For Seniors: Auspicious Handmade Zodiac Ornament Craft Ideas
The Chinese zodiac changes every year, and figurines of that year’s zodiac animal are considered lucky charms.
It’s said that if you display them in your entryway, living room, or household shrine, they will protect your home for a year.
In this article, we introduce handmade zodiac decoration craft ideas tailored for older adults!
The look and feel change depending on the materials you use, so choose your favorite based on what makes you think, “I’d love to display this at home—it’s lovely.”
Try making this year’s zodiac figurine together with everyone at a day service or other care facility!
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For Seniors: Auspicious! Handmade Zodiac Ornament Craft Ideas (11–20)
ema (votive wooden plaque)
Ema are wooden plaques you dedicate at temples when making a wish.
An ornament inspired by these ema, featuring the zodiac, is a great idea to try at day service centers and other care facilities.
Fold a sheet of construction paper in half, draw a slanted line, cut along it, then open it back up—this makes an easy ema shape.
To finish, make the parts for the zodiac animal you want—ears, whiskers, and so on—in different colors, and glue them on.
It’s also fun to make lots of them and hang them on the wall with string as decorations.
amigurumi
How about making zodiac decorations by knitting with yarn? This method involves fine hand movements, which can help with brain training for seniors.
In particular, crochet projects are easy to try, so even those who aren’t confident with knitting can feel at ease.
They’re also quite safe, making injuries less likely for older adults.
If you combine a few yarn colors that match the zodiac animal of the year, the result will look more polished—so try getting creative from the material selection stage.
Their cute appearance also makes them great gifts for your grandchildren!
Wool Felt Zodiac Ornament
These are zodiac ornaments made from wool felt.
Many videos explain how to make them using needle felting—a technique where you shape the wool by tangling fibers with a special tool called a needle, which is ideal for creating three-dimensional pieces.
It’s also nice that it requires few tools and doesn’t take up much space.
You might find yourself absorbed in the process of building the form, using both the needle for adjustments and the feel of your hands.
Please be careful while working, as the needle tips are sharp.
Zodiac-themed Kagami Mochi
The zodiac decoration inspired by kagami mochi is very unique, so I highly recommend it.
All you need is colored construction paper.
First, crumple white paper into two balls—one large and one small—to make the mochi shapes.
Next, roll orange paper into a ball and cut green paper into a leaf shape, then combine them to make a tangerine.
Finally, stack each piece vertically and draw the face of the zodiac animal—then you’re done! If it turns out cute, it would be nice to display it at the entrance.
Oshie (pressed-relief picture)
Ornaments of the twelve zodiac animals made with oshie—a traditional Japanese handicraft—are also recommended.
Kits are available, but since there’s no sewing involved, such as needles or thread, it’s relatively approachable to make from scratch.
You attach cotton to thick paper with an outline sketch, wrap it with fabric, and glue the pieces together.
When cutting, it’s easier if you apply a small amount of adhesive to the backing paper to hold the fabric in place.
Using patterned fabrics to make it more festive could bring good fortune throughout the year.
Whether flat or plump with a three-dimensional feel, the result will surely become something you grow fond of!
origami horse zodiac
One of the twelve zodiac signs, the Horse (Uma).
Let’s fold a horse out of origami to welcome the New Year.
Using washi-patterned or double-sided origami paper makes it look very festive.
In this video, hand-dyed yuzen paper is used.
Fold with the patterned side on the outside.
Pay attention to making clean, sharp corners—the neater the folds, the better the final result.
The section that becomes the face involves a 3D fold and takes a bit of practice, but the challenge makes finishing it all the more rewarding.
How about enjoying some conversation with friends or family as you get started on New Year’s preparations?
[For Seniors] Lucky Charms! Handmade Zodiac Ornament Craft Ideas (21–30)
sock doll
These zodiac ornaments are made using kids’ socks as the base—easy to find at 100-yen stores like Daiso.
The soft, fluffy texture gives them a warm, soothing feel.
Among the zodiac animals, cute ones like rabbits and dogs are especially recommended.
You add small pellet beads as weights inside, so the ornaments are nice and stable.
Their three-dimensional, plush-like coziness is sure to delight your grandchildren, too.
It’s hand-stitched, but fairly authentic as a handmade project, so take your time and enjoy the challenge.