[Day Service] Setsubun decorations that bring smiles. Ideas for enjoying them with a variety of materials.
As Setsubun approaches, it’s fun to decorate the day-service space.
There are many hands-on projects that let you feel the season, such as 3D rolled sushi (ehomaki) made from origami, egg-shaped red oni, vibrant oni crafted with tsumami-zaiku, and hanging ball ornaments (temari) using chirimen fabric.
You can also recreate the traditional holly-and-sardine (hiiragi iwashi) custom with origami or make tabletop decorations with paper clay—there are endless ways to express yourself.
The conversations that naturally arise while crafting together create warm, heartwarming moments.
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[Day Service] Setsubun decorations that make you smile. Ideas for enjoying them with a variety of materials (31–40)
Otafuku Decorations: Setsubun Crafts
Here’s an idea for making an Otafuku (Okame) face using origami.
Use origami paper to create the hair, cheeks, and a floral hair ornament, then glue them onto a backing sheet.
Finish by drawing the eyes and mouth with a pen.
The key point of this idea is to lightly sketch each part on the origami first and then tear the shapes by hand instead of cutting them with scissors.
This gives the piece a warm, handcrafted feel.
For the floral hair ornament, use origami with traditional Japanese patterns to make it look festive.
You can also write a seasonal phrase like “God of Good Fortune” on the backing to match Setsubun.
Oni made easily with felt
Why not try making a cute oni (demon) mascot with felt? Use a toilet paper roll cut to a length of 6.5 cm as the base, representing the pants on the lower half and the face on the upper half.
For the pants, first cover the entire lower half with yellow felt, then twist and glue three band-shaped felt pieces—yellow and brown strips that you’ve cut and joined—around it.
For the face, attach red felt and glue yarn along the top edge to make the hair, then add pearl stickers for the eyes and cheeks.
Finally, attach felt triangles as horns, and it’s complete!
Mini shikishi decorations for Setsubun from the 100-yen shop
This is a wall decoration themed around the oni (ogres) that appear in Setsubun, a traditional Japanese seasonal event.
Why not make a seasonal decoration using items you can buy at a 100-yen shop? Create the oni’s facial parts from construction paper and attach a soft string to both sides of the assembled face.
Represent the beans using Lezac paper or colored paper, adhere them to mini square boards, then use double-sided tape to add the oni parts as decorations.
Scatter beans and other elements used in oni-chasing scenes across the boards, attach a ribbon at the top, and it’s complete.
Working on these detailed steps also helps train fine motor skills by engaging your fingertips.
Recommended for class activities! Draw your favorite demon
When you think of events in February, Setsubun probably comes to mind.
And when you think of Setsubun, you think of oni (ogres).
How about making unique oni crafts as a recreation activity? Staff can prepare the base parts in advance, such as the oni’s face, horns, and hair.
The rest can be drawn or decorated by the seniors, resulting in oni full of each person’s creativity.
Oni with one or two horns, or even a one-eyed oni—each one uniquely made by the participants.
When these oni are displayed on the facility walls and brighten up the rooms, some seniors may feel the season and grow fond of them.
It’s a project that enhances the Setsubun spirit and brings enjoyment.
Setsubun decorations made with cardstock and yarn
For seniors who were good at arts and crafts in elementary school, we recommend this: “Setsubun decorations made with cardboard and yarn.” Some might worry, saying, “Even if I was good at it, that was ages ago…” but don’t worry—your hands will remember the feeling! Cut thick paper into the shape of an oni (demon) and stick felt onto it.
Then just decorate it with yarn, beads, glitter, and vinyl tape.
It’s even more fun when everyone gathers to make them together, so I think it’s a great idea to suggest for events where lots of people come together!
[Day Service] Setsubun decorations that make you smile. Introducing ideas to enjoy with a variety of materials (41–50)
Setsubun crafts using a milk carton and origami
This is a small container decorated with a cute ogre (oni) mascot made by combining a milk carton and origami.
Since it’s a box inspired by Setsubun, putting roasted soybeans inside would enhance the atmosphere.
Cut off the bottom of the milk carton, wrap it with origami and glue it on to make the base, then create the mascot and attach it.
If you assemble an oni from cut parts, it’s quick and easy; if you attach an oni made from a single sheet of origami, you can enjoy a more three-dimensional look.
It’s important to balance the color of the base with the color of the oni you attach.
Setsubun wreath with an oni (ogre) and an okame (folk mask)
During the cold winter months, you’ll likely spend more time enjoying crafts indoors.
Here’s a recommended wreath that lets you soak up the Setsubun atmosphere.
All you need is origami paper, so why not incorporate it into craft activities at your day service? The wreath base is made by creating several parts and assembling them.
By changing the colors and patterns of the parts, you can completely transform the look of the wreath—give it a try! The oni (ogre) and okame (traditional female mask) can also be made with simple folds.
Adding these instantly brings out the Setsubun vibe.
It’s perfect to take home and display in a room or by the entrance, and it also makes a delightful gift.
