Crafts

[grandmoon]

I have been asked to set up a craft group at the local church it is mainly for older people.  I am looking for ideas of what sorts of crafts that would be suitable,  We would have access to machines of any type. 

So far we have thought of Knitting, crochering, scrapbooking and patchworking.

[imastawka]

I say bring these back.   I love 'em

They could be a production line with everybody involved - sell 'em at the next fete

           

Instructions -

http://tiramisue-suesblog.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/vintage-style-hanky-box.html

But otherwise, I like youcan's ideas

[debra9275]

I like those boxes too stawks.. Don't see many of them around now

[gleee58]

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@purple_haize wrote:

There is alot of crafts that older people can do, jewellery making, card making, scrapbooking, knitting etc.........doing a craft has a positive outcome as it gives them something to do and a good feeling when they accomplish something.

My daughter is a nurse in a aged care hospital and she says those that are able to do crafts really enjoy it & gives them a sense of purpose.

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Yes, craft groups/crafts are good for the elderly.  What I mentioned was that some of those people have given up some crafts because they can not do the show winning quality items that they enjoyed creating in the past and get more out of making different things in old age. Even as the previous poster suggested group items like blankets where they all contribute squares, greeting cards where different people contribute according to their abilities.   The internet is a gold mine of suitable craft ideas.  One of the aged care facility groups spent a year making a Christmas tree out of white pastic shopping bags and coathanger wire.  The end result was positively amazing.   When I worked in this industry we used to meet regularly for training and area planning and hold a biennial craft competition/display.  They got first for the Christmas tree and we got second for our Christmas cards.  

[j*oono]

My mother-in-law belongs to a group that knits squares to be made into blankets for charity.  I have seen some of the finished blankets and they are beautiful and made with love.

[grandmoon]

Does anyone know whether men join in with the craft groups ??

[youcandoityoucandoityoucandoit]

grandmoon, Id like to add woodwork and photography to my earlier list..

Re men joining, why not? On my previous list, they would be interested in painting, drawing, sculpture, gardening, cookery etc

I think if you want both genders to be interested and enthusiastic, you might need to be broader in the first approach..

Maybe the word needs to be changed from 'craft' to 'creative' and advertise the particular activity for the date?

'craft' particularly the needleworks can be seen as womens work..not that I think it is, but it could be a generational understanding.