Crafts for Seniors

Lacey Pincushion

Materials:

tuna can (rinsed out with household bleach)
cardboard
pen or marker
scissors
fabric scraps
fabric glue
foam ball (available at craft stores)
beads and other embellishments

1. After the can has been washed and rinsed, place it on a piece of cardboard and trace around the perimeter (figure A). Cut out this cardboard circle.

2. Fit a fabric square around the cardboard circle and fasten with fabric glue (figure B). This will serve as the pincushion bottom.

3. Cut another fabric strip the length of the can. Using fabric glue to secure, then roll the glued can down the strip (figure C). Fold in the edges and glue.

4. Glue the cardboard bottom to the can bottom.

5. Take the can to the craft store to determine the size of the foam ball needed for the lid. Cut the ball in half, then wrap the dome-shaped foam in fabric, securing with fabric glue (figure D).

6. Attach the dome to the can with glue. This is the main piece. Embellish with beads and other costume jewelry (figure E). Use four small beads on the can base to create feet for the pincushion.

Custom Stationery

envelope in size of choice
crafting plastic
pencil
soft-touch scissors
wrapping paper or other type of paper
glue stick

Steps:

1. Unfold an envelope of any size, then lay a piece of crafting plastic over it and trace the shape.

2. Cut out the template with soft-touch scissors. Cut out another template from the crafting plastic for the front of the envelope.

3. Use the unfolded template to trace over any paper of your choosing, such as wrapping paper.

4. Once the decorative paper is traced, cut out the design, then match up the corners of the rectangular (envelope front) template to the paper to "refold" an envelope. Now you have a custom envelope of beautiful paper.

5. Seal the envelope together with a glue stick along each edge.

6. Use the glue stick again to seal the envelope after a letter has been enclosed.