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Crafts for Seniors: Fun & Functional Ideas You’ll Love!

Searching for fun crafts you can do as a retiree? Or maybe you are looking for some easy projects to do with your senior loved one? I’ve compiled 35 crafts for seniors that are fun and usable in your everyday life or as gifts for those you love!

Crafts for seniors - Fun Ideas you'll love

I’m really excited to share today, because we’re going to explore a topic that’s especially close to my heart – introducing crafts to seniors.

Whether you’re an older adult yourself or you’re looking to share your love of crafting with an older loved one, I’ve got you covered.

Crafting isn’t just for the young and spry; it’s a fantastic activity for people of all ages, including seniors. And as you can imagine, participating in creative hobbies can have a myriad of positive effects on the lives of older adults.

From improving cognitive function to reducing stress, crafting can enhance a senior’s overall well-being. Plus, it’s fun and rewarding to create something beautiful with your own two hands!

Arts and crafts can also be a fantastic social activity, helping older folks stay connected with friends and family. Sharing that common interest opens up endless opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories.

And let’s not forget the immense sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a project. As we age, it can sometimes feel like our opportunities for achievement diminish.

Crafting allows older adults to set goals, work towards them, and ultimately enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. This boost in self-esteem can have a profound impact on a person’s overall happiness and mental health! For example, here are some of the benefits:

  • ease feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness
  • encourage mindfulness
  • decrease the chance or progression of cognitive decline
  • maintain fine motor skills for as long as possible

With these amazing benefits in mind, I’ve come up with a list of 35 craft ideas for seniors. Whether you will be crafting on your own, with friends or even with grandchildren, you will find some really wonderful options on this list. There are even crafts that are good for those with arthritis or dementia.

I’ve included four sections: Mod Podge projects, yarn crafts, painting ideas, and some other great craft ideas you’ll enjoy. Go ahead and take a look at these creative activities. Which one will you make first? Happy crafting, everyone!

Mod Podge Ideas

1
Resin jewelry made with dried flowers
Resin Jewelry
Learn how to make resin jewelry using a kit as well as dried, pressed flowers! You can make the most beautiful gifts or products to sell with this DIY Mod Podge resin tutorial.
Get more resin crafts here.
Get the Tutorial
2
Decoupage Candles with Dollar Tree Napkins
Decoupage Candles
Learn how to decoupage napkins on candles with dollar store supplies! Such a fun craft idea for home decor.
Get the Tutorial
3
Decorate a wood step stool with paper and Mod Podge
Decorate a Stool
Update a plain step stool with Mod Podge Matte and your favorite patterned papers! I'll show you how to do it, with tips and tricks.
More decoupage furniture.
Get the Tutorial
4
Decorate a memory box with coloring pages
Decorate a Memory Box
Turn coloring pages into keepsakes! There are two parts to this idea – coloring the pages, then using them to decorate the painted box.
Get the Tutorial
5
Chalk Paint Mason Jars with Succulents
Chalk Paint Mason Jars
Learn how to paint mason jars with a matte finish using Chalk Finish Mod Podge! This is a perfect project for farmhouse or rustic decor.
More painted mason jars.
Get the Tutorial
6
DIY Faux Leather Journal
DIY Faux Leather Journal
Learn how to make a DIY faux leather journal cover with simple supplies like Mod Podge and paper bags. This is a great recycled craft.
Get the Tutorial
7
www.itsalwaysautumn.com
Photo Collage Letters
Learn how to create photo letters: a photo collage on large paper mache letters. This easy craft is a great way to display your favorite pictures.
Get the Tutorial
8
DIY no sew patches on a striped tote
No-Sew Tote Decorating
Use your favorite fabrics and Mod Podge Fabric to make applique patches to update a tote bag! Learn how to make it your own.
Get the Tutorial
9
Use transfer medium to do a Mod Podge photo transfer to fabric. This vintage pillow project is so easy and the results are pretty!
Update a Pillow
Learn how to transfer images to fabric using Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium! You'll love the results.
Get the Tutorial
10
Mod Podging with napkins has become really popular! Get 10 decoupage ideas using napkins - you'll love this collection of great ideas.
Decoupage Flower Pots
Learn how to decoupage terra cotta pots with napkins! This is such an easy and pretty craft idea.
Get the Tutorial
11
diy picture album
DIY Photo Album
Create a unique handmade picture album using recycled boxes and decoupage medium! Perfect for storing memories, goals, and more.
Get the Tutorial
12
Painted Wooden Spoons
Use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge for this unique wooden spoon makeover – these are so colorful and make great gifts. All you're going to need is painter's tape.
Get the Tutorial
13
Makeover Boxes
Learn how to makeover boxes with fabric! You’ll learn how to Mod Podge fabric to cardboard in this easy tutorial that anyone can do.
Get the Tutorial
14
photo transfer to wood
Photo Transfer to Wood
Learn how to transfer photos to wood in three simple steps! All you need for this photo transfer to wood is your favorite image and Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium. It’s easy!
Get the Tutorial

Yarn Crafts

15
loop yarn texture throw pillow
www.itsalwaysautumn.com
Loop Texture Throw Pillow
Use loop yarn and your fingers to make this pretty textured throw pillow. An easy to follow video is included!
Get the Tutorial
16
crochet flower coaster free pattern
desertblossomcrafts.com
Crochet Flower Coaster
Brighten up your home with these 6-petal flower coasters in two colors. Or make them as gifts to give your friends or children!
Here are some more DIY coaster ideas.
Get the Tutorial
17
thesoccermomblog.com
Knitted Dishcloth
Get the free pattern for these super easy knitted dishcloths. Why not create something you can use on a daily basis?
Get the Tutorial
18
diycandy.com
Yarn Wall Art
If you are looking for a fun project to do while sitting on the sofa, this yarn art is it. Make yarn wall art out of any word using cardboard and simple wrapping!
Get the Tutorial
19
crochet air plant pod pattern free
birdzofafeather.ca
Air Plant Pods
Add some green to your home with air plants! Get the pattern for this crochet air plant pod you can make.
Get the Tutorial
20
DIY heart string art
reusegrowenjoy.com
Heart String Art
A piece of scrap wood, nails, some yarn and a hammer are all you need for this project. This is great for hand eye coordination.
Get the Tutorial
21
yarn pom pom ball bookmark DIY
www.designmom.com
Pom Pom Bookmarks
Make these cute bookmarks to keep for yourself or give as gifts. They would be a great addition to any book your are giving someone!
Get the Tutorial

Painting Crafts

22
www.theboldabode.com
Pixel Wall Art
Feel like you can't paint something realistically? Why not try painting it in pixels? This is a great idea that can be scaled to wall art large and small.
Get the Tutorial
23
Inspiring Word Rocks
Painted Rocks
Spread rock art around your community or as a random act of kindness. Here you will find some easy stone painting inspiration and tips! If you need more ideas check out these other fun rock painting ideas.
Get the Tutorial
24
Make a personalized doormat using paint
diycandy.com
Doormat
Add your favorite saying to the front of your home with this colorful and cute personalized door mat project! It’s way easier to make than you might think.
Get the Tutorial
25
DIY birch tree painting
persialou.com
Birch Tree Art
Making your own beautiful DIY birch tree art is easy with this step by step tutorial. No special artistic skills or painting experience required!
Get the Tutorial
26
diycandy.com
Kilim-Inspired Painted Basket
This Kilim-Inspired painted basket tutorial is an easy way to try out a fun new color palette quickly and inexpensively. It’s so simple to make!
Get the Tutorial
27
MacKenzie Childs Inspired Candlestick paint DIY
sustainmycrafthabit.com
Painted Candlestick
Spruce up your home decor or a thrift store find with paint! This post shows you how to paint a MacKenzie Childs inspired candlestick.
Get the Tutorial
28
make fruit stamped tea towels
diycandy.com
Fruit Stamping on Tea Towels
Use a fun fruit stamping technique to decorate some plain tea towels. These make great gifts and they are so easy – you could make them with the grandkids!
Get the Tutorial

Other Craft Ideas

29
sheet music paper leaf wreath
adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com
Paper Leaf Wreath
This paper leaf wreath is super easy to create. Use your favorite scrapbook paper or sheets of music as shown here.
Get the Tutorial
30
easy quilted potholder without a pattern
diycandy.com
Quilted Pot Holder
Learn how to make a pot holder, and quilt it, using your fave fabric and this easy tutorial! You don’t even need a pattern for this DIY pot holder.
Get the Tutorial
31
air drying clay cones
ahappyhomeinholland.com
Air Drying Clay Cones
This simple tutorial shows you how to make your own decorative cones using air dry clay. Add some sweet smelling lavender for a lovely home decor piece.
Get the Tutorial
32
The happy planner. What it is and how to use it.
diycandy.com
Happy Planner
How is a planner a craft? When it is a Happy Planner! You'll use all sorts of art supplies, stickers, pens, pencils, tapes, and other fun craft goodies to accent the planner and turn it into more of a creative journal and scrapbook. Yes – it serves a dual purpose.
Get the Tutorial
33
easy sew gift card holder
www.craftaholicsanonymous.net
Gift Card Holder
Learn how to make a DIY gift card holder you can use for any occasion. This is a super easy sewing tutorial!
Get the Tutorial
34
old book page envelopes
christines-crafts.com
Book Page Envelopes
Turn old book pages into beautiful envelopes! This is great for scrapbooks or journaling.
Get the Tutorial
35
scrap fabric bowl tutorial
happiestcamper.com
Scrap Fabric Bowl
Use up some of your fabric scraps making this cute DIY bowl!
Get the Tutorial
36
easy DIY no-sew fleece blanket without knots
newlywedsurvival.com
Fleece Blanket
Create an easy no-sew fleece blanket for kids, adults or even your dog! This blanket is super comfy because you don't have bulky knots in the finished product.
Get the Tutorial

Did you like these craft activities? Let me know in the comments! Plus I think you’ll enjoy these other fun crafts for adults:

4th of JulyBirthday GiftsChristmasEasterEasy CraftsFallHalloweenPaperPopsicle SticksRainbowSpringSummerSt. Patrick’s DayThanksgivingValentine’s DayWinter

Cynthia

Friday 26th of July 2024

These are some AWESOME ideas! 🙂🙃🫠I have been trying to figure out some new ideas to try.

Grandma Lyn

Friday 19th of July 2024

I recently moved into a senior citizen building. I volunteered to help with the crafting projects. Our budget is small and several of these ideas are so doable. Thanks.

Marrie Saunder

Monday 6th of February 2023

Its just wow.