Retirement Hobbies: Pottery and Wall Paintings for Your New Home

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso It’s a grand quote and one that rings true. Routines can gather a little dust, especially when they lack a creative outlet. With so much of life moving online, it’s easy to fall out of practice with making things by hand. Now and then, we all need to tie our hair back, let the colours fly and feel new materials beneath our hands. Home crafts are a brilliant way to reignite your creative spark and nurture it regularly. There are countless options to explore, from air-dry clay pottery kits to adult paint-by-numbers and even stained-glass craft sets. You don’t need to be an artist in residence to begin, just willing to get your hands a little clay-covered or your fingertips a touch technicoloured. Here are some easy craft activities you can try from the comfort of your retirement home.

Beginner-friendly craft activities for retirees

Air-dry clay pottery

There’s a uniquely personal touch that only handmade pottery can bring to your home. Try crafting a set of espresso cups, a festive Christmas candle holder, or a simple coaster set. Drinking your first coffee of the day from your own creation or placing that evening glass of wine on a coaster you’ve decorated will make the experience extra special. What’s more, working with clay is an effective way to keep your hands moving and those fine motor skills sharp. Unsure where to begin? Brands such as Sculp’d offer beginner-friendly pottery kits that make getting started easy. Each kit includes paints, tools and everything else you need to bring your sculpture to life. If you prefer to bargain hunt and choose each material yourself, craft stores like Hobbycraft and The Works carry all the individual supplies. In most cases, you'll need:

Air-dry clay
Clay modelling tools
An old sponge
Acrylic paint
Air-dry clay varnish or acrylic sealer (optional)
Wipe down table mats

If decorating a ready-made item is more your style, you can pick up plain crockery from most home decor stores or supermarkets. Grab a mug, bowl, or vase and enjoy painting it in any design you like.

Candle-making kits

Comforting smells are one of the most impactful ways to make a space feel like home. Everyone has a scent that sparks a memory, and the right fragrance can set the tone for any moment, whether you want romance, relaxation, or a boost of productivity. A warm, musky aroma is perfect for a cosy date night, creating an inviting autumnal atmosphere. Fresher scents such as lemon or lavender are ideal for daytime activities or unwinding with a good book. A simple way to create your own scented candles is to buy a beginner-friendly kit, like those from Cosy Owl. These sets provide everything you need, from the glass candle holder to the wax and wick.

Paint by numbers

You don’t need to be the next Da Vinci to create something beautiful worth hanging in your home. Just try a paint-by-numbers kit from a craft specialist like House Art UK. Paint-by-numbers is an accessible, low-maintenance way to step away from everyday routines and enjoy a calming, focused experience. All you have to do is choose a design you love, follow the instructions included in the kit and paint as neatly as you can within the lines.

Why home crafts are great retirement activities

Improving and maintaining your dexterity

As we grow older, activities that engage fine motor skills, such as wrist, thumb and finger movements, become increasingly important. Creative hobbies help maintain these abilities and can even support the management of certain health conditions, including early-stage Parkinson’s disease.

Boosting mental health and wellbeing

Research shows that taking part in arts and creative activities, especially in group settings, can significantly improve mental health in later life. These activities can reduce feelings of loneliness and help people build meaningful connections within their communities.

Encouraging creativity and self-expression

Creative projects provide an outlet to express yourself in new and fulfilling ways. One study exploring the impact of creative experiences on the brain found that regular engagement can help to slow down cognitive ageing, improve memory and reduce feelings of stress.

Crafts are low-maintenance and flexible

Craft hobbies are easy to pick up and put down whenever it suits you, as you don’t need to finish a project in one go. You can return to it when inspiration strikes and pause whenever life gets busy, whether you’re welcoming family or heading out with friends.

Adding a personal touch to your retirement home

When you finish a craft you love, you gain a unique addition to your home that feels special because you created it yourself. It's a meaningful way to personalise your Churchill retirement home.

Making thoughtful gifts for family and friends

Handmade items carry sentimental value. A painted wall hanging, a crafted ornament, or a mug you've designed becomes a heartfelt gift because of the time and care you put into it.

Helping you form a creative community in your retirement village

Moving into one of our retirement communities opens the door to new friendships. Craft projects are a natural conversation starter if you bump into neighbours in the Owner’s Lounge, and an enjoyable activity to share with friends if you want to host an activity. Painting, pottery and DIY crafts are perfect for having friends over while you enjoy a coffee (or a glass of wine).

Most importantly, they’re fun!

Above all, crafting is enjoyable. It offers a fresh source of fulfilment and the chance to try something new. If you're curious, give it a go and see where your creative journey leads.

Explore other retirement activities you can enjoy with Churchill Living

At your retirement home with Churchill Living, you can enjoy a calendar of resident events all year-round. So, whether you prefer developing your hobbies in the privacy of your apartment or getting involved in community activities, you can spend your time, your way. To find out what’s on near you, contact us today.