Are you looking for a fun and creative hobby that'll improve your life with lasting benefits?
Participating in arts and crafts can help prevent depression, isolation, and high levels of stress. It can also assist in strengthening cognitive function and hand-eye coordination.
So what are some inspirational art ideas that you could start adding to your hobby list?
Listed below are some of the most expressive art projects that people of all skill levels can enjoy. Keep reading to learn more about them and why they could become your next favorite activity!
You likely have fond memories of coloring in adorable pictures as a child. The good news is new memories of bright color palettes, fun shapes, and creative satisfaction are all still available to you.
Coloring pages are among the most accessible art activities for seniors.
There are many adult coloring books on the market today, each with a unique theme and style, and children's coloring books could bring back a wave of nostalgia. You can also print out pages to color from all over the web.
Plus, materials to color with are affordable and easy to find. No matter the brand you choose, coloring pencils, crayons, and markers can fill your creation with vibrant strokes of pigment.
If you struggle with hand dexterity, look for materials intentionally made in a bigger easy-to-grip size so you can hold them without any trouble.
If you're looking for an art activity that has unlimited potential, painting is the way to go. This art style comes with a variety of different paint types to suit your preferences, including:
The intimidation of a blank canvas can be daunting at first, but that's the beauty of painting for elderly creatives. Once you dive in, you're setting your inspiration free with every stroke of your paintbrush.
Another unique quality about painting that you can't quite replicate with other creative outlets for seniors is the versatility of the 'canvas'. While paper and pulled canvas are traditional choices, there are other materials you can paint on to fulfill your vision, including:
The key to painting successfully on unusual materials is to do a little research for your chosen paint.
For example, you can apply a mixture called watercolor ground to non-paper materials to help watercolor paints stick to the material. It opens up the idea of painting to be as creative as you want!
Once you get into the habit of sketching, nothing can hold you back from your art goals. Sketching is often the starting place for many artists. Even if you prefer other outlets for your art, a sketchbook can be an invaluable tool.
Sketching lets you create ideas for your next painting or sculpture. You can try new things without worrying about messing anything up because there's always another blank page for you to play with in your sketchbook.
Do you have a lot of keepsakes and want a more creative way to display them? Scrapbooking gives you the space to delve into memories and make each one shine.
With every turn of the page, your book shares a story. They're fun to look through and even more fun to put together.
Doodle on the edges or cover the page in goofy stickers. Throw in some:
Let your creative side go wild as you pay homage to the keepsakes, photographs, and other memories that mean the most to you.
A style of art expression that doesn't get as much time in the spotlight is nail art. With a little bit of nail polish, glitter, and gloss, you can enhance your favorite outfit and show off your personality.
Since it's such an individual choice between colors and designs, nail art is one of the more social elderly group crafts. Gather a bunch of friends as you work on your nail art -- or switch it up and paint one another's nails instead.
You'll have plenty of time to chat and share while exploring a unique art form.
Creating a 3D object with your hands is a satisfying endeavor and nothing delivers that feeling quite like sculpting. Working with clay is an ancient art form that can still bring a smile to your face.
Don't worry, you don't need access to a kiln for your creations. Air-dry clay sets within 24 hours, whereas polymer clay bakes in a simple oven to harden.
Sculptures make great personalized gifts for friends and family, or they can spruce up your assisted living apartment with extra creativity.
Do you want to introduce more assisted living creativity into your life but don't like the mess of most other art ideas? Going digital can give you the same sense of freedom and artistry as traditional art supplies.
However, instead of needing to resupply or clean up afterward, you can simply close the application and go do another exciting senior activity.
It can seem daunting at first, but after an hour or two of messing with the controls, you'll have the basics down. With the unlimited use of the undo button, you can create a masterpiece one precise stroke at a time.
Plus, many mobile tablets and even mobile phones can run powerful digital art programs -- many of which are free! You can use your finger or a stylus with a device you already own and you won't need to invest in anything extra.
With all of these art ideas to choose from, you'll want to find a local senior community that'll help you turn those ideas into a beautiful reality. Consider joining our community in Kalamazoo, MI, to bring your ideas to fruition.
LakeHouse Kalamazoo makes art and creativity a full-fledged part of our senior community. Join us as we dive into new art activities that will keep your creativity going strong every week.
Contact us today to learn how!