Using yarn, a familiar item for many elderly, in a repetitive manner is a great way to provide busy hands with a task, bring out their creativity, and create a lovely art piece!
Using familiar and easy-to-find materials, yarn wrapping is not only an inexpensive activity to do, but the repetitive motions of wrapping the yarn around objects can reduce stress and anxiety, improve or maintain motor functions in their hands, provide opportunities for socialization, and maintain focus for a shorter period of time than is necessary for some crafting tasks.
Yarn Wrapping
**For this activity, we are wrapping a cardboard bird with yarn, however, you can choose any shape you wish, such as a heart, stars, or other simple geometric shapes.
Materials
Yarn, the colour(s) of your choice
Scissors
Cardboard (we used an old cracker box, but you can use cereal boxes, etc.)
Pen or pencil for tracing/drawing
Tape or craft glue
**Optional embellishments such as googly eyes, craft paper, foam cut-outs, or faux feathers.
Directions
Flatten cardboard from a cereal box, cracker box, or other sources.
Use a pencil or pen to outline the shape you wish to create, such as a bird used in our example. Cut the shape out and set it aside.
With the yarn colour of your choice, you may pre-cut a specific length (especially if working with a group of seniors in an activity center) or simply use directly from the ball or skein of yarn.
Using the yarn, tape one end of it to the back of the shape at either end of the shape (we chose the "tail" of the bird). Begin wrapping the yarn in a circular motion around the shape. Depending on ability, you may have a tightly wrapped shape or an abstract loose-lined wrap. Both are wonderfully creative!
Once completed, tape or glue the other end of the yarn to the back of the shape.
At this point, you may wish to poke a hole through the top of your artwork and thread a string or more yarn and hang it on a door or window or you may also glue embellishments, such as a googly eye or feathers to your design!
Providing opportunities to be creative in a relaxing environment is essential, especially for those elderly who may suffer from dementia or limited motor functioning.
Looking for a companion to help your elderly loved one to use their creativity or promote socialization? Visit our website today to find out how we can help!
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