Art and Seniors: 7 Activities to Encourage Creativity

Art is one of life’s great pleasures. In fact, it’s so fundamental to our species that humans have been making art for more than 17,000 years! 

So how can you get your own creative juices flowing? Here are seven activities to encourage creativity that are perfect for seniors

1. Painting

Painting is a medium that allows you to be as creative as you’d like. Paint a watercolor of your favorite outdoor scene, let your emotions shine through a piece of abstract art, or join a Paint Night with other seniors for a fun time participating in guided painting. 

Alternatively, do away with the paper and canvas altogether, and paint wood crafts or pumpkins instead. The possibilities are endless!

2. Drawing

Like painting, drawing offers infinite possibilities. Will you create a charcoal pencil masterpiece of your dog? A beautiful self portrait? Or create your own cartoon? 

Many seniors find that carrying a sketchbook provides them with a creative outlet at all times. If you find an inspiring scene, you can take a moment to sketch it. You’ll soon have a book full of beautiful drawings to cherish or share.

3. Decoupage

Decoupage is a simple art form that produces fantastic results. Simply cut out prints or photos and glue them with Mod Podge onto your desired object.

Wooden boxes are a popular choice for decoupage. But you can also make your own artistic tiles, coasters, or even clothespins! Almost anything will work as a base for decoupage, so be creative!

4. Decorative Picture Frames

Decorating picture frames allows you to add a personal touch to your favorite photos. You can purchase a frame specifically for this purpose, or choose one of your existing frames to jazz up a bit.

Paint designs or glue on decorations to your frame. For example, you can glue seashells and sand to a frame that displays a photo of your trip to the beach. Or place buttons, ribbons, and beads around a frame to display your granddaughter’s photo. 

5. Handcrafted Recipe Book

Do you have loads of family recipes you’d like to pass down? Why not make a handcrafted recipe book?

Write down your favorite recipes and accompany them with a drawing or photo. You can make notes or share memories related to the recipe, too. This would be a great time to share the origin of your recipes, if you know it. Bind it all together, and you have a cherished family heirloom!

6. Pottery

Pottery is a lovely way to create something beautiful with your hands. Use a pottery wheel to make your own vase or bowl. Or if you can’t use a pottery wheel, use sculpting clay instead to create your own pottery or sculpture. 

Once your clay is dry, paint your new artwork in your favorite colors, or add a design. Don’t forget to sign your work when it’s done, too!

7. Ornaments

Do you love decorating for the holidays? Try making your own ornaments this year! Whether you want some spooky pumpkin ornaments for Halloween or sparkly baubles for Christmas, you’ll have fun designing your own ornaments.

Purchase wooden ornaments from a craft store to paint, cut shapes out of paper to make paper ornaments, or paint clear plastic baubles. You can even use twigs and other elements you find outdoors to make nature-inspired ornaments!

Whatever activity you choose, be sure to give yourself an outlet for creativity on a regular basis. Need more inspiration? Check out these 7 Fun Autumn Crafts for Seniors.