[For Seniors] Filled with wishes: Handmade ema plaque ideas using a variety of materials
Ema plaques made with heartfelt wishes for the New Year are a comforting seasonal activity.
There are many ways to make them—from simple versions using origami or construction paper, to creative crafts using items like coffee filters or interlocking foam mats, and even clever designs that double as small gift envelopes.
As you work with your hands and add motifs of the zodiac or lucky charms, conversation flows naturally and smiles appear.
Why not enjoy making a one-of-a-kind, original ema while sharing your resolutions for the year?
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[For Seniors] Filled with Wishes: Handmade Ema (Votive Plaque) Ideas Using Various Materials (1–10)
Ema-style message card
Let’s make ema message plaques that can also be used as wall decorations.
Cut the base for the message card—or thick paper or drawing paper—into the shape of an ema.
Ask the seniors to draw illustrations of the zodiac animals or write messages on them.
It’s a great way for their individuality to shine through.
Some may even create them for their family members they live with or for their grandchildren.
The cute finished ema pieces are sure to bring smiles to the seniors’ faces.
Using colored paper to make the ema will give the work a different feel and atmosphere, too.
A Japanese-style ema (votive plaque) New Year illustration
@user346911418193 Hello everyone! ✨ This is Day Service Sukoyaka. This time, we made ema (votive plaques) to prepare for the New Year!#Production videoWelfare facilityKodomoen (combined childcare and kindergarten)#Kindergarten#Nursery schoolnursery schooldrawing paperI tried making it with construction paperKirie (paper-cut art)Work submission#Day Service SukoyakaTranslationElderly care facility#ChristmasEma (wooden votive plaque)Ema makingUsa Jingu ShrineJingu (Shinto shrine)Shinto ShrineInvite good fortunePrayerWishRecreationDay-service recreation#SimpleRecSmall groupLarge groupEma Artwork#Ema ProductionMust-see imitationEvent IntroductionEvent
♬ New Year song “New Year” (koto) – Shinonome
These are unique ema plaques decorated with New Year’s illustrations.
Use free images from the internet to gather illustrations like kites, kagami mochi, and the zodiac animal.
Paste them onto an ema-shaped backing covered with washi-patterned origami paper, then add messages such as wishing for an energetic year or good health to finish.
They’re easy to make and simple to prepare, so they’re perfect for a craft activity during the busy New Year period.
It’s also lovely to display ema made by seniors on the room’s wall.
The process of creating the pieces and seeing the finished works may help seniors recognize and feel that the New Year has arrived.
resin ema (shrine votive plaque made with resin)
https://www.tiktok.com/@otsuko025_02pop/video/7325357335755443457You can make authentic ema (votive plaque) pieces using resin that hardens.
UV resin that cures in just a few minutes is recommended.
Pour resin into an ema mold, add pearls or beads, and cure it to create the piece.
Because the resin hardens quickly, older adults are likely to enjoy making it, too.
It might be nice to add a New Year’s message.
You’ll end up with a transparent, sparkly ema.
You can attach hardware to turn it into a keychain, or enjoy arranging it as a bag charm.
[For Older Adults] With Wishes in Mind: Handmade Ema Ideas Using Various Materials (11–20)
Simple Origami Ema (votive plaque)
@user2612084757239 [Origami] Easy ⭐︎ How to Fold an Ema (votive plaque)OrigamiTranslationEma (wooden votive plaque)origamiDarumaMt. Fuji
♪ Original Song – Moomin – Moomin
Many older adults enjoy or are skilled at origami, don’t they? If you make ema (votive plaques) out of folded paper, those seniors are likely to be satisfied as well.
Once you fold the ema shape, fold your preferred parts—such as the zodiac animal, Mount Fuji, or the first sunrise of the year—and attach them.
There are many New Year–themed projects with simple steps that are easy to make, so it could be fun to look for them together with seniors.
While making the ema, some people may also find themselves reminiscing about New Year’s episodes and memories they once shared with their families.
New Year’s day care: Ema (votive plaque) making
You can also feel a sense of cuteness from ema plaques decorated with the zodiac animals.
Let’s attach zodiac animals, pine needles, bamboo leaves, plum blossoms, and other pieces to the ema backing.
Place the zodiac animal wherever you like, and it’s done.
If you bundle the backing and the parts to be attached—such as the zodiac pieces—together in a bag and hand them to seniors, it might make the craft easier for them.
Making this set together during a year-end craft activity with seniors also sounds fun.
Add a New Year-style message, such as your resolutions or wishes for the year, and it’s complete.
How to make an easy origami ema (votive plaque)
Origami involves extensive use of the fingertips and helps stimulate the brain, so I imagine many senior care facilities incorporate it.
It also trains fine motor skills and concentration.
Ema (votive plaques) made with origami are perfect for January, making them a great recommendation for origami activities with older adults.
Let’s fold while creasing carefully to create the piece.
If the steps are simple, many seniors will likely be able to participate.
Enjoy adding your own touches, such as writing messages or decorating with New Year-themed stickers.
Shimenawa with an ema (votive plaque) attached
When New Year’s comes around, many households put up shimenawa decorations.
It would be lovely to display a handmade shimenawa along with ema plaques.
You can make them using craft paper or origami.
Using items from a 100-yen shop makes it easy to gather supplies.
Roll craft paper into a coil to form a ring and create the shimenawa.
Some older adults may have made shimenawa at home using straw and fruit.
Talking about shimenawa might spark conversation and help people connect.
Make plum blossoms, pine needles, and a folding fan to decorate the shimenawa.
Add a handmade ema, and it’s complete.