After I had posted some info about my monthly stamping visits to our local Senior Living facility, several of you folks e-mailed to ask me about what projects I do with the my elderly ladies who are mostly all 80+ (one just turned 90!). I figured I’d give you an update while I’m on vacation.

At my March visit, I also took some photos of my senior friends and their projects so you can see why I find their endearing big grins of accomplishment  so inspirational:

Aren’t they so cute with their little bag clips made from punched flowers and clothes pins? When I’m ready to design projects for my Aston Gardens Assisted Living pals, I try to create things that are easy to do and practical–something that they can use.

In February, we did mini corkboards:

We put magnets on the back so they can put them on their fridge or metal doors for messages. The buttons in the centers of the flowers were thumb tacks. They LOVED making these. We used Craft ink pads.

This month, they recycled their mini water bottles and we made the following flowers and vase from skewers and punches. I pre-punched all the punch pieces and all they had to do was glue! They loved having something cute to brighten their rooms!

I punched out flowers with our varied punches and they glued them between two skewers. I also gave them a piece of designer paper to cover the water bottle and helped them tie a ribbon around for the final touch.

These ladies really are a joy to teach–no matter how many times I’ve got to repeat steps to them or come to their rescue when their fingers fail them. I firmly believe that these projects really help them strengthen their minds, provide entertianment and something different from their daily routines. We each look forward to seeing each other every month! And, in a way, working with them makes me feel closer to my grandmother who passed away five years ago.

So, if you still have an elderly person in your life, make sure you hug them and tell them how much they are loved. Their favorite gift is a gift of your time!

Take care!