Crafting holds a special place in our hearts, bringing immense joy and fulfillment to people of all ages. But for seniors, it takes on an even deeper significance. It becomes an outlet for creativity, a source of mental stimulation, and a way to pass the time.

It can even lower an older person’s risk of cognitive impairment. You can express your unique artistic spirit through crafting, forge meaningful connections with others, and create heartfelt gifts.

Whether you’re a new crafter eager to embark on a creative adventure or a seasoned crafter seeking fresh inspiration, I’ve rounded up 15 of the best crafts for seniors to help you get started:

1. Candle Making
2. Stained Glass Art
3. Macrame
4. Beaded Jewelry
5. Woodworking
6. Watercolor Painting
7. Scrapbooking
8. Quilting
9. Pottery Making
10. Knitting

Are you ready to get crafting? Read on to learn more about these projects!

1. Candle Making

If you love the warmth and aroma of candles, why not try making your own? Candle making is easier than you might think and requires only a few supplies. You can easily embark on this creative journey with simple materials and step-by-step instructions.

To create your homemade candles, you’ll need the following:

• Wax
• Wick
• Container
• Fragrance Oil
• Colorant
• Thermometer
• Heat Source
• Pouring Pitcher

Place the wick in the center of the container, melt the wax in your pouring pitcher, customize it with color and scent, pour the wax into the container, and allow it to cool and set. Don’t forget to trim the wick to an appropriate length for optimal burning.

Experiment with fragrance oils to create unique scent combinations for a personalized touch. If desired, enhance your candles by adding natural elements or personalizing them with custom labels. Whether you’re making candles for yourself or to give as gifts, the possibilities are limitless, allowing you to create candles that perfectly reflect any taste.

2. Stained Glass

Creating stained glass is an exquisite art form that combines vibrant colors, intricate designs, and the transformative power of light. And while the results are spectacular, this hobby is easier than most people realize.

You’ll need:

• Colored Glass Pieces
• Glass Cutter
• Copper Foil Tape
• Soldering Iron
• Solder
• Flux
• Grinder
• Safety Equipment

To make your first stained glass piece, sketch and design your desired pattern on paper. You can also find patterns online. Next, select the type and colors of glass to bring your design to life. Carefully cut the glass pieces according to your pattern using a glass cutter, then smooth the edges with a grinder. Apply copper foil around the edges of each glass piece, depending on your preferred technique.

Finally, apply flux and solder the pieces together to create a sturdy and unified structure. Clean your stained glass piece and, if desired, apply a patina or finishing polish to enhance its beauty and give it a professional look. With patience and precision, you can create breathtaking stained glass pieces that captivate the eye and illuminate any space with their timeless beauty.

3. Macramé

Get knotty with macramé, which allows you to create stunning and intricate designs using knots and cords. With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can transform simple cords or ropes into beautiful macramé creations.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, macramé offers endless possibilities to express your artistic flair and add a touch of bohemian charm to your home decor. From plant hangers and wall hangings to jewelry and accessories, this hobby opens up a world of creativity and allows you to bring your unique vision to life through the art of knotting.

4. Beaded Jewelry Making

Embark on a dazzling journey into the world of beaded jewelry, where colors, textures, and creativity intertwine to craft stunning accessories that reflect your style. With beads, jewelry wire or thread, jewelry findings, and pliers, you can craft gorgeous accessories to wear, sell, or give as gifts.

The best way to start is by experimenting. Explore design variations such as necklaces with focal beads or pendants, single-strand or wrap bracelets, and dangle earrings or studs. You can also incorporate mixed media by combining beads with leather, fabric, or various metals. Let your creativity shine!

5. Woodworking

Woodworking offers seniors a creative and fulfilling outlet. You can make everything from birdhouses and cutting boards to furniture with wood, basic tools, and safety equipment. Simple woodworking project ideas for beginners include:

• Birdhouses
• Picture Frames
• Planters
• Magazine Racks
• Cutting Boards
• Tool Boxes
• Step Stools
• Raised Garden Beds

Start with projects that match your skill level and gradually tackle more complex ones. Woodworking projects provide a rewarding hobby, allowing you to create practical and beautiful items while honing your skills. Enjoy the process of transforming raw wood into functional works of art!

6. Watercolor Painting

Unleash your creativity and embark on an expressive journey through watercolor painting. Anyone can make stunning art with vibrant paints, textured paper, an array of brushes, water containers, and a palette.

As you embark on this artistic adventure, remember these helpful tips:

• Start with a limited color palette to achieve harmonious results.
• Experiment with watercolors’ transparency to create luminous effects.
• Use different brushes and strokes to achieve various looks.
• Master the control of water and paint for precise washes.
• Try including salt or alcohol to add texture.

Embrace the artistic process, letting your imagination guide your brushstrokes. With dedication and practice, your style will emerge, and you’ll create breathtaking watercolor masterpieces that showcase your artistic vision.

7. Scrapbooking

Preserving cherished memories and creating personalized keepsakes, scrapbooking offers a creative way to celebrate life’s precious moments. Gather your scrapbook album, vibrant patterned papers, treasured photos, trusty adhesive, scissors, and journaling pens.

Choose a theme that resonates with your heart, whether it’s capturing family heritage, reliving travel adventures, commemorating special occasions, immersing in nature’s beauty, embracing the joys of a baby’s first years, or celebrating cherished relationships.

Let your creativity soar as you plan layouts to showcase your photos. Explore different styles, whether it’s a clean and organized grid-based design, a whimsical collage-style arrangement, or a layout that uniquely captures the essence of your chosen theme. Bring your pages to life by embellishing them with patterned papers, stickers, and other decorative elements.

Don’t forget the power of words! Add personal journaling to tell the stories behind the photos and infuse your scrapbook with heartfelt sentiments.

8. Quilting

In the enchanting world of quilting, seniors can stitch together beautiful quilts and blankets that exude warmth and craftsmanship. The supplies you’ll need include:

• Fabric
• Batting
• Cutting Tools
• Needles
• Thread
• Ruler
• Pins

Begin by planning a unique design or finding a quilt pattern you like. Then, cut the fabric, ensuring precision in every piece. Arrange the fabric blocks, then sew them together to create a mesmerizing mosaic of colors and textures.

Once the quilt top is assembled, it’s time to layer and baste, securing the fabric and batting together. As you quilt the layers, let your imagination soar. Explore traditional or modern quilting patterns, and decide whether to embark on the intricate path of hand quilting or embrace the efficiency of machine quilting.

Enjoy the process as you add warmth and love to your quilt with every stitch!

9. Clay Pottery

Discover the captivating world of clay pottery – a craft that allows seniors to unleash their creativity and shape unique, functional pieces. Gather clay, pottery tools, a work surface, and, optionally, a kiln or oven.

Begin by preparing the clay, molding it using hand-building techniques or the mesmerizing rotation of a pottery wheel. Take time to refine the surface, ensuring every curve and contour is precisely shaped. Allow your creation to dry or cure. Now, it’s time to unleash your artistic vision and add personal touches through carving, painting, glazing, or texture. Finally, complete your masterpiece by firing or sealing it.

Let your imagination guide your art, embracing the tactile experience and satisfaction of bringing your ideas to life. Each piece is a reflection of your artistic expression.

10. Knitting

Indulge in the soothing and fulfilling art of knitting, a craft that provides hours of relaxation and joy. Gather your knitting needles, yarn, trusty scissors, and a tapestry needle to begin your creative journey. Then, dive into beginner-friendly projects. Some great knitting projects for beginners include:

• Scarves
• Dishcloths
• Hats
• Baby Blankets
• Headbands
• Fingerless Gloves

Explore a variety of stitches, from the classic garter stitch to the charming seed stitch, the elegant rib stitch, and the smooth stockinette stitch. Embrace the rhythmic motions of knitting, finding solace in the delicate interplay of yarn and needles. Revel in the gratifying experience of crafting handmade treasures that showcase your creativity and warm the hearts of those who receive your knitted items.

No matter what project you choose, crafting provides a fantastic outlet for creativity, relaxation, and self-expression. The crafts listed above are just a glimpse of the vast range of possibilities waiting to be explored. Happy crafting!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tried any of these crafts? If so, which is your favorite? What craft are you most interested in learning? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Photo: @carolinestanbury

Originally posted at: Caroline Stanbury’s Yellow Fringe Knit Dress

Photo: @theprettymess

Originally posted at: Erika Girardi’s Black Belted Jumpsuit

There are many happy grandmothers about. I know; I am one of them. We play with the kids, we bore our friends by talking about how wonderful they are, and we generally feel very pleased with the way grandchildren have enhanced our lives.

But what about the unhappy grandmothers? Those who cannot see their grandchildren much – or at all. Those for whom the occasional visit is a painful experience due to complex family relationships. Let us pause for a moment and think about them. Perhaps you are one of them.

Distant Grandchildren

The least complicated scenario is where the grandchildren live far away. People are so mobile nowadays, they think nothing of traversing a continent for a new or better job. This leaves a lot of bereft grandmothers. Women in California whose grandchildren are in New England, women in London whose grandchildren are in Australia – it goes on and on.

Of course, there is Zoom and all the equivalent apps that allow us to see the grandchildren grow from a distance. We can talk to them on a regular basis and keep up with their new pets or toys or hair styles. As discussed in more detail by grandmothers in my book, it is never the same as actually holding them in our arms.

And then we can travel to see them or vice versa. Airports are full of eager older people, often women, clutching presents on the way out and holding back tears on the way home. It will ever be so.

Difficult Families

A more difficult case is where families are in a state of conflict for immediate or past wrongs and the grandmothers are not welcomed. Sometimes, they can visit but only occasionally or under very specific conditions. Sometimes they are refused access completely, such as when there has been an acrimonious separation or divorce.

It may also be the case that you can visit, but it is painful to do so because your son or daughter’s marital relationship is so difficult that being around them is highly unpleasant. You want to go, but you don’t enjoy the time there due to bickering or uneasy silences. How can you enjoy the grandchildren in such circumstances?

Overworked Grandmothers

There is yet another scenario where grandmothers have taken on a great deal of childcare and find it difficult to manage. With too much access, rather than too little, this is a different situation altogether and requires a post all of its own.

Ways Forward

I wish I could offer easy solutions. I wish I could make relationships easier, whether people live close or far. All I can say here is that, whatever the difficulties of your circumstances, you are not alone. There are many others living with similar pain and some organisations committed to helping you. It is well worth checking what is available near where you live.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you live very distant from your grandchildren? Do you have family problems limiting your access to your grandchildren? What do you do to cope? Please share your thoughts and experiences with the Sixty and Me community.

Oh, blissful retirement! Is it a reality or is it a myth?

You planned it all out – endless vacations, hobbies you finally have time for, and no alarms ringing at the crack of dawn. And voila! You finally retire!

But instead of relaxation and joy, you find restlessness and boredom knocking on your door. Or, you may have just discovered that the retirement savings weren’t enough to sustain the lifestyle you dreamed of. Or worse still, you might be missing the routine workplace hustle, the purpose, the morning coffee interactions.

If any of these signs are squeaking louder for your attention, you may have fallen into the quirky category of ‘Failed Retiree’.

Fear not, you’re not alone, and it’s not as dire as it sounds. It’s merely an inner alarm sounding off, telling you it’s time for…

Retirement: Take 2!

Kind of like a do-over, Retirement: Take 2! is where you reintroduce elements of work, social interaction, or new habits to create your version of retirement.

To assist you on your new, exciting journey, I’ve got 5 fun and profitable business ideas for your consideration. Use these to get your own creative juices flowing, or grab one and take it for a spin.

What Makes These 5 Business Ideas Fitting for Failed Retirees?

I’m glad you asked! A few reasons:

They’re Unique

I put a lot of thought, marketing insight and even some brand brainstorming into each of these business ideas – by standing in your shoes.

They’re Profitable

Each of these business ideas meets my criteria for being specific, practical, and – cha-ching! – profitable.

They’re Flexible

One thing’s for sure: you don’t want to be chained to a desk all the livelong day, now that you’ve graduated to retirement!

They’re Enjoyable

Whether it’s teaming up with friends or getting in steps with a furry companion, supporting local businesses or meeting new people, these ideas pull together other enjoyable aspects of daily life.

And finally, for each of these business ideas, you’ll find resources such as articles and online courses to expand your knowledge and training, along with marketing tips to make your business stand out as THE best choice in the crowd.

Now let’s dive in!

Idea 1: Virtual Marketing Assistant for Life Coaches

The coaching industry exploded over the last 10 years, with approximately 23,000 certified life coaches in the US today.

New coaches in particular need help promoting their services and growing their client base. As a virtual marketing assistant, your job is to execute the marketing plan, not devise one. So pressure’s off there!

The most effective digital marketing activities for coaches include email marketing, guest blogging and social media marketing. These tasks also happen to be time-consuming, and not so easy to outsource.

By specializing in marketing services tailored specifically to coaches, you can position yourself as an expert in this niche yet sizable market and attract clients who need a reliable, skilled and resourceful marketing VA.

Resources

To get acquainted with the terrain, I recommend Coach Pony’s free Couch Training guide.

For free online training, check out The Virtual Savvy.

Marketing Tips

• Offer three distinct service packages tailored to new coaches and spell out exactly what each package delivers.
• Consider offering a free sample of work needed (within reason – keep it under a couple hours of your time) to showcase your value and build trust with potential clients.
• Develop relationships with coaching organizations or associations to increase referrals and build trust.
• To reach a wider audience of coaches, run a sponsored ad on LinkedIn. I recommend a video that shows you talking about your services, and how you can help.

Idea 2: Nonprofit Multitasking Extraordinaire

Sure, you could market yourself as an “admin assistant” or “operations manager.” But a multitasking extraordinaire? Now we’ve got a real picture of who you are and what you’re capable of! This is a great example of shining your own beacon of professional light in a sea of so-so sounding prospects.

I’ve worked with a couple nonprofits myself and can attest to the fact that multitaskers are deeply appreciated. Throw in “resourceful, creative problem-solving, passionate team-player” and you’re really speaking their language!

Resources

Since many nonprofits are funded by memberships and donations, I recommend getting acquainted with popular membership management platforms such as MemberClicks, Classy and Wild Apricot. Try a demo or free trial to get familiar with this type of software.

Read up on all-things-relevant to nonprofits. For example, Wild Apricot’s blog is brimming with resources on marketing, organizational management, and fundraising ideas.

Marketing Tips

I recommend these two simple steps for landing a client or two:

Research Nonprofits You Want to Work for

You may already have an idea, but also check out sites like Charity Navigator and VolunteerMatch as well as local or smaller nonprofits that might not make these lists.

Write a Warm Outreach Email to Each One

Mention why you’re reaching out and detail a few ways you could help. Be totally honest – even mention you’re a “failed retiree” and want to put your skills and passion to use, but only for the right organization. Keep it short, and personable. Follow up in two to three days.

You might be thinking… Hey, wait a minute. This sounds like a job I’m applying for. But it’s not – it’s a service you’re offering. It’s up to you whether you call yourself a freelancer or a business owner (they’re really one and the same) and ultimately, you need clients to be in business, right?

Idea 3: Financial Advocate for Seniors

I just heard another – YET ANOTHER – story in the news about senior fraud.

You know this already – older adults are especially vulnerable to scams. In fact, over a quarter of financial fraud victims are over 60, according to the FTC. Coupled with that, seniors often struggle with managing their finances and navigating the complex world of retirement planning.

Here’s where you can help – not as a financial advisor (unless you hold the proper credentials, of course!) but as a financial advocate, someone who is chosen to manage money matters, such as paying bills, managing property, and handling taxes. A financial advocate may be a paid professional, or a trusted friend or relative.

Resources

For this idea, I recommend exploring the National Counsel on Aging: Connect, You can become a facilitator using toolkits and guides offered here. For example:

• Savvy Saving Seniors® Steps to Avoid Scams Toolkit
• Savvy Saving Seniors® Becoming Resource-FULL Toolkit

Khan Academy’s Financial Literacy also offers life skills on detecting scams and fraud.

Marketing Tips

• Consider the outcomes you want to help seniors and their families achieve, such as peace of mind, along with financial wellbeing, safety and security. List all the ways you can deliver these outcomes, in both group and one-on-one roles.
• Network with local senior centers, retirement communities, and organizations catering to seniors.
• To establish yourself as a compassionate and skilled resource, offer free informational seminars or workshops that include takeaways on how to identify fraudulent calls, emails and text messages.
• Network with other professionals like estate planners or elder law attorneys.

Idea 4: Dog Walking: Fitness and Fun, Rolled into One!

If you live in a dog-friendly neighborhood like I do, you’re basically surrounded by potential furry clients!

And, if the idea of getting dragged through the hills with a Rottweiler isn’t your cup of tea, you can be choosy. Want to be an exclusive walker of lapdogs? Anything is possible.

Resources

While many cities don’t require any special license or permit to walk dogs, you’ll want to check with your city or county for local license requirements.

Consider taking a First Aid Class for pets. The Red Cross offers this class online ($25). Try Googling “pet first aid and CPR class near me” to find other training options – preferably in person so you can ask questions, meet others and network!

Marketing Tips

• Since this is a hyperlocal kind of business, you needn’t market your services any farther than you’re willing to go. Posting at grocery stores, pet shops and dog parks (if allowed) in the neighborhood can get the word out effectively.
• If ever there was a perfect website for those seeking a trusted local to walk the dog, it’s Nextdoor.com. You can even start by searching “dog walker” and responding to people looking for your services.
• Try offering your services on Craigslist if you’d like to cast a wider net.
• To boost your income potential, consider offering additional services like house sitting and doggy daycare. We’ve hired an actual babysitter off of Care.com to watch our pup while away at the beach. I’m guessing ours isn’t the only pup with a severe case of separation anxiety who needs this kind of attention!

Idea 5: Local, Caring Customer Service

Ah. Remember the days when you called customer service and someone actually picked up the phone?

I predict a return to those days. Maybe not for the Comcasts and the Verizons of the world, but for local businesses that want happy, repeat customers. Well, YOU can be that service!

This is a slightly less flexible business idea, assuming your services would be needed during normal business hours. But it’s certainly a “work from home” option, and if you team up with a couple friends, you can alternate shifts, and maybe even build a fun and lucrative business together.

And just remember, you offer clients something the competition simply cannot: friendly, personalized answering services by and for locals!

Resources

Here’s a great article by Grasshopper, a virtual phone software.

If you’re less interested in running your own business, check out openings at Back Office Betties, ReceptionHQ, and my personal favorite, Ruby.

Marketing Tips

Identify real businesses in your area you’d like to serve. Those that risk losing business without a live receptionist include: home improvement and repair companies (roofers, plumbers), lawyers, veterinarians, and health and wellness services.

Become knowledgeable in these specific businesses by visiting their websites (and their competition) so you can “speak their language.” Look at their Yelp pages to see what customers like (and dislike!).

List all the benefits these businesses will get from your services. These might include increased aquisition and retention, more positive online reviews, and peace of mind knowing they’ve got the phones covered – especially during busy hours, lunchtime, and possibly after-hours and weekends.

Once you land an interview, ask for specific details on how you can help improve customer acquisition and retention. For example, do they need someone to make outgoing calls, for a friendly check-in? Come up with your own ideas to share.

Final Thoughts

Remember, You’re in Good Company

More and more individuals are opting out of traditional retirement and embracing what some call “encore entrepreneurship.” I just love this description, don’t you?

And, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, a significant number of Americans between the ages of 55 and 74 started new businesses in recent years, driven by a desire to make a difference or build wealth.

Inspiration Is Around Every Corner

I love reading about business success stories – especially deeper dives on how they did it. Here are three women who prove that starting a fresh business venture is possible at any age:

• Janice Lennard, at the age of 72, started her own brand, Janice Lennard Yoga. She promotes and provides classes for maintaining physical and mental well-being through yoga, Pilates, and ballet.
• Roberta Kagan decided to become a self-published author in her early 60s. She started her own company, Roberta Kagan Books, and became famous for writing historical fiction and romance novels.
• Judy Gross founded LightHeart Gear, a company that designs and manufactures lightweight, durable camping gear, at the age of 60. She turned her love for sewing and outdoor adventure into a successful business.

Looking for More Business Ideas?

If none of these five ideas float your boat, consider how your hobbies or passions might transform into potential business opportunities. Are there any other business ideas you’ve had and want to revisit? You may also like to check out my megalist of 81 Business Ideas.

Remember, Retirement: Take 2! is an opportunity to explore, innovate, and contribute in ways you might never have imagined.

Also read 8 IN-DEMAND WORK-FROM-HOME ONLINE JOBS FOR OLDER WOMEN.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you consider yourself a failed retiree? How are you dealing with that? Is Retirement: Take 2! On your radar? What’s your next big idea? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!