Discovering Your Inner Creativity

If it's been a while since your last artistic attempts, there are a host of projects and inspirations online and in magazines and books that can help get you started on your own creative journey.

Our Bethesda Gardens Arlington campus stands 15 or fewer minutes from seven public libraries, including the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. The downtown library features a makerspace where you can access 3-D printers, sewing machines, milling machines and other small devices and tools ideal for crafting.

Besides housing shelves of books about popular forms of art, the libraries also regularly host events featuring sewing, crocheting and crayon art. For more local events, adults aged 50 and over can visit the ACTIV Center, which offers painting, craft socials and Cricut classes for members in its art studio.

The many resources around Arlington, TX, ensure our residents can try a variety of art styles. We've also put together the following list of projects from online sources, hoping to help you find the perfect outlet for your creativity.

Pressed Flower Crafts

You can use pressed flowers to create unique Christmas ornaments, suncatchers and nightlight covers. They also make dazzling embellishments for mason jar vases and LED candleholders.

Seniors with green thumbs may enjoy pressing the flowers they grow so they can continue to view the blossoms from their gardens long after the plants have faded.

Woven Coasters

You don't have to own a loom to experience the ancient art of weaving. Small items, such as these coasters, can be created on a DIY loom made of cardboard. You'll need yarn, a fork and a blunted yarn needle for the coasters and a pen, ruler and scissors for the loom.

This project lets you use up any scraps of yarn you might have left over from other fiber art. It can also make an interesting rainy day activity to share with your grandchildren during visits to your assisted living apartment.

Paper Quilt Blocks

You don't need a huge stash of fabric to enjoy quilting. Instead, you can use solid and patterned paper, such as drawing, wrapping or card stock, to cut shapes to create paper quilts.

Quilters have created hundreds of patterns over the years, ensuring you'll be able to find plenty of blocks to try making. You may also enjoy framing them as wall decor or adding them to your scrapbook, like this inspired photo layout idea.

String Art

Despite its striking visual appearance, string art is fairly easy to make. You can use string, twine or yarn, and the colors of the materials can help set the tone for your piece. For example, rough brown twine can add a rustic quality to a county-themed picture, while colorful yarn would give an inspirational word a cheerful appearance.

Traditionally, string art is made by hammering nails into a flat piece of wood. However, you can also use tacks and a cork message board for a simpler version.

Punch Quilt Wall Art

This instructional guide shows you how to use sketches or coloring book pictures as patterns for gorgeous wall quilts. The base is built from foam, which is carved with a craft or butter knife.

You then tuck scraps of fabric into the cuts to secure them in place - no glue necessary. Since foam can bend or break, you may want to attach it to a wooden plank to safeguard it from spoiling your efforts.

Button Wreath

Creating a wreath for your apartment door lets you show off your personality to guests before they even enter your home. This playful button wreath is highly adaptable. You can cover it with ivory and vintage-style buttons for a delightful retro piece or customize it with colors suited for a specific holiday.

The craft requires hundreds of buttons to cover the foam form completely. If you don't have a large stash on hand, buttons are generally easy to buy in online stores or at estate sales.

Felted Mice Figurines

Felting is the art of shaping wool or fur fibers into solid structures. Animal figurines, such as these sleeping mice, are good examples of the realistic details felters can impart to their work.

Many artists also have fun creating backdrops for their figurines. Social media sites, including Pinterest and Instagram, feature hundreds of photos of felted mice tucked into upcycled clocks and woodland-style figurines nestled among pine cone trees.

Wood Plank Clock

Seniors looking for a signature piece for their living space may want to consider this rustic clock. While scaling down the massive wall clock wouldn't be too difficult for woodworkers, the size ensures it captures visitors' attention the moment they enter the room.

The creator suggests using multiple wood stain colors to enhance its appearance and a clock making kit to make it functional. She also used tape and ruler to ensure the numbers were aligned before being attached.

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