DIY Crafts for Seniors

Lately I’ve been doing a lot of coloring for lightweight entertainment and relaxation. I have a free app on my iPhone that allows me to use my finger in the paint-by-numbers format. There are lots of categories to choose from; I like Zen drawings. Each one takes less than a half hour, and I can start and stop easily. I draw in waiting rooms, between writing projects, and anytime I need something that will provide an added creative distraction and calming comfort.

There are several DIY (Do-It-Yourself) activities that senior citizens can easily do at home, either alone or with others. Many of these use a computer.

If you feel you could use a short break doing something other than scrolling on your phone or tablet, here are some suggestions for fun DIY activities:

~Free apps like the coloring one I mentioned (Zen Color). If you Google DIY activities/crafts for seniors, you’ll find thousands of options … from all kinds of drawing and coloring projects to easy, one-person, online games. Stay away from any that require payment; there’s a ton that are free. Ask your friends for suggestions.

~Card making requires only colored paper, scissors, and glue. Obviously, there are all kinds of embellishments as well as blank cardstock and envelopes that are available at most dollar stores. Think holiday greeting cards!

~Paper flowers, wreaths, wrapping paper only require your imagination to turn scraps of paper and other stationary leftovers into a fun afternoon or more of creating gifts for yourself and others.  Think book marks, collages, painted rocks, magnets, and flower pots.

~Crocheting, knitting and finger weaving can create simple but fun hot plate mats, coasters, decorative plant mats, and table runners. All kinds of simple instructions are available online — Google it!

~Matchbox sayings containers are made with empty slide matchboxes that are covered with decorative paper and then filled with individual tiny cards with printed sayings on them. You can make the sayings focus on one subject like gratitude, friendship, or freedom. This is a personal favorite, and I have made gobs of these cute gifts. You can reach out to me for pictures and more information.

~Origami – this is another of my favorites, and every year I make origami tree ornaments for gifts. All kinds of instructions are available online.

~Virtual art classes are available free of charge from many platforms. These can be followed step-by-step at your own pace. Google to see what’s out there.

There are also some crafts that are available at a very low cost. A trip to your local dollar store will provide numerous options. Here are a few more that don’t have to cost much.

~Online Book Clubs are available to join for only the cost of the books to read. You can research existing groups or start a club of your own using video chat, forums, or message apps to communicate.

~DYI jewelry making – you can purchase simple kits at the dollar stores or online. These might be crafts you want to do with the younger family members. Help a little one create a gift or two for them to give a parent this coming holiday season.

~Genealogy research is a value tool you can use to share knowledge about your ancestors with family members. Firms like Ancestry.com provide a sliding scale of fees for access to databases and forms to help you create your family tree. Everyone in your family will appreciate your efforts. Turns out I’m distantly related to Ulysses S. Grant, and my family appreciated having the lineage simply laid out on one page.

Tools: All you need to have fun with DYI projects is 1) Google to provide suggested projects and 2) a dollar store filled with everything you need to actually create whatever you can imagine!

I must acknowledge that some of these activities I might not have thought about doing years ago. They were too juvenile or simple or not creative enough. Honestly, my viewpoint on the personal value of using simple crafts to provide a break from the stresses of everyday life has shifted, and I’m glad now that I have at my disposal so many little things to do to calm me and to shift my focus momentarily to something less important but still fun.