Craft Ideas That Bring a Smile: For People Living with Dementia

Craft activities can be a great way to connect with someone — especially when words aren’t always easy to find. Simple, familiar, hands-on projects can bring back memories, spark conversation, or just give someone a calm moment to enjoy.

Here are a few ideas we’ve found work well:

1. Aussie Collages
Cut up some old magazines or print a few pictures of gumtrees, kangaroos, or even the Harbour Bridge. Add in dried leaves or coloured paper. Let people pick and glue what they like. It’s easy to join in, and there’s no right or wrong.

2. Painting the Bush
Set up a few paints and brushes — or even try finger painting. You don’t need anything fancy. Blue skies, green trees, a red sunset… whatever comes to mind. Some people might prefer dots of colour, others might fill the page. It’s about the process more than the result.

3. Memory Boxes
Take a plain box and decorate it with whatever’s on hand — fabric scraps, stickers, textas, old wrapping paper. These boxes can hold photos, notes, or other small things that matter to the person. Making the Memory Box can also lead to lovely chats about what goes inside.

These kinds of activities aren’t just about keeping busy. They’re gentle ways to support creativity, confidence, and connection — without needing to follow instructions or remember steps.