I’ve been running craft classes in a set of residential care home classes since 2017. It started with 7 classes a month and currently I run 26 sessions over 14 days at 8 sites. This will increase to 28 by the end of 2025.
Some locations do one session a month whereas others have two so I plan 24 separate activities. There are some favourites such as Christmas card making that take place every November but otherwise I try to mix it up so that they aren’t always doing the same thing time.
Whenever possible I try to make the activities seasonal and have projects that can be enjoyed at different levels. Some of the residents are exceptional artists whereas others were put off art at school and I have to overcome a lifetime of “I can’t do art” embedded in them. Luckily I also am not a natural artist and my efforts regularly make them laugh.
I stress the sessions are about enjoying the process, using our imaginations and having FUN. If we get something at the end of it, well that’s a bonus. In some cases the pieces are Grandma’s Revenge where they can pass them onto their grandchildren to put on their fridges.
In addition there are various levels of physical and comprehension ability and I aim that no-one is left out. Some residents simply like to sit in on the sessions and enjoy the camaraderie and if that’s all they want to do, it’s absolutely fine by me. They are old enough to know what they want to do. I will however make sure there is always something available for them to take away with them if they want. No one leaves empty handed.
I provide the materials and suggest activities. It’s up to the residents what they do, my only rule is no throwing paint at one another 🙂
And finally, there’s always an alternative to the main project for those who wish to draw or colour in, no wonder my neighbours think I’m moving out when I head off to work with my craft trolley.
I used to write a post on here showing the items made by the residents but after 67 active months it was filling up my media and my tech fairy was stressing at the memory consumption. I now aim to post things each month on social media and you can find me as Ceefer Crafts in all the usual places. I’m aware that at least one other residential home follows me and hopefully I can inspire projects for them.
I’ll finish off with the planned activities for 2025 (and a promise to update again next year)
| January | Colouring doodles |
| Bracelet making | |
| February | Scratch art |
| Paper flowers | |
| March | Pompom sheep |
| Paper baskets | |
| April | Easter crafts |
| Spring bird sewing | |
| May | Decoupage |
| Sun-catchers | |
| June | Birthday cards |
| Flower weaving | |
| July | Crystal mosaics |
| Paper sunflowers | |
| August | Water marbling |
| Cross-stitch | |
| September | Autumn wreaths |
| Dreamcatchers | |
| October | Jam jar lanterns |
| Pumpkin craft | |
| November | Christmas cards |
| Paint a bauble | |
| December | Christmas decorations 1 |
| Christmas decorations 2 |