adminser We are often invited to visit seniors’ homes in Toronto to make jewelry. These workshops are a joy for us. We always leave smiling, knowing that we made someone’s day brighter, made new friends and that the residents are proud of what they have created.
Jewelry making is a great tool for improving fine motor skills in seniors. However, many seniors have limitations, so we have put together a few tips to make it easier and more enjoyable. Learn more about the developmental benefits of making jewelry with seniors.
Tips for beading with seniors:
1) Bring a sample of what they are making. Seniors are very visual, and it is easier for them to pick their colors and style of beads once they see a completed version of what they will be creating.
2. Use beads with large holes. Some seniors may struggle with their eyesight and eye and hand coordination, and beads with large holes make things easier.
3. Use brightly colored beads. Seniors love beads with bold and bright colors; they are also easier to see, so, therefore, easier for them to pattern and design with.
4. Use a string that is easy for them to use. Our favorite string is tiger tail; it is easy for them to string beads onto it because it is stiff.
5. Use a clasp on their project to open and close themselves. We used lobster clasps the first time we ever did a workshop with seniors. At our next session, the seniors told us they could not wear what they made because they could not put it on; of course, we switched all the clasps to toggle claps, and to this day, that is the only clasp that we use with seniors.
