[For Seniors] Let’s Make New Year Decorations by Hand! A Collection of Easy Ideas Using Everyday Materials

red-and-white knot

Red-and-white knot ~ New Year’s decoration ~

Let’s make a red-and-white knot decoration that’s perfect for celebrating the New Year! First, create the fan components using origami.

Take red and white origami paper, accordion-fold them to make creases, then combine the pieces and secure the center with gold masking tape.

Next, tie a mizuhiki cord into a bow and attach it to the fan to finish.

Adding small bells to the ends of the mizuhiki will make it even more festive.

Since this can be made without using scissors or a craft knife, it’s a safe and approachable project for older adults as well.

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mutō

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ema (votive wooden plaque)

Easy 👍 Let's make an ema (votive plaque)!

Making ema plaques is a wonderful craft activity to enjoy with seniors.

Use cardboard or thick paper and draw any design you like.

Adding origami cranes or daruma dolls will give it an even stronger New Year feel.

You can also write your wishes on the back.

Having a sample ready makes it easier to get started.

Since it involves fine motor work, it’s good for rehabilitation and a nice chance to feel the season.

Let’s have fun creating together and get ready for the New Year.

With these unique ema plaques, the room is sure to feel brighter.

Flower arrangement in a masu box using artificial flowers

[100-Yen DIY] How to Make New Year’s Decorations: New Year Arrangement Using Artificial Flowers from DAISO and Seria – New Year Flower Box

Flower arrangements using artificial flowers are a fun craft that add a festive touch to the start of the New Year.

Since you can get all the materials at 100-yen shops, it’s easy to try, and unlike fresh flowers, they won’t wilt, so they’ll brighten up your room for a long time.

Using a masu (a traditional wooden measuring box) keeps the arrangement compact, saving space and creating a cute finish.

However, because a hot glue gun is used on the artificial flowers, it’s best for staff to provide support if making these in facilities such as care homes or community centers.

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Hoshino Takashi

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kagami mochi (traditional Japanese New Year rice cake decoration)

[100-Yen DIY] Too Easy! How to Make a Kagami Mochi Using Yarn Without Knitting / Handmade

How about making a traditional New Year’s kagami mochi decoration out of yarn? Its soft, gentle colors are perfect for creating a warm New Year atmosphere.

First, bundle the yarn into a snowman-like shape and secure it with a rubber band.

Make sure it doesn’t unravel by fastening it firmly with wire.

Next, thread a white wire from the top through to the bottom, wrap it at the base, and the main body is done.

Add decorations like flowers, leaves, and mizuhiki cords to complete a festive New Year’s ornament.

It’s an easy handmade project that also serves as finger exercise for older adults, so give it a try!

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mutō

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Kadomatsu wall decoration

Kimie Gangi New Year wall decoration: “Kadomatsu” #festive #luxurious #NewYear #January #wallDecor #seniorFacility

Kadomatsu are also displayed as markers to welcome the Toshigami (New Year deity) into the home.

As we ring in the New Year, let’s create festive decorations that pray for the health and longevity of older adults! Attach origami with a houndstooth pattern to the top and bottom of a nonwoven backing sheet.

Then, decorate with plum blossoms to add color to the houndstooth.

In the center of the backing, paste the character or animal of this year’s zodiac.

Next, arrange a splendid kadomatsu around the zodiac as the focal point.

If you’re good at flower arranging, trying your hand at making a kadomatsu is highly recommended.

How about having a group of seniors work together to complete a single piece?

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mutō

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Crane Wreath

[Origami] How to Make a Crane Wreath — A Festive Decoration or Gift for New Year’s, Respect-for-the-Aged Day, and More | Origami Crane Wreath Tutorial / fukuoriroom

This is a festive wreath perfect for the New Year, with eight cranes dancing.

Using rectangular origami paper, you’ll make parts while also folding individual cranes.

Combine the eight parts and, just in case, secure the back with masking tape to finish.

You’ll fold with the idea that one half of the rectangle becomes the crane and the other half becomes the wreath section, so it’s recommended for people who regularly enjoy origami or are good at folding cranes.

It also stimulates the brain by using your fingertips, making it great for brain training.

Since the work is a bit intricate, take your time and watch over the process gently.

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yuri

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Hagoita (decorative battledore)

[Craft Idea] Hagoita (Japanese battledore) decoration – Japanese Hagoita crafts (New Year, January, winter) (activities for seniors/day services) (preschool/educational) (creative occupational therapy) (wall decoration) (easy) (DIY)

Hagoita are one of the essential decorations for the New Year, aren’t they? Because they’re also used as equipment for hanetsuki, they’re a lucky charm beloved by people of all ages.

This is a craft inspired by hagoita that’s filled with well-wishes for the new year.

First, cut thick paper into the shape of a paddle and decorate it with Japanese-style chiyogami to create a sturdy, festive paddle.

Then use that as the base and attach decorations that evoke the New Year, and you’re done.

For colors, red and white or gold are classics, and motifs like fans and cranes are also standard.

It could be fun to incorporate mizuhiki cords or illustrations of the zodiac, too.

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kappamaki

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