Crafting can be a heartwarming and uplifting activity, especially for seniors who may spend more time indoors due to colder weather or physical setbacks.
Not only does it help keep the mind active and the fingers nimble, but participating in crafting can also bring a sense of accomplishment and joy.
From felted acorns that can adorn a Christmas tree to waterless snow globes that capture a winter wonderland, there are plenty of craft ideas to keep seniors engaged and in high spirits during the festive season.
This article will walk you through five craft ideas perfect for December.
Whether you’re a senior yourself, a caregiver, or a loved one looking for ways to brighten up the holiday season for the elderly, these crafts are easy, fun, and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
5 December Crafts for Seniors
Felted Acorns
Felted acorns are a charming and rustic craft that can bring a touch of nature indoors during the chilly winter months.
They’re relatively simple to make and require minimal supplies, making them a great craft for seniors of all skill levels.
Materials Needed
To begin this craft, you’ll need:
· Wool roving in various colors
· Acorn caps (collected from outside or purchased online)
· Hot water
· Dish soap
· Needle and thread
Step-by-step Instructions
Making felted acorns involves a process called wet felting.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. Take a small pinch of wool roving and fluff it up.
2. Dip it into hot, soapy water and begin to shape it into a small ball.
3. Once the wool has felted and is firm to the touch, leave it to dry.
4. Attach the dry wool ball to an acorn cap using a needle and thread or a little glue.
Decorating the Acorns
Seniors can express their creativity by using different colors of wool and can even add small embellishments like mini bows or sprinkles of glitter.
Displaying the Finished Acorns
The completed felted acorns can be displayed in a decorative bowl, hung on a Christmas tree, or strung together to make a festive garland.
Variations of the Craft
This craft can be varied by making larger felted items, such as pears or apples, which can also serve as charming decor.
Fall Foliage Candleholders
Fall foliage candleholders are a delightful way to bring the vibrant colors of autumn into the home and a great way to warm up those chilly December evenings.
Gathering the Necessary Supplies
For this craft, you’ll need:
· Clear glass jars or votives
· Mod Podge or a similar adhesive
· Brush for applying the adhesive
· Pressed fall leaves
· Tea lights or small battery-operated candles
Creating the Candleholders
1. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the outside of the jar.
2. Place the pressed leaves onto the jar while the adhesive is still wet.
3. Once the leaves are positioned to your liking, apply another layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal them in place.
4. Allow the jar to dry completely before using it as a candle holder.
Adding Embellishments
Seniors can personalize their candleholders by tying ribbons around the neck of the jars or painting the glass with festive designs.
Using the Candleholders
Once dry, simply place a tea light or battery-operated candle inside the jar, and the candle holder is ready to light up the space.
Safety Considerations
Always remember safety first.
If using real candles, ensure the leaves are well sealed and monitor the candle while lit to prevent any fire hazards.
Plastic Domes Snow Globes
Snow globes are a classic holiday decoration and making them can be a delightful project, especially for seniors who might enjoy reminiscing about past winters.
Materials Required
Creating a homemade snow globe requires:
· Clear plastic domes (available at craft stores)
· Waterproof glue or epoxy
· Small figurines or holiday decorations
· Glycerin (optional)
· Distilled water
· Glitter or fake snow
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Secure your chosen figurine to the base of the dome using waterproof glue and let it set.
2. Fill the dome with distilled water, adding a few drops of glycerin to thicken the water and slow the fall of the glitter.
3. Add a bit of glitter or fake snow to the water.
4. Seal the dome with its base, ensuring it’s watertight.
Personalizing the Snow Globes
Seniors can choose figurines that hold special meaning or that they find particularly charming to personalize their snow globes.
Displaying the Snow Globes
These homemade snow globes can be placed around the house to add sparkle and winter charm to any room.
Alternative Uses for the Domes
If making a snow globe isn’t appealing, the plastic domes can be used as small terrariums for air plants or as decorative elements in a winter scene display.
No-Sew Fleece Blankets
No-sew fleece blankets are easy to make and can be a source of warmth and comfort throughout the winter.
It’s also a project that can be done while sitting and requires no sewing skills.
Selecting the Right Materials
Pick out:
· Two pieces of fleece fabric (each the size you want the blanket to be)
· A pair of sharp scissors
· A ruler or measuring tape
Cutting and Tying the Fleece
1. Lay the pieces of fleece on top of each other and cut out a square at each corner.
2. Cut fringe strips along each side of the blanket, through both layers of fleece.
3. Tie each pair of fringe strips together to connect the layers.
Adding Personal Touches
Choosing different colors and patterns of fleece allows seniors to customize their blankets to their taste or that of a loved one if it’s a gift.
Using the Blankets
The blankets can be used for extra warmth or given as thoughtful, cozy gifts to family members or friends.
Donating the Blankets to Charity
Finished blankets can also be donated to a local shelter or charity, providing comfort to those in need and instilling a sense of giving back.
Waterless Snow Globes
Waterless snow globes offer all the magic of a traditional snow globe without the potential mess or hassle of dealing with liquids.
Gathering Materials
You’ll need:
· Clear plastic or glass jars with lids
· Fake snow or glitter
· Small figurines, trees, or holiday decorations
· Hot glue gun or strong adhesive
Assembling the Snow Globes
1. Attach the small decorations to the inside of the jar lid using the glue gun.
2. Fill the bottom of the jar with a layer of fake snow or glitter.
3. Carefully screw the lid back onto the jar, flipping it over to position the decorations on top of the snow.
Adding Decorations
Additional touches like a ribbon tied around the base of the jar or a painted lid can make the snow globe even more festive.
Displaying the Snow Globes
Arrange the waterless snow globes on a mantelpiece, side table, or as part of a holiday display to add a touch of whimsy.
Adapting the Craft for Different Seasons
This craft can be adapted to suit various seasons or holidays by changing up the decorations inside the jars, making it a versatile project for any time of year.
Conclusion
We’ve highlighted a variety of crafts suitable for seniors to enjoy during December.
Crafting can be a wonderful way for seniors to pass the time, keep their minds and hands active, and bring a bit of holiday cheer into their lives.
Whether these crafts are enjoyed alone or with company, they are a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories.
As a final note, encourage seniors to engage in these craft activities, assisting them as needed, but also allowing for independence where possible.
The sense of pride and achievement that comes from creating something beautiful is invaluable.
Take joy in each completed craft and remember that the holiday season is about the warmth of spirit and the joy of sharing—be it through a crafted item or a crafting experience.