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!
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 a senior 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!
Crafting is also be a fantastic social activity, helping seniors 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 seniors 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
With these amazing benefits in mind, I’ve come up with a list of 35 crafts 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. Which one will you make first? Happy crafting, everyone!
Crafts for Seniors
Check out these 35 crafts for seniors that are fun and usable in your everyday life or as gifts for those you love!
Mod Podge Crafts for Seniors
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.
Decoupage Candles
Learn how to decoupage napkins on candles with dollar store supplies! Such a fun craft idea for home decor.
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.
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.
Update a Pillow
Learn how to transfer images to fabric using Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium! You'll love the results.
Decoupage Flower Pots
Learn how to decoupage plain terra cotta pots with napkins! This is such an easy and pretty craft idea.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Decoupage Desk
Learn how to decoupage a desk with postcards you've received or purchased on your travels. This is an easier project than you think.
Yarn Crafts for Seniors
Loop Texture Throw Pillow
Use loop yarn and your fingers to make this pretty textured throw pillow. An easy to follow video is included!
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.
Knitted Dishcloth
Get the free pattern for these super easy knitted dishcloths. Why not create something you can use on a daily basis?
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!
Air Plant Pods
Add some green to your home with air plants! Get the pattern for this crochet air plant pod you can make.
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.
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!
Painting Crafts for Seniors
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Painted Pillow
This personalized pillow is so easy to make with paint – and the spring colors are perfect! You can customize any way you like.
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!
Other Crafts for Seniors
Paper Leaf Wreath
This paper leaf wreath is super easy to create. Use your favorite scrapbook paper or sheets of music as shown here.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Book Page Envelopes
Turn old book pages into beautiful envelopes! This is great for scrapbooks or journaling.
Scrap Fabric Bowl
Use up some of your fabric scraps making this cute DIY bowl!
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.
Did you like these crafts for seniors? Then you will enjoy these other fun crafts for adults:
Marrie Saunder
Monday 6th of February 2023
Its just wow.