Retirement generally means stepping down from full time work and a career you've spent a lifetime developing, which can be unsettling, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting time dedicated to pursuing your passions, yippee! At long last you can put that busy career on the back burner and delve into your hobbies, unlock your hidden talents, and pursue projects that truly excite you, even after moving into a senior community.
If you are a recent retiree, or plan on retiring soon, or are currently enjoying life in a retirement community or assisted living facility like Belmont Village, and you’re not sure where to begin, get started by reading this list of 5 retirement crafts you should try. The main thing is to get started, as finding something that you really love may not come automatically. These crafts are not only fun and easy to get started with but could also end up supplementing your income! Okay, lets get started!
Handmade Cards
We live in times where sending a wish to a loved one is only a matter of a click. Although it has made communication easier and faster, it’s stolen the part that reflects effort. Perhaps, this explains why 62% of Americans say that they’d rather receive a personalized, handmade gift as compared to a generic store-bought one. This means there’s a growing market for handmade cards, making it an excellent craft for retired folks, not to mention that the benefits of arts and crafts to seniors makes this a win win project!
To get started, you’ll need basic arts & crafts supplies, including:
- Card paper (simple A4 paper or specialty paper)
- Decorative materials like ribbons, pressed flowers, stickers, etc.
- Paint, rubber stamps and pens for personalization
You can also use advanced tools like embossing tools, paper trimmers, and stamps, once you've practiced the basics.
As for the time required for making a card, it can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here are a few easy greeting card ideas to help you get started. You can create these for your close friends and family on various occasions or just send a random sweet reminder to those you value. If you live in a retirement home (see an example of one in Adelaide here), you can also gift these cards to other retirees in the community. We also recommend creating your own YouTube channel or Instagram shop, where you can share your final products and/or the process. If someone likes your cards, they may request something custom made. And you can charge for this or offer it for free — it’s up to you!
Handmade Frames
Similar to handmade cards, handmade frames are also a rewarding craft to master when you’re officially a retiree. It’s also a great way to recycle cardboard which seems to be everywhere due to online shopping. To begin with handmade frames, you need the following material:
- A4 paper
- Cardboard
- Glue
- Decorative material like ribbons, beads, craft jewels, etc.
You can use the cardboard from food packaging or any heavy cardboard box. Just make sure it's firm and follow this tutorial to get the hang of how it’s done.
Once you know how to create a DIY frame, try experimenting and come up with your own unique and great looking designs. Then share your creations with your friends and family if you feel like it! Or, consider listing them on Etsy, eBay, or Facebook groups to make a quick buck!
Handmade Candles
Imagine surprising a friend with a candle that features their favorite color and scent. Or a candle that has their name or their favorite quote engraved on it! Candles can make great gifts and that’s exactly why we’ve included this craft in this list. Although it is a bit technical and time dependent, it’s worth all the effort.
To begin making a candle, you’ll need:
- Wax
- Fragrance oil
- Heat-proof container
- Wicks
- Spatula
- Pencil sticks or popsicles
- Thermometer
You can then follow this step-by-step guide on how to make a candle at home. Because candles can be hazardous there’s some confusion regarding whether you need a license to sell candles online or not, though it’s perfectly alright to sell your DIY candles on online sites or physical stores. You do not need a license.
Painting
If you feel your career has suppressed the artist in you for long, it’s time to unleash them. So grab a canvas and some oil paints, and pour your thoughts out.
Remember, art is about the natural flow of energy rather than perfection. So, you need not stress whether your painting comes out perfect in the first go or not. Plus, the more you practice, the better you’ll get at it.
But if you’d like to nurture your artistic edge more systematically and properly, even if you are a resident in a retirement community, there are so many amazing ways to learn art online, whether from free Youtube channels, monthly subscriptions sites like skillshare and creative bug, or sites that sell individual courses like domestika and artist operated sites.
Now, how can you use the art you produce? Well, there are many ways to do so. If you’re painting complete scenarios, landscapes, or calligraphy art that you think people could use in their living rooms, list them on eBay, Etsy, Facebook groups, or your Instagram shop, but first spend a nice chunk of time practicing and honing your skills!
But if you enjoy painting only bits and pieces like flowers, trees, or simple paint doodles — consider creating painting-based crafts for kids (such as painted milk cartons). You can paint these independently and give them to kids around you. Or, why not create art with kids, whether at a community center or orphanage and get out the paints to paint just about any object.
Woodworking Projects
Wooden trays, ornamental pieces, birdhouses, feeders, and wooden toy cars — these are a few examples of woodworking projects. Although they appear complex, they can actually be quite easy (as well as therapeutic) if you have the necessary tools and skills. Plus, the output of this relaxing art is usually functional and sellable.
For example, if you create a mini bookshelf, you can use it for yourself or sell it for around $50 (on online marketplaces or at your local furniture shop). We highly recommend it to those individuals who feel they’re very obsessed with results. Here are the top 30 woodwork projects for beginners you can try.
So, what will you try first? I think those wooden animals in the first image are calling my name, but for now I'll stick to painting.
