafts in your recreation area!
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Save DownloadPolish ‘wycinanki’ is a traditional Polish folk art of paper cutting. These beautiful paper cutouts became a popular craft in the mid-1800s and were used to decorate houses and to give as gifts to family members and friends.
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This activity was enjoyed by our residents, and bought back memories of going to the beach. It can get a bit messy but the end result is fantastic. It is a two sessioned activity.
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Save DownloadLovely and easy do-it-yourself terracotta / clay pot wind chimes!
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Save DownloadCreate a board that shows the location of your care home and where residents and staff come from. On individual arrows put the country of origin and how many kilometres they are from their birth place to where they now live.
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Save DownloadDaffodil Day activity (hospital level). We cut our giant daffodil from light weight card.
Pipe cleaners were used for stamens.
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Save DownloadI recently tried paper quilling with my residents and they really enjoyed it!
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Save DownloadThis was a very sucessful activity! So much fun and great for residents that don't want to join in with group activities and also ones that are in bed, just attach the picture to a clip board and help/guide them with placing the stickers.
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Save DownloadHere is an easy peasy activity that everyone can participate in -- hand colored bookmarks!
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Save DownloadNoughts & Crosses This is such a great game its quick, fun, using fine motor skills, mental stimulation, can be used one on one or as I have made 3 we can have 6 residents socially interacting with each other.
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Save DownloadThis is a lovely activity for a group setting however if physical distancing protocols are still in place, deliver the materials in kits a few days before Gratitude Day so residents can make individual wreaths.
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Save DownloadAs a 1:1 activity, I visit each resident and we make a paper quilt square. We attach them all together and eventually when we have restrictions lifted, we can all enjoy the "quilt" we made together. I call it the "We are in this Together Quilt".
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Save DownloadThese are really pretty and make a nice keepsake!
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Save DownloadWe made this pinata for the upcoming Mexican fiesta and it turned out to be a great fun which kept all the clients engaged and motivated. This is something they they can use as a gift for their grandkids!
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Save DownloadNow is the perfect time to encourage creativity among your residents. You don’t need a lot of fancy supplies or even a group setting to make it happen. Create your own arts & craft to-go packs using ziplock bags for residents to enjoy in their rooms!
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Save DownloadLooking at nature is calming. Spring is coming so there is a lot to see.
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Save DownloadMake some gorgeous photo bookmarks featuring young relatives or visiting children!
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Save DownloadI have started this project with some of my residents. We asked for donations of plastic grocery bags and have some residents make the plarn (plastic yarn). Some residents can only flatten out the bags and make them ready for cutting up.
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Save DownloadIdeal for windowsill herbs, succulents, and for gifts! This activity is better done over two days so th at layers of paint can dry thoroughly.
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This was a huge hit and was so rewarding for these ladies to see the end result!
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Save DownloadColourful decorations to brighten residents' own rooms.
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Save DownloadTry this snow globe craft with residents in a group or try it as a family night activity or even an intergenerational project.
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Save DownloadConstruction paper linked garlands are traditional decorations in many countries and many of your residents will fondly remember making them. You can make linked garlands even more interesting in your community by making each link more meaningful.
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Make your own colorful bunting to decorate for Thanksgiving!
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Beautiful sun catchers made with marbles! Mine has been hanging in the Georgia sun for over a year and the glue has not melted.
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Save DownloadChoose positive, pleasant, interesting articles. Residents that have dementia or limited reading skills will enjoy reading them.
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Save DownloadContrary to some beliefs, everyone is indeed an artist. Learn how to foster a love of all types of art in your senior care community, and how to create a showcase that will quickly become a favorite annual event.
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Save DownloadPrints can be used to cover bulletin boards in rooms or cut to make greeting cards.
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Save DownloadThis Roll the Dice Draw and Colour Activity pairs art with numbers to create a fun and creative game that everybody will love.
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Save DownloadAttract birds to your backyard this Spring!
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Save DownloadWe gathered pictures of residents with their sweetheart. Some were recent pictures, some were wedding pictures from long ago. Some were with their pet!
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Save DownloadCelebrate the 20th century American artist with his splendid and unique style of drip painting, Paul Jackson Pollock.
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Residents downsize quite a bit to move into a care home. Help them reminisce about their past while you learn more about them by creating Memory Boards!
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Save DownloadI provided clip art on canvas, paint and color pencils. They residents picked which picture they wanted. We had sparkling juice, cheese, grapes and crackers. If your facility allows you can use wine!
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Save DownloadThis is a creative activity and residents should be encouraged to draw their own picture; a tree or a silhouette of a person or animal. For those unable to draw, two templates have been provided.
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Save DownloadLovely wall art for all occasions! Video instructions included.
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Save DownloadHere is another lovely and engaging creative group activity for seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Create a beautiful sunflowers poster in a group craft session!
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Save DownloadThis is a wonderful craft activity for seniors that is fun, creative and always successful. There is no right or wrong way to put the stones together - each piece is unique and beautiful! Encourage your clients to unleash their inner talents! These lovely stone creations make lovely gift mementos too.
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Save DownloadAs the saying goes - One Person's Trash is Another Person's Art - Scavenger Collages can be made of almost anything you find or intend to throw out. This is also a great activity for men in nursing homes.
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Save DownloadIndigenous Australians use plant shoots, Echidna quills and small twigs to paint their Dreamtime stories. Here are 12 Dot Painting Templates to enjoy with the elderly.
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Save DownloadRain sticks are well loved by babies and older children. They are also particularly good for people living with dementia. They remind people of the sound of gently falling rain, which is harmonious and relaxing.
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Save DownloadGorgeous bow-tie and tie garland decorations for Father's Day. Perfect for a craft session with seniors.
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Save DownloadCreate beautiful artwork from sticks and bark. A fun and engaging craft activity for seniors!
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Save DownloadHang hearts from ceiling with strings or attach to walls and glass windows with blue tack. If you want to make garlands use the small heart template.
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Save DownloadIdeal for men, this activity will foster friendship and bring much laughter. It would be helpful if you could find a male volunteer to sit with participants and remind them of different ways to make paper airplanes.
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Save DownloadGorgeous DIY Easter carrots to decorate dining table or gather into a garland decoration.
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Save DownloadThis ancient form of meditative art is a great activity for elderly clients in assisted care facilities.
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Save DownloadBeautiful and easy to make! Abayomi rag dolls are traditional of Africa and can be adapted to celebrate the native people of any country. They are also a lovely gift idea for any occasion.
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Save DownloadCelebrate Volunteers Day with a lunch or High Tea in their honor. You can make it extra especial if you give them an inexpensive gift; preferably made by the residents.
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Save DownloadThis is a group activity suitable for other celebrations as well, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day.
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Save DownloadStringing beads is a simple and affordable activity for seniors that produces beautiful and satisfying results. This activity can be adapted to suit people living with dementia.
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Save DownloadI work in a secure dementia wing and I found this activity excellent, even for vision impaired.
Thank you Marina for submitting this activity!
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Save DownloadHave fun decorating international flags.
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Save DownloadPretty table decorations made from cups, sauces and silk flowers. Mix up some plaster, pour into cups and before it sets push in some pretty silk flowers. The clients loved it and they are so pretty :)
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Save DownloadProviding lovely visual stimulation, this activity encourages creativity and should be placed in bedrooms and recreation areas. A great activity for men!
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Save DownloadTurn bottles and glass jars into these cute candle holders, vases or containers for chocolates and other sweets. Ideal gift idea!
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Save DownloadVIDEO Instructions included! Make bow ties in a craft session and give it to your male residents on Father’s Day to help celebrate this festive occasion.
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Save DownloadBeautiful scrapbooks made from recycled magazines. Make them to suit the interests of individuals. A wonderful activity for seniors living with dementia.
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Save DownloadCelebrate spring at your nursing home by making a gorgeous dream tree composed of spring flowers and blossoms!
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Save DownloadEasy paper flowers to decorate your facility on all occasions.
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Save DownloadMake dozens of these lovely hearts and string them around your recreation area!
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Save DownloadHelp celebrate the oceans rich diversity of life. Have fun by turning a wall in your facility into your own ocean or aquarium.
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Save DownloadStunning snow-flakes to decorate any room. They are so simple to make and just beautiful.
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Save DownloadEnhance spiritual fulfillment & Improve dexterity
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Have fun making these gorgeous Frida Kahlo inspired headbands with your clients!
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Save DownloadThis is an activity which involves first crafting a tree. I brought in the tree and had my residents sit around the table, while I read out a question at the front of each card to the group. When a resident answered, I would write the answers on the backs of the cards.
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Save DownloadOur residents enjoyed this activity and were pleased with their project.
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Save DownloadA great intergenerational activity with older children, using skills to trace, color and cut under the supervision of senior residents or staff. This activity promotes teamwork and creates a special bond between seniors and children.
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Save DownloadA homemade Thanksgiving Twig Tree can be made from the dried branches of trees placed in a vase with stones or sand to keep them in place.
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Save DownloadA homemade Thanksgiving Tree can be made from cardboard attached to a wall or whiteboard.
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Save DownloadOur creative staff in China came up with this idea due to the hot summer days we get in Beijing. Cheap craft stores and dollar shops sometimes have these in the craft section.
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Save DownloadInexpensive and fun craft! We will be filling them with soil and herb seeds. We love Decoupage!
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Save DownloadArt-based Cognitive Therapy is of great benefit and may be included in a well-being program. Residents can be introduced to watercolour and acrylic painting. In this activity, residents first create a beautiful and colorful backdrop with paint and then sketch their palms after learning about the 4 major lines of the palm.
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Save DownloadI purchased 24 wooden hangers and some beautiful and inexpensive paper napkins. Sanded down the hangers and decoupaged using Modge Podge. Voila!
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Save DownloadThere are many easy learn-to-draw techniques out there, however none are quite as easy as Drawing from Numbers!
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Save DownloadPencil in some music script lines, a treble clef and a base clef on A3 poster paper....
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Save DownloadTake old eyeglasses and remove the lenses (you can also buy them at the dollar store). Cut out a favorite picture using the lenses as templates for sizing...
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Save DownloadCreative art pursuits are an engaging and stimulating leisure pastime for seniors and can have a significant positive impact on their well-being.
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Save DownloadGroup art projects are a engaging activity for seniors in nursing homes. Creative group projects should have a theme; each client draws a picture (theme example: Christmas), and the final work is displayed as a group work of art.
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Save DownloadMosaic activities are creative, addictive and calming. Mosaics make any surface beautiful! They can be used as a saucepan and spoon rest, a teapot rest, or to sit a pot plant upon. This is a lovely activity for seniors, it's one the men will enjoy too.
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Save DownloadThese look lovely in the kitchen or a bedroom and will last for many years. They can be used for photos, messages, reminders, grocery lists, and business cards. A wonderful activity for seniors in nursing homes.
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This is a lovely, calming and creative activity for the elderly using smooth river rocks and pebbles. These decorated pebbles are perfect small gifts to give to friends, families and volunteers.
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Save DownloadGreat activity, calming and encouraging discussion and creativity. It really has been very therapeutic for the residents to create.
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Save DownloadArt templates from well known artists born in the month of July
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Save DownloadAn engaging and stimulating Activity for Seniors! Mixed Media Collage activities are especially beneficial for people living with dementia. Dementia and creativity mix well together, producing works that are original and daintily surprising.
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Save DownloadColoring for seniors is a therapeutic and satisfying activity. Research into the effects of coloring activities for people living with dementia show positive outcomes, most notably a decrease in agitation and anxiety.
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Save DownloadThe wreath in the picture is made from Rosemary branches but don't limit yourself, you may use any long lasting 'hardy' foliage.
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Save DownloadThis activity is suitable as part of an Intergenerational Program. Residents are paired with their own grandchildren or local school children to make beautiful rainbows.
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Laminating leaves is a fun activity for any age suitable to any time of the year. Preserved leaves last for months providing eye-catching mobiles, fridge magnets, placemats, gift tags, and more.
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Save DownloadConsider this easy to make gift for Mother’s Day or for Volunteers. These pin cushions are fun to make!
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Recycle bottles with sand and make them into vases and containers for knick-knacks.
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Save DownloadResidents reminisce, enjoy the tactile and sensory colours and friendships promoted while they let their creative side get arty, have fun, and use many skills which they didn't know they had.
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Save DownloadWhen l did this activity the residents wanted to make beads that would match the clothes they wore.
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Save DownloadThis activity uses a basic salt dough recipe but you could use modelling clay.
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Save DownloadThis is a simple recipe to make a soft dough for craft uses.
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Save DownloadThis activity stimulated conversation about their hopes and wishes but was also simple enough for other residents to join in by choosing and tying materials to the the ring.
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Save DownloadLovely stained glass windows for any season.
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Save DownloadVases are always in short supply at many facilities. This activity provides your clients with a lovely useful vase made from relatively inexpensive items.
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Save DownloadThis is a wonderful way to encourage creativity. It is a fun activity that can be shared by two people.
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A cute craft idea to sell on a stall or trading table.
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Save DownloadRecycling bottles into vases or containers can be fun. This activity is an ideal gift for a friend, volunteer or family member.
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Save DownloadPoppy flowers have long been a part of Memorial Day, Remembrance Day and Anzac Day. Here is another way of making a Poppy; this time in fabric.
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Save DownloadChoose colors you like and number them from one to eleven. Color the picture accordingly.
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Save DownloadImpressions of famous works by Leunig and Grandma Moses for colouring-in.
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Save DownloadSource materials for this activity from discount stores where they sell costume jewellery supplies. You may also go to charity shops and buy second-hand bead necklaces
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Save DownloadCreate 3D images using the same print and cutting out items you wish to feature in the picture.
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Save DownloadCelebrate cultural diversity by creating flags and sewing or gluing onto fabric.
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Save DownloadA great craft that can be as basic or as complex as you like. It is light weight, doesn't break easily, inexpensive, therapeutic and above all, fun to make.
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Save DownloadIt is so easy to make lovely pressed flowers and leaves that you can use to decorate cards, jars and magnets.
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Save DownloadHere are some colouring-in templates for Children's Book Day.
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Here a some lovely and simple cards you can make for Mother's Day.
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Here are some lovely verses to use in Mother's Day cards.
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Save DownloadThere is nothing like a personalised Mother's Day card made with love! They are easy to make and require materials you can find around the place or your local discount store. There are no rules so let the imagination run wild.
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Save DownloadMake your own sensory quilts to ease agitated or restless clients.
Thank you Chantal for this wonderful idea!
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Save DownloadI found this web site that allows you to create and print out all types of cards.
It's lovely when a card can be presented that is personalised.
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Save DownloadMake Snake into mobile by cutting along lines & hang from its tail.
Thanks Linda for sending this in!
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Save DownloadCreate your own beautiful craft garden!
This is a lovely activity perfect for a nursing home setting.
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Save DownloadPreserved fall leaves last throughout the festive season shining and supple, and are a lovely addition to a table or used as hanging decoration.
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Save DownloadThey are easy to make and an ideal present for a friend or relative or perhaps a kind nurse or volunteer.
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This is an easy activity for one and all. Good fun for creative minds.
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Save DownloadLovely decorations made from fallen leaves to celebrate Autumn.
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Save DownloadMake beautiful paper daffodil flowers to celebrate the arrival of Spring!
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Save DownloadWear a mask created in an arts & craft session to your Brazilian themed party!
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Save DownloadA dream catcher is a handmade object made by American Indians believed to give its owner good dreams.
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Save DownloadHere is a fun art activity that everyone can enjoy. Thanks Melissa for this activity!
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Save DownloadMaking pom-poms requires patience but the end product is very satisfying. Pom-poms can be used for colour sorting games for Alzheimer's patients.
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Save DownloadMaking greeting cards is a lot of fun! Have a session to make cards for every male in you facility on Father's Day. Celebrate their hobbies, their love of animals, their fancy cars and their enthusiasm for sports.
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This is a lovely present for a friend, staff or volunteer.
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This is another great activity that can be offered as a present to someone close to you or to a volunteer/staff for their time and kindness.
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Save DownloadThese Islamic and European mosaics tiles look rather stunning when complete!
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Save DownloadThis is an easier version of the Mosaic tile activity which will be more suitable to participants who enjoy colouring or painting.
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Making mobiles or sun catchers are activities that low care residents can do for frail people in Nursing Homes. Mobiles and sun catchers can act as a visual stimulation to those no longer able to participate in activities.
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Save DownloadVisual stimulation offers the broadest range of possibilities.
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Air Dry clay is a creative and therapeutic craft product suitable for people from 8 to 80 years old. It is easy to shape, decorate and paint; no kilns or ovens are necessary and it does not shrink when drying. Great for gifts!
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Save DownloadPotential for reminiscing. Personal satisfaction. Video included!
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Save DownloadSocialization with peers in a group setting. Sense of accomplishment. Video included!
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Save DownloadEnhance self esteem. Have fun with arts and crafts!
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Save DownloadEasy and fun to make! Give the bookmarks as souvenirs to friends, staff and relatives.
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Save DownloadCelebrate cultural uniqueness and promote friendship and sharing.
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Save DownloadA lovely arts & craft activity for Mother's Day!
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Save DownloadCelebrate Mother's Day with beautiful floral decorations with photo centerpieces!
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Save DownloadLovely Easter baskets you can make with recycled paintings and paper.
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Save DownloadTo observe cultural dates. To engage residents in reminiscing
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Save DownloadThese lovely leaves will look great hanging from ceilings, decorating glass windows and walls or made into mobiles for people who spend long periods of time in bed.
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Save DownloadTo promote friendship. Maintain skills.
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Here is an activity that offers social opportunity and can make your facility look festive on all occasions.
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To promote interaction and sharing. To enhance self-esteem
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Save DownloadLovely artwork templates including a floral photo frame, butterflies, jar with flowers and a stylized cat.
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Save DownloadAnother way of making lovely tissue flowers for Mother's Day - video included!
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Save DownloadThese are lovely balls to decorate your facility at your annual Summer Ball. These spring balls are very satisfying, rewarding, and fun to make!
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Save DownloadThis is another great craft to do and ideal to decorate your facility for parties or a Spring Festival. Offer lots of decoration options and let participants express themselves artistically.
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Save DownloadI find this activity very rewarding. Participants can have the pleasure of holding dough in their hands for fun; no need for gloves like when they are cooking.
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Save DownloadSome artwork templates for June!
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Get a few ladies together with a nice cup of tea and teach them how to make these wonderful crafts.
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Save DownloadFor cereal and seed craft you may use: bird seed, all colors of beans, corn kernels, sunflower seeds, rice, pasta, all colours of lentils, nuts and small pebbles and sand (whatever you have handy) .
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Save DownloadMember submitted activity - thank you Filidea!
Beautiful hats made from paper plates, servettes, wrapping paper, bows, feathers and tule.
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Save DownloadThis is an easy craft that can be run over 2 craft sessions.
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Create and decorate your own banners for special events!
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Save DownloadRecycle egg cartons and make your facility look festive by hanging these colourful flowers everywhere.
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Save DownloadBeautiful hanging sun catchers for any season!
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Save DownloadEasy and fun, this activity takes roughly one hour to make. This is an ideal inexpensive gift to make for a volunteer or to offer as a birthday gift.
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Save DownloadMosaics with small tiles - a great activity for men.
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Save DownloadCelebrate Claude Monet's birthday in November by recreating one of his famous paintings!
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Beautiful mandala templates to decorate in a relaxing and creative activity
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Save DownloadImprove dexterity. Provide enjoyment.
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Increase socialization. Improve ability to follow directions.
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Save DownloadVersatile and interesting activity. Maintains and improves dexterity.
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To promote fine motor movements. To have fun!
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