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    Gather around, aged care coordinators and beloved seniors! Today, we embark on a delightful journey into the art of paper quilling. A craft as beautiful as it is therapeutic, paper quilling offers a wonderful opportunity for seniors in aged care to express themselves, engage their minds, and create something truly special.

    elderly lady doing paper quilling in aged care

    The Magic of Paper Quilling

    Also known as paper filigree, this craft is an ancient art form that involves rolling, shaping, and gluing thin strips of paper to create intricate designs. From delicate flowers to intricate patterns, the possibilities are endless.

    elderly lady doing filigree in aged care
    a phoenix paper quilling art

    With just a few simple tools and a dash of imagination, anyone can master the art of paper quilling and unlock a world of creativity.

    A Free and Downloadable PDF of this activity is available at the bottom of this page!


    Paper Quilling Craft Materials

    The following tools are needed to perform the craft. You can find these materials at your local store, in the corners of your house, or inside the facility!

    materials needed for paper quilling craft for seniors in aged care
    • Paper Strips
    • Glue
    • Cardboard for base
    • Quilling Tool or Toothpick
    • Scissors

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    1.Take a paper strip and insert one end into the quilling tool. If a quilling tool is not available, use a stick or a toothpick.

    single paper strip
    paper strip attached to stick

    2. Roll the paper strip tightly around the quilling tool or the toothpick, forming a circle-like shape.

    rolled paper strip in stick

    3. Once the entire strip is rolled, carefully slide it off the quilling tool or toothpick. Then, allow the coil to relax and then glue the end to secure it.

    rolled paper strip

    4. Repeat these steps with additional paper strips to create more coils. Use different colors to add variety to your coils.

    group of rolled paper strip

    5. Squeeze a part of the coil to form other shapes that you desire. You can form a leaf-like shape, a cube-like shape, or just a circle. Let your imagination run wild!

    squeezed coils

    6. Arrange the coils into your desired shape, gluing them together as you go.

    coils formed as flower

    7. Let your creativity shine as you add embellishments and details to your quilled masterpiece.

    paper quilling flower

    Inspiration and Ideas

    Looking for inspiration? Consider quilling a bouquet of flowers, a whimsical butterfly, or a personalized greeting card for a loved one. You can also experiment with different colors, shapes, and techniques to create unique designs that reflect your personality and style.

    bouquet, butterfly, and birthday card filigree art

    Benefits for Seniors

    Engaging in this provides a myriad of benefits for seniors in aged care. Firstly, it offers mental stimulation, keeping the mind sharp and active. As seniors focus on shaping each delicate coil of paper, they exercise their cognitive abilities and enhance their fine motor skills.

    seniors in aged care cutting paper

    Moreover, this activity promotes relaxation and stress relief, allowing seniors to unwind and immerse themselves in the soothing rhythm of the craft. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a beautiful quilled creation boosts self-esteem and instills a sense of pride.

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    Download your printable PDF copy of Paper Quilling Craft Activity for Seniors