Craft

Paper Quilling

I recently tried paper quilling with my residents and they really enjoyed it!

6 Comments Member Activity

Silhouette Pictures

This 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.

5 Comments Member Activity

Make Your Own Bookmarks

Here is an easy peasy activity that everyone can participate in -- hand colored bookmarks!

Member Activity

DIY Noughts and Crosses

Noughts & 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.

3 Comments Member Activity

Gratitude Day Wreath

This 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.

2 Comments

Community Scrapbook Quilt

As 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".

17 Comments Member Activity

Foam Flowers

These are really pretty and make a nice keepsake!

2 Comments Member Activity

Recycled Materials Mexican Pinata

We 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!

2 Comments Member Activity

Flowering Tree Drawing

Looking at nature is calming. Spring is coming so there is a lot to see.

4 Comments Member Activity

Photo Bookmarks of Children

Make some gorgeous photo bookmarks featuring young relatives or visiting children!

2 Comments

How to Make Homeless Mats from Grocery Bags

I 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.

4 Comments Member Activity

Terracotta Pot Painting

Ideal for windowsill herbs, succulents, and for gifts! This activity is better done over two days so th at layers of paint can dry thoroughly.

Christmas or Any Holiday Wreaths

This was a huge hit and was so rewarding for these ladies to see the end result!

1 Comment Member Activity

Tissue Paper Stained Glass Windows

Colourful decorations to brighten residents' own rooms.

7 Comments Member Activity

Make Your Own Snow Globe Craft

Try this snow globe craft with residents in a group or try it as a family night activity or even an intergenerational project.

2 Comments

Special Messages on Paper Link Garlands

Construction 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.

Thanksgiving Pennant Flag Banners

Make your own colorful bunting to decorate for Thanksgiving!

Marble Sun Catchers

Beautiful sun catchers made with marbles! Mine has been hanging in the Georgia sun for over a year and the glue has not melted.

9 Comments Member Activity

Reading Books Made from Newspaper Clippings

Choose positive, pleasant, interesting articles. Residents that have dementia or limited reading skills will enjoy reading them.

4 Comments Member Activity

Bringing Art to Life in Your Community

Contrary 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.

3 Comments Member Activity

Gelli Plate Prints

Prints can be used to cover bulletin boards in rooms or cut to make greeting cards. 

1 Comment Member Activity

Colour by Dice Game

This Roll the Dice Draw and Colour Activity pairs art with numbers to create a fun and creative game that everybody will love.

7 Comments Member Activity

Bird Seed Wreath

Attract birds to your backyard this Spring!

6 Comments

Sweetheart Tree

We gathered pictures of residents with their sweetheart. Some were recent pictures, some were wedding pictures from long ago. Some were with their pet!

19 Comments Member Activity

Pollock Inspired Painting Activity

Celebrate the 20th century American artist with his splendid and unique style of drip painting, Paul Jackson Pollock.

Reminiscing: How to Create a Memory Board

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!

15 Comments Member Activity

Sip and Paint

I 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!

18 Comments Member Activity

Creative Button Tree

This 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.

8 Comments

Festive Wall Art Craft

Lovely wall art for all occasions! Video instructions included.

6 Comments Video

Sunflowers Poster Group Activity

Here 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!

13 Comments

Rock on Rock Craft

This 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.

2 Comments

Scavenger Collages

As 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.

5 Comments

Indigenous Australian Dot Paintings

Indigenous 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.

13 Comments

Sensory Rain Sticks

Rain 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.

13 Comments Video

Tie & Bow-tie Decorations

Gorgeous bow-tie and tie garland decorations for Father's Day. Perfect for a craft session with seniors.

4 Comments

Sticks & Bark Collage

Create beautiful artwork from sticks and bark. A fun and engaging craft activity for seniors!

3 Comments

Sun-catcher Hearts

Hang 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.

7 Comments

Paper Planes Reminiscing Game

Ideal 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.

13 Comments

Easter Carrots Craft

Gorgeous DIY Easter carrots to decorate dining table or gather into a garland decoration.

7 Comments Video

Mandalas for the Elderly

This ancient form of meditative art is a great activity for elderly clients in assisted care facilities.

4 Comments

Abayomi Rag Doll

Beautiful 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.

7 Comments Video

Gift Jar and Candle Holder

Celebrate 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.

5 Comments

Heart of Kindness

This is a group activity suitable for other celebrations as well, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day.

8 Comments

Play dough crafts

I work in a secure dementia wing and I found this activity excellent, even for vision impaired.
Thank you Marina for submitting this activity!

16 Comments Member Activity

International Flag Decorations

Have fun decorating international flags.

32 Comments

Cup and Saucer Table Decorations

Pretty 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 :)

18 Comments Member Activity

Recycled CD Fish Mobile

Providing lovely visual stimulation, this activity encourages creativity and should be placed in bedrooms and recreation areas. A great activity for men!

11 Comments

Decoupage on Glass

Turn bottles and glass jars into these cute candle holders, vases or containers for chocolates and other sweets. Ideal gift idea!

6 Comments

Bow Ties for Father's Day and Special Events

VIDEO 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.

16 Comments Video

Recycled Magazine Scrapbooks

Beautiful scrapbooks made from recycled magazines. Make them to suit the interests of individuals. A wonderful activity for seniors living with dementia.

28 Comments Member Activity

Recycled Dream Spring Tree

Celebrate spring at your nursing home by making a gorgeous dream tree composed of spring flowers and blossoms!

56 Comments

Lovely Hanging Paper Flowers

Easy paper flowers to decorate your facility on all occasions.

1 Comment

Valentine's Day Hearts

Make dozens of these lovely hearts and string them around your recreation area!

14 Comments

World Oceans Day Poster

Help celebrate the oceans rich diversity of life. Have fun by turning a wall in your facility into your own ocean or aquarium.

8 Comments

Winter Craft – Snow Flakes

Stunning snow-flakes to decorate any room. They are so simple to make and just beautiful.

7 Comments

Pot Painting

Enhance spiritual fulfillment & Improve dexterity

Frida Kahlo Headband

Have fun making these gorgeous Frida Kahlo inspired headbands with your clients!

2 Comments

Sweetheart Tree

This 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.

3 Comments Member Activity

Air Drying Clay: Flower Pot Project

Our residents enjoyed this activity and were pleased with their project.

5 Comments Member Activity

Hands on Tote Art Project

A 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.

2 Comments Member Activity

Twigs in a Vase Gratitude Tree

A 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.

2 Comments

Paper Gratitude Tree

A homemade Thanksgiving Tree can be made from cardboard attached to a wall or whiteboard.

6 Comments

Creative Hand Fans

Our 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.

5 Comments Member Activity

Tea Pot planters

Inexpensive and fun craft! We will be filling them with soil and herb seeds. We love Decoupage!

4 Comments Member Activity

Art-Based Cognitive Therapy: Palm Sketch

Art-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.

5 Comments Member Activity

Decoupage Wooden Hangers

I purchased 24 wooden hangers and some beautiful and inexpensive paper napkins. Sanded down the hangers and decoupaged using Modge Podge. Voila!

3 Comments Member Activity

Drawing from Numbers

There are many easy learn-to-draw techniques out there, however none are quite as easy as Drawing from Numbers!

2 Comments Member Activity

Mozart's Birthday Creative Art Project

Pencil in some music script lines, a treble clef and a base clef on A3 poster paper....

8 Comments Member Activity

Eyeglass Lens Brooch

Take 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...

9 Comments Member Activity

Creative Group Projects for Seniors

Creative art pursuits are an engaging and stimulating leisure pastime for seniors and can have a significant positive impact on their well-being.

1 Comment

Canvas Creative Group Project

Group 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.

Mosaic Saucepan Rest

Mosaic 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.

2 Comments Video

Wine Cork Boards

These 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.

Hand-painted Rocks

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.

2 Comments

Magazine Collage

Great activity, calming and encouraging discussion and creativity. It really has been very therapeutic for the residents to create.

5 Comments Member Activity

Templates from famous artists born in July

Art templates from well known artists born in the month of July

8 Comments

Mixed Media Collages for the Elderly

An 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.

10 Comments

The Benefits of Coloring-in for the Elderly

Coloring 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.

12 Comments

Creative Easter Mini Wreaths

The wreath in the picture is made from Rosemary branches but don't limit yourself, you may use any long lasting 'hardy' foliage.

2 Comments

Making Rainbows

This activity is suitable as part of an Intergenerational Program. Residents are paired with their own grandchildren or local school children to make beautiful rainbows.

Laminating Leaves

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.

2 Comments

Pin Cushion Gift Ideas

Consider this easy to make gift for Mother’s Day or for Volunteers. These pin cushions are fun to make!

Sand Bottles

Recycle bottles with sand and make them into vases and containers for knick-knacks.

4 Comments

Friendship Wheel

Residents 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.

6 Comments Member Activity

Salt Dough Beads

When l did this activity the residents wanted to make beads that would match the clothes they wore.

8 Comments Member Activity

Salt Dough Teddy Bear

This activity uses a basic salt dough recipe but you could use modelling clay.

2 Comments Member Activity

Basic Salt Dough

This is a simple recipe to make a soft dough for craft uses.

4 Comments Member Activity

Wish catcher art and craft

This 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.

1 Comment Member Activity

Stringing Beads

Stringing 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.

4 Comments

Stained glass windows

Lovely stained glass windows for any season.

4 Comments Member Activity

Vase Jars

Vases are always in short supply at many facilities. This activity provides your clients with a lovely useful vase made from relatively inexpensive items.

4 Comments Member Activity

Make your own Bird Bath

This is a wonderful way to encourage creativity. It is a fun activity that can be shared by two people.

A Sweet for My Sweet Jars

A cute craft idea to sell on a stall or trading table.

1 Comment Member Activity

Epson Salt Bottles

Recycling bottles into vases or containers can be fun. This activity is an ideal gift for a friend, volunteer or family member.

5 Comments

Memorial Day Poppy (Fabric)

Poppy 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.

8 Comments Video

Colour by Numbers

Choose colors you like and number them from one to eleven. Color the picture accordingly.

2 Comments

Colouring-in for September

Impressions of famous works by Leunig and Grandma Moses for colouring-in.

7 Comments

Friendship Bracelet

Source 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

4 Comments

Paper Tole

Create 3D images using the same print and cutting out items you wish to feature in the picture.

5 Comments Member Activity

International Flags on Fabric

Celebrate cultural diversity by creating flags and sewing or gluing onto fabric.

2 Comments Member Activity

Recycled Paper Mâché Bowls

A 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.

2 Comments

Pressed Flowers

It is so easy to make lovely pressed flowers and leaves that you can use to decorate cards, jars and magnets.

3 Comments

Colouring-in templates for Children's Book Day

Here are some colouring-in templates for Children's Book Day.

More cards for mother's day

Here a some lovely and simple cards you can make for Mother's Day.

Messages for Mother's Day cards

Here are some lovely verses to use in Mother's Day cards.

2 Comments

Homemade Cards for Mother's Day

There 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.

6 Comments

Sensory Lap Quilt

Make your own sensory quilts to ease agitated or restless clients.
Thank you Chantal for this wonderful idea!

14 Comments Member Activity

Personalised Cards

I 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.

4 Comments Member Activity

Craft Snake

Make Snake into mobile by cutting along lines & hang from its tail.
Thanks Linda for sending this in!

6 Comments Member Activity

Craft Garden

Create your own beautiful craft garden!
This is a lovely activity perfect for a nursing home setting.

4 Comments Member Activity

Preserved fall leaves

Preserved fall leaves last throughout the festive season shining and supple, and are a lovely addition to a table or used as hanging decoration.

5 Comments

Recycled Glass Jars Candle Holders

They are easy to make and an ideal present for a friend or relative or perhaps a kind nurse or volunteer.

Paper leaves fall decoration

This is an easy activity for one and all. Good fun for creative minds.

3 Comments

Fall Leaves Hanging Decoration

Lovely decorations made from fallen leaves to celebrate Autumn.

1 Comment

How to Make Daffodils

Make beautiful paper daffodil flowers to celebrate the arrival of Spring!

4 Comments

Masquerade Masks

Wear a mask created in an arts & craft session to your Brazilian themed party!

3 Comments

How to make a Dream Catcher

A dream catcher is a handmade object made by American Indians believed to give its owner good dreams.

4 Comments

Marble Painting

Here is a fun art activity that everyone can enjoy. Thanks Melissa for this activity!

3 Comments Member Activity

How to Make Pom-Poms

Making pom-poms requires patience but the end product is very satisfying. Pom-poms can be used for colour sorting games for Alzheimer's patients.

5 Comments

Greetings Cards for Fathers Day

Making 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.

Paper Beads for Mothers Day

This is a lovely present for a friend, staff or volunteer.

Recycled Puzzle Photo Frame

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.

2 Comments

Mosaic Tiles made from colourful paper

These Islamic and European mosaics tiles look rather stunning when complete!

1 Comment

Mosaic Tiles for decorating

This is an easier version of the Mosaic tile activity which will be more suitable to participants who enjoy colouring or painting.

Tissue Paper Sun Catchers - Easter Bunny

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.

3 Comments

Contact paper mobiles

Visual stimulation offers the broadest range of possibilities.

Air Dry Clay Activities

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!

2 Comments

Crepe Paper Poppies for Remembrance Day

Potential for reminiscing. Personal satisfaction. Video included!

4 Comments Video

Felt Poppies for Remembrance Day

Socialization with peers in a group setting. Sense of accomplishment. Video included!

7 Comments Video

Ivy Wreaths for Remembrance/Anzac Day

Enhance self esteem. Have fun with arts and crafts!

13 Comments

Australian Bookmarks for Australia Day

Easy and fun to make! Give the bookmarks as souvenirs to friends, staff and relatives.

7 Comments

Collage with gum nuts and leaves

Celebrate cultural uniqueness and promote friendship and sharing.

4 Comments

Flower pot colouring-in

A lovely arts & craft activity for Mother's Day!

2 Comments

Daisy Photo Frame

Celebrate Mother's Day with beautiful floral decorations with photo centerpieces!

3 Comments

Recycled Easter Baskets

Lovely Easter baskets you can make with recycled paintings and paper.

2 Comments Video

Tissue flowers for Mother's Day

To observe cultural dates. To engage residents in reminiscing

1 Comment

Winter Craft – Hanging Leaves

These 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.

3 Comments

Spring Flowers & Butterflies

To promote friendship. Maintain skills.

Recycled Hanging Snow Flakes

Here is an activity that offers social opportunity and can make your facility look festive on all occasions.

Recycled carton Bird Feeder

To promote interaction and sharing. To enhance self-esteem

2 Comments

Colouring-in for May

Lovely artwork templates including a floral photo frame, butterflies, jar with flowers and a stylized cat.

4 Comments

Mother's Day Flowers Craft

Another way of making lovely tissue flowers for Mother's Day - video included!

2 Comments Video

Summer Yarn Balls

These are lovely balls to decorate your facility at your annual Summer Ball. These spring balls are very satisfying, rewarding, and fun to make!

11 Comments

Paper Plate Sunflower

This 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.

2 Comments

Salt Dough Magnets

I 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.

8 Comments

Colouring-in for June

Some artwork templates for June!

Winter Craft Club

Get a few ladies together with a nice cup of tea and teach them how to make these wonderful crafts.

1 Comment

Art with Seeds and Pulses

For 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) .

5 Comments

Recycled hats for Oaks or Cup Day

Member submitted activity - thank you Filidea!
Beautiful hats made from paper plates, servettes, wrapping paper, bows, feathers and tule.

8 Comments Member Activity

Picture Frame for Special Occasion

This is an easy craft that can be run over 2 craft sessions.

Letters of the Alphabet Templates

Create and decorate your own banners for special events!

8 Comments

Egg carton Spring Flowers

Recycle egg cartons and make your facility look festive by hanging these colourful flowers everywhere.

1 Comment

Recycled Crayon Sun Catchers

Beautiful hanging sun catchers for any season!

1 Comment

Scented Bath Salts

Easy 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.

3 Comments

Mosaics

Mosaics with small tiles - a great activity for men.

2 Comments Member Activity

Monet Water Lillies Recreation

Celebrate Claude Monet's birthday in November by recreating one of his famous paintings!

Mandalas

Beautiful mandala templates to decorate in a relaxing and creative activity

2 Comments

Coffee Filter Sun Flowers

Improve dexterity. Provide enjoyment.

Fun with Salt Dough

Increase socialization. Improve ability to follow directions.

4 Comments

Papier-Mache Maracas - percussion instruments

Versatile and interesting activity. Maintains and improves dexterity.

Autumn Tree

To promote fine motor movements. To have fun!

3 Comments