Arts and Crafts

Engaging in Arts and Crafts activities can be stimulating, enjoyable and productive. And can be for many people adapted to a level that is achievable. For us all being engaged in Arts and Crafts offers the opportunity to express creativity and when done together can support socialising and communication. When Arts and Crafts is meaningful to the person it can promote a sense of self identity and achievement, which is essential to our well-being and quality of life. This section provides some ideas for Arts and Crafts ideas and links to some useful websites for creative ideas.

Arts and Crafts Ideas

Knitting

Knitting is a pastime enjoyed by many and sometimes given up for different reasons; this is not to say they cannot engage in knitting in some way.
Knitting is often a familiar activity for the older generation and if enjoyed can support recall of knitting memories and encourage conversation - discuss with the person what they used to knit and for who e.g. some people knit hats and cardigans for new born babies in their community
Knitting also supports focus and attention and again once enjoyed can promote achievement
You may need to adapt the activity and the person may require support to set up the activity, have this easily available and the wool ready on the needle.
For those who enjoyed knitting before but can no longer engage in the activity, looking through knitting magazines and discussing patterns can promote communication and reminiscence

Lace Threading

Lace Threading – if knitting or sewing is not an option maybe lace threading can be used instead.
These can be bought at craft stops and online, or make your own (pierce holes into cardboard shapes and use a shoe lace).
This is an activity that has no correct way of doing it and it’s good for stimulating and focusing
These can be bought in craft shops and some games stores and are also available at the following websites
- Activities to Share - www.activitiestoshare.co.uk
- Threading Resource Website - www.anythingbutbingo.co.uk

Embroidery

Embroidery can be quite therapeutic and enjoyable to engage in
It is a nice activity once suitable to the person's needs
There are some simple patterns available in art and craft shops and some magazines for beginners available in newsagents such as Easons or Waterstones
Also available are craft cards using embroidery please view these at www.vibesandscribes.ie
Home Focus supply embroidery kits please view at their website www.homefocus.ie

Scrapbook Making

Scrapbook Making is an enjoyable and reminiscent activity that promotes communication, and supports recollection of memories
A scrapbook can be anything you would like it to be and can focus on interests or on life stories. After creating a scrapbook you will have a nice and meaningful resource to look through and use as a tool for communicating.
Use photos, memorabilia such as ticket stub, material, downloaded images or magazines that interest the person e.g. holiday destinations or trains.
Look through and discuss the pieces, cut out images (either use safe scissors or have someone cut out), stick into scrapbook encouraging discussion around the topic

Colouring

Adult Colouring books have become popular in recent years and have shown to supportive in focusing the mind and relieving anxiety
Once the activity is enjoyed it can be therapeutic and enhance feelings of achievement and well-being
There are many available adult colouring books in local book stores and newsagents
You can also download colouring sheets from the following websites
- Maria's Place - www.mariasplace.com
- Daily Caring - www.dailycaring.com
- Keeping Busy - www.keepingbusy.com

Paint Project

Painting Project book has been developed for people with dementia and is suitable for all abilities.
Painting Project has 40 clear outline drawings, making it simple for the user to engage with
Poster Art Colouring Books have different themes each book has eight different images over two pages - one page has the image coloured in to help the person follow
These is available at the following website
- Paint Project available at Murrays - www.murrays.ie
- Poster Art Colouring Book for Adults available at Activities to Share - www.activitiestoshare.co.uk

Aqua Paints

For people who find engaging in traditional painting difficult Aqua Paints can support this
Aqua paints are themed images that can encourage conversation
When water is applied with a sponge or paint brush the colours are produced
When it dries the colour will disappear allowing it to be reused
These can be purchased at the following websites
- Home Care Medical Supplies - www.homecaremedicalsupplies.ie
- Active Minds - www.active-minds.org
- Murrays - www.murrays.ie
- Alzproducts - www.alzproducts.co.uk

Home Made Craft Dough

Home made craft dough can be made together and be an enjoyable tactile experience.
You can add colour dye and essential oils such as lavender for a nice smell.
Kneading and rolling or cutting into shapes can be repeatedly done with the craft dough and can be stored and used regularly.
You can also make salt dough to bake, see here for recipe from Activities to Share website, once shape and has been baked you can paint and decorate it

Activities Websites

There are wonderful resources available online that provide activity ideas and downloads to support creativity. The websites below have free downloads and some have video demonstrations. Activity downloads range depending on the website and include brain stimulating activities such as crosswords and word searches, gardening, baking, flower arranging, arts, crafts and more. Click on the links below to bring you to the website.