Handmade Shikishi Ideas: Let’s Make Them with Seniors!

collage letters

Taught by an occupational therapist: Anyone can do it! How to make “collage letters” with simple scissor cuts [Chill Out with Crafts] #1

Are you familiar with collage lettering? It’s a craft where you cut out pieces from magazines, newspapers, or flyers into the shapes of characters and glue them onto a backing board.

Using colored paper as the backing makes the piece look more refined.

You can display it in your room, or give it as a gift to family or friends—they’re sure to be pleased.

Choose kanji that feel bright and hopeful, such as “福” (good fortune) or “夢” (dream).

It’s convenient to use kanji printed on paper.

Trace the kanji from the back with a pen and start attaching your chosen cutouts.

Cut out the kanji with scissors, paste it onto the colored paper, and you’re done.

The process is simple, but please provide support tailored to older adults when making it together.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Dandelion and Butterfly

Cute dandelions and butterflies made from simple paper: wall decorations (with audio commentary)

Let’s make a three-dimensional dandelion and butterfly using origami or construction paper.

The key to creating a 3D effect is to use chopsticks without sharp corners, like cooking chopsticks, to add curves.

Cut three circular pieces (large, medium, and small) with slits to form the petals.

Then curl the edges of the petals to give them a rounded shape.

Stack the petal pieces from largest to smallest to create a fluffy, dandelion-like bloom.

When you use your fingertips to shape and curve the petals, it can also help stimulate the brain.

Add leaves, a stem, and a butterfly to make a spring wall decoration.

You can also enjoy making seasonal displays by featuring flowers from each time of year.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

frame

[Origami] How to Make a Picture Frame / [Origami] How to Make a Small Picture Frame

Let us introduce an “origami frame” that also makes a lovely interior accent.

You’ll fold it from origami paper without using any glue.

First, cut the origami sheet in half, then fold the “borders” on each piece.

The steps are few and not complicated, but the key is to crease firmly.

Since this requires some strength, please check the condition of older adults and offer support if it seems difficult.

Stack the two pieces with folded borders to complete the frame.

You can display drawings you’ve made, favorite words, or photos of your grandchildren inside.

It’s also a great project to take home.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Collage of Pansies

With leftover calligraphy paper, make a pansy collage 🌸 Let’s make a pansy flower—create a three-dimensional wall decoration 🎶 @Collage

Let’s try making a collage using colored hanshi paper (the thin paper used for calligraphy).

Some senior centers may even have calligraphy time, right? This time, we’ll add color to hanshi with paint, cut it into flower shapes, and paste them onto a backing sheet.

Because you’ll be thinking about color and balance while arranging the pieces, it’s expected to stimulate the brain and help prevent cognitive decline.

Plus, by creating seasonal motifs like plants, it also helps foster a sense of time and season.

Collages have a different charm from pictures drawn with colored pencils or paints.

Enjoy the process—try creating pieces with a three-dimensional texture, too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Collage of “Leaves”

[Craft/DIY] Autumn Ginkgo Made with Easy Torn-Paper Collage

It’s a simple yet beautifully finished torn-paper collage.

First, prepare colored paper in various colors, tear it into as many tiny pieces as possible, and mix them well.

Next, draw a tree trunk on drawing paper and apply plenty of glue around it.

Finally, sprinkle the torn pieces from above, and you’ll have a lovely grove of trees.

It’s also nice that you can tailor it to the seasons: use soft colors that evoke cherry blossoms in spring, autumnal shades reminiscent of fallen leaves in fall, and scatter white origami from above in winter to suggest snow.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

Hina dolls

Fairly easy: a cute OHINASAMA made with origami (with audio commentary) — How to make a cute “OHINASAMA” with origami

Here’s an origami “Hina” (Hina dolls) craft perfect for the Doll’s Festival in March.

You’ll layer plain origami with floral or traditional Japanese-patterned paper as you make it.

These days, a variety of patterned origami is sold at 100-yen shops and similar stores, and the design you choose will change the overall feel.

If you prepare several different patterns before you start, you can create a piece with real personality.

There aren’t many folding steps; you’ll mainly glue the pieces of origami together.

Since you use your fingertips, it can also serve as brain training and fine motor practice.

The finished dolls are adorably rounded.

You can display them at your facility or take them home to decorate.

Give it a try for the Doll’s Festival!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

four-leaf clover

[Spring Kirigami] Easy way to cut a four-leaf clover from origami (with audio commentary) ☆ Origami Easy Way to Cut the Clover Tutorial / Tatsukuri

This is an origami “four-leaf clover” that evokes the freshness of spring.

Many older adults are familiar with four-leaf clovers, right? When it’s something familiar, it’s easier to make smoothly.

Another nice point is that there aren’t many folds, so it’s easy to remember.

After folding, you cut off the excess with scissors.

Please be careful when handling scissors.

Origami can be done while seated at a table, so you can make it while socializing with others.

Making many and decorating a wall is cute, and attaching them to a wreath or a backing to make bookmarks is also lovely.

Please use this as a reference for your craft activity sessions.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem