Crafts are a great way to stay occupied and entertained for the summer when you want a break from the summer sun.. Finding activities to do at home can keep you stimulated and enhance brain function.. Activities like knitting and pottery can help decrease your chances for cognitive decline, while quilting and photography can improve memory function. Crafts are not only entertaining, and a great idea for time with loved ones but they provide a multitude of health benefits as well.
Pressing Flowers
Pressing flowers is a unique way to make beautiful gifts by creating greeting cards, bookmarks, or wall art and can make great gifts. Look through your garden or walk through the park to find some wildflowers that catch your eye. Bring them home with you and arrange them between two pieces of wax paper, resting a heavy book or object on top of them overnight. The next day the flowers or leaves will be completely flat leaving a lovely and unique picture on the paper.
Greeting Cards
The art of sending cards to your loved ones is not lost! Greeting cards are a great way to keep up with loved ones throughout the year. Craft your own greeting cards to show off your creativity and unique sense of style. Explore with pressed flowers, stickers, ribbons, cloths, colored paper or paints to turn a typical card into a keepsake.
Coloring Books
Coloring isn’t just for kids, there is a huge range of coloring books on the market for people of all ages. Coloring is a fantastic way to relax, and relieve stress. You can find coloring books online and at your local art or book store.Here are a couple of recommendations to help you find a coloring book you will love.
Large Print Coloring Book Flowers: Easy Illustration
Coloring Books for Seniors: Anti-Stress Designs
Painting Rocks
Painting rocks has become increasingly popular in the past few years and is an easy way to add vibrancy to your garden. You can also bring them inside to brighten up your home. You could pick a theme and do several or get a little more detailed. Check out this website for over 100 different easy but cute ideas! This activity is fun for all ages, making it a great activity to do with the grandkids!
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking guarantees a day filled with cherished memories. This activity can be as creative as you want. You can personalize each page with stickers and handwriting or leave it simple and elegant with just the photos! Many pharmacies and grocery stores can help you print out photos and will have a wide variety of scrapbooks to choose from.
Sewing or Knitting
Sewing, knitting, and crocheting enhance your cognitive abilities and require only a few supplies to get started. The major upside is the lack of mess when you’re done!, Almost all fiber arts are low energy activities meaning you can do it from your favorite spot on the couch. Some ideas to begin with include pillowcases, dishcloths, throw pillows, or coffee cozies.
Online Tutorials
If there is an activity you have always wanted to try but don’t know how, YouTube is an invaluable resource for How-To videos. Search for an activity you want to do and work alongside them. The best part? You can pause whenever you need to. Here are a couple of great videos to get you started:
Easy Waterfall Landscape Painting Tutorial For Beginners
Simple Galaxy Painting Demo for Beginners
How to Crochet for Absolute Beginners
Crafts can help keep you occupied and stimulated throughout the day while you enjoy the air conditioning. These recommendations are great for a solo activity or can be enjoyed with grandkids, friends, and loved ones for a new crowd-pleaser.
For more recommendations and ideas check out these resources:
