[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] Make a wish. Handmade ema (votive plaques) ideas using various materials (31–40)
Ema made from wood-grain origami
How about making a simple and cute ema (votive plaque) out of origami? This video shows a very easy ema you can make with a single sheet of origami paper.
Using light brown, ochre, or wood-grain patterned paper will make it look even more like a real ema, so it’s recommended.
The channel also features many tutorials for folding cranes, daruma, and New Year’s decorations, so be sure to check them out.
You could also have seniors each make one, then string them together like a garland for decoration.
Enjoy a fun craft activity while chatting about last year’s events and hopes for the year ahead.
If you make your ema with care, your wishes are sure to come true!
Ema plaques you can enjoy with cardboard patterns
Let’s use the distinctive hollow structure along the edges of corrugated cardboard to decorate ema plaques like stamps.
Roll the cardboard into tubes or fold it into triangles—shape it so the edges are exposed—then ink those edges and press them onto the ema base.
Because the material is soft, you can’t get perfectly precise straight or curved lines, but that imperfection adds warmth to the design.
It’s also worth noting that you can create originality through color combinations, such as which color you use for the base and which colors you use for the stamping.
Cute ema (votive plaque) made with construction paper
Why not try making a cute ema (wish plaque) with construction paper? In this video, you’ll learn how to make a slightly larger ema using construction paper.
First, make the ema with two shades of brown paper, then paste on cutouts of Mt.
Fuji, the zodiac animal, and plum blossoms.
If you’re using this as a recreation activity in a senior facility, it’s helpful to assign roles: have those who are good with scissors do the cutting, those who are good with glue do the pasting, and those with nice handwriting write the wishes.
Creating roles allows each person to use their strengths and can foster a sense of purpose.
Identify what each person is good at and encourage them to give it a try!
Easy felt ema (votive plaque)
Let us introduce these cute, compact little ema keychains.
All you need is felt and sewing thread.
Many older adults are skilled at sewing, so this is a perfect crafting idea for them! It seems the lettering is done with iron-on transfer sheets.
Of course, embroidery with thread works too! For those who aren’t comfortable with sewing, you can have them draw the motif as an illustration, and staff can make the keychains and present them as gifts.
A heartfelt present will surely remain in the hearts of older adults as a wonderful memory.
Simple ema
Here’s an introduction to an easy, handmade ema project that’s perfect for craft activities with seniors.
Prepare origami or construction paper in the color you want for the ema, and cut it into the shape of an ema plaque.
Using a woodgrain pattern makes it feel more authentic, while using traditional Japanese patterns makes it more festive—both are recommended.
Once you have the ema shape, write your wish and decorate it by drawing illustrations or adding stickers.
You can thread a string to hang it, or, as shown in the video, simply pin it to the wall with pushpins for a quick display.
Encourage each senior to create an ema that reflects their own preferred image, resulting in a collection of uniquely personal plaques!
For seniors: Filled with wishes. Introducing handmade ema (votive plaque) ideas using various materials (41–50)
Wall surface with ema (votive plaques)
How about a wall decoration featuring ema plaques, perfect for the New Year? This video offers free downloadable templates, so be sure to make use of them! Once you’ve cut out the parts following the templates, attach the pieces by referring to the video.
The flowers and pine shapes are wonderfully New Year-themed, aren’t they? Some people who spend long periods in facilities may find it hard to feel the changing seasons.
For older adults like them, create a wall display that brings the New Year atmosphere indoors, and enjoy a fun start to the year!
Ema message holder
When you think of New Year’s shrine visits, many people think of ema votive plaques.
Some of you may find it difficult to go out or visit a shrine as you get older.
For those folks, here’s a recommendation: an easy-to-make ema with a message, crafted from origami.
By drawing guide lines instead of making creases, the finished piece looks beautifully clean—that’s the key point! Let’s fold the ema and a daruma while watching the video.
Once you stick the daruma onto the ema with double-sided tape, it’s complete.
There’s a space on the back for a message, so it’s also lovely to tuck in a letter and give it as a gift.