Crafty Lester Seniors Take on DIY Purim Projects

 

Crafty Lester Seniors Take on DIY Purim Projects

Purim is a time of joy, storytelling, and celebration, and at Lester Senior Living, we believe that crafting should be part of the festivities! While a delicious feast is often at the heart of the holiday, crafting also plays a significant role in bringing the Purim spirit to life. Our residents love engaging in hands-on projects that not only celebrate the holiday’s themes, but also provide a fun and social way to embrace Purim. From lively noisemakers to colorful masks and decorations, here are a few DIY Purim crafts that keep the creative juices flowing for our active seniors in Morris County.

Recycled Noisemakers

One of the most classic symbols of Purim is the noisemaker, which is called a ra’ashan in Hebrew or gragger in Yiddish. This noisemaker is used to drown out the name of Haman during the reading of the Megillah. There’s no need to buy a new one this year when you can craft your own from everyday household items!

Materials Needed:

  • 2 plastic cups (clear or colored)
  • Dried beans, rice, or small beads
  • Electrical tape or decorative tape
  • Gold stickers
  • A popsicle stick (optional for a handle)
  • Craft glue

Instructions:

  1. Fill one cup about ¼ full with dried beans, rice, or any other small, noisy filler.
  2. Use hot glue or strong craft glue to attach the popsicle stick to the bottom of one cup (if you’d like a handle).
  3. Place the second cup over the first and seal the edges with glue.
  4. Wrap the seam with electrical tape to secure the cups together.
  5. Decorate with stickers, colorful tape, or paint.
  6. Shake away and make some noise on Purim!

Decorative Purim Masks

On Purim, it’s customary to dress in costumes, representing the hidden miracles in the story of Queen Esther. A wonderful way for seniors to join in on the fun is by creating their own festive masks! These handmade masks can be worn during Purim festivities or displayed as part of a festive decoration in residents’ apartments.

Materials Needed:

  • Craft foam sheets
  • Scissors
  • Elastic thread
  • Craft needle
  • Decorative items like jewels, feathers, pom-poms, or sequins
  • Glitter glue and white craft glue or a hot glue gun
  • Paintbrushes (optional)
  • Printable mask template (or freehand design)

Instructions:

  1. Print out a mask template or freehand cut a shape from the craft foam. Keep eye holes roughly three inches apart.
  2. Punch small holes on either side of the mask and thread the elastic through, tying knots to secure it.
  3. Have fun decorating! Use glue to attach feathers, jewels, pom-poms, or sequins. Glitter glue can add some extra flair.
  4. Let everything dry completely before trying on the mask.

Paper Chain Decorations

Another simple yet festive Purim craft is making bright and colorful paper chains to adorn common areas, dining rooms, or individual apartments. Seniors can personalize their chains with drawings, stickers, or even write Purim wishes on each link before assembling them.

Materials Needed:

  • Colored construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue sticks or tape
  • Markers for optional designs

Instructions:

  1. Cut the construction paper into strips, about 1 inch wide.
  2. Form a loop with the first strip and glue or tape the ends together.
  3. Thread another strip through the first loop and secure it to create a chain.
  4. Repeat until you have a long, decorative paper chain.
  5. Hang around doorways, windows, or dining areas for a festive Purim atmosphere.

Bringing Creativity to Life at Lester Senior Living

We know that arts and crafts are more than just a fun pastime, they provide a way for our residents to express themselves, engage socially, and keep their minds active. That’s why Lester offers a variety of creative activities throughout the week. Whether it’s making jewelry with Tammy, baking with Keisha, or celebrating Purim with festive DIY projects, we ensure that every resident has an opportunity to explore their creative side.

Our senior living community is not just a place to live — it’s a place to thrive. Here, residents can enjoy a warm and vibrant place where every day is filled with laughter, companionship, and engaging activities. To learn more about how we keep seniors active and involved in celebrations like Purim, please give us a call or visit our website at https://jchcorp.org.

Chag Purim Sameach!

Original Source : https://jchcorp.org/crafty-lester-seniors-take-on-diy-purim-projects/

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