Creative activities allow our imaginations to soar.

It is an outlet. It can give us a sense of accomplishment. There is no right or wrong. It is what you say it is.

Creative activities can range from woodworking, to sewing, to gardening, to playing an instrument.

There are many creative artists, musicians, writers, dancers and quilters. There are bakers, crafters, and jewelry makers. Creativity is everywhere.

If your older friend or family member enjoys being creative here are some tips:

Talk about what he or she likes to do. What are their creative interests?
Assist them in doing the activity, if needed. Do they need assistance? Do they need adaptations such as different tools to make it easier to perform or better lighting? Would they enjoy a class on the subject? What kind of tools do they need to get started?
Maybe it will be a creative project where the whole family gets involved such as Christmas crafts, making bird feeders, or creating a photo album.
Evaluate the activity. Does your friend or family member feel a sense of accomplishment or does it make him or her frustrated? Is the activity too easy or too hard? Make any adaptations or changes as needed, or consider a new activity.
Have your older family member assist you in coming up with creative ideas like my mom did in 5 Ways to Use Older Handkerchiefs.

Here are more creative activity ideas!

How to Make a Pinwheel

Pinwheels are not only pretty to look at, but a lot of fun to make. Here is a short tutorial on ...
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How to Make a Chair Caddy

Many people have a favorite chair that they gravitate to every day. My mom has her favorite spot on the ...
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Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder

Here's a simple craft that will also feed the birds that winter in your area! Materials and Supplies Needed for Bird ...
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Make a Snow Globe that Tells a Story

Snow globes are a miniature winter wonderland. They can be great fun to make with the grandkids and the best ...
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Felt and Fabric Pumpkins

Do you have a stash of felt and fabric scraps your saving? If you have a stash of orange and ...
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The Art of Tinkering

My dad has always been a tinkerer. When I was younger he had a workshop in our basement. In his ...
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Nature Painting

For many of us who aren't artists, painting is one of those art forms that can be intimidating before you even try. You ...
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Simple Homemade Crafts for Gifts or Bazaars

Some seniors, like my mom, love making things for others. She loves to give her homemade items as gifts for ...
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Decorate a Gardening Hat

Hats are a dime a dozen... but when you decorate your own, it's unique. Gardening hats are a must when ...
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Garden Beads

These garden beads are simple and fun to make. There are unlimited possibilities in what your older family member can ...
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Arranging Quilt Blocks

For a quilter or anyone who enjoys designing things... it is the process that is the enjoyment. It's the combining ...
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A Wrist Corsage For Mom

Make a wrist corsage for Mother's Day or anytime of the year! The nice thing about wrist corsages is that Mom ...
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Stringing Beads and Other Things-A Simple Sensory Craft

Sometimes, simple sensory crafts are better suited for some older adults than more complex crafts. Those folks with dementia or ...
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Spring Posy

Nothing brightens up a day like flowers... so why not brighten up a loved ones day with a small posy ...
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Hand-Sewn Cloth Napkins

Cloth Napkins are a fun touch to any table setting... and they are easy to make. If your older family member ...
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Shamrock Pin Craft

Here's a simple way to make a St. Patrick's Day Pin. All you need are 4 craft materials! Materials and ...
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Heart Pocket Craft

Make heart pockets to store little Valentine's Gifts! Materials and Supplies Needed: Felt in your choice of colors Embroidery floss or ...
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Hanging Up Memories

How do you display treasured heirlooms? One way is to display heirlooms on a wall. Hanging up precious heirlooms gives us ...
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Reuse and Recycle Christmas Cards

Christmas cards are beautiful, but what do you do with them after your loved one has received them? Here are some good ways ...
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Christmas Trees from Yarn and Thread

These Christmas trees are cute and simple to make. For an older loved one who loves crafts, but may have ...
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collage of materials needed to make felt Christmas ornaments

Cookie Cutter Christmas Ornaments

Cookie cutters aren't just for making cookies! Cookie cutters make great patterns for making Christmas ornaments. Here's how! Materials and ...
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Stamp Your Own Wrapping Paper

Here's a fun craft that everyone around the table can participate in. Materials/Supplies needed: Roll of brown packaging paper (available at ...
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Gathering and Making Potpourri

There's something satisfying about making your own potpourri. It might be in the search for the beauty of nature, but ...
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5 Ways to Use Old Handkerchiefs

Ladies vintage handkerchiefs are such beautiful little treasures. My mom had a bunch of the little pretties just lying in the ...
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One lap rice bag and two hand held rice bags.

Winter Warmers-Hand and Lap Heating Bags

These little hand and lap heating bags are a wonderful way to keep warm in winter. Here are some other ...
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Halloween Candy Bags

Halloween Candy Bags are easy for an older loved one to make... for the grandkids. All you need is candy, ...
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Using Drawings to Reminisce

Neighborhoods, homes, and bedrooms can be special places in our memories. Places we frequented such as neighbor's homes or stores ...
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Crafts From Pressed Flowers

Using and Preserving Flowers... is the next step in the process of Collecting and Pressing Flowers. In that blog post ...
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Collecting and Pressing Flowers

Pressing flowers is an old craft, one that has been around for many years. Children and adults have easily preserved ...
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Tiny Treasure Box

If you want to find tiny treasures, you have to start with a tiny box to put them in! This ...
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Silhouette Portrait Craft

Silhouettes have been around for hundreds of years. An older person will likely remember this craft and probably will have ...
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May Day Flower Surprise

May Day is May 1st... and traditionally May baskets were made and left on someone's door. Sometimes the baskets were ...
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hand-sewn pocket with photos and handkerchief

Hand-Sewn Pocket Craft

These small hand-sewn pockets can hold tissues, photos, or any other miniature items your loved one may have. This is a simple craft with ...
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