[For Seniors] Craft Ideas Recommended for New Year’s and the New Year

New Year’s fan decoration

[Craft Idea] New Year Decorations: Fan Wall Hanging (December/January) (Wall Decorations) (Recreation for Seniors, Occupational Therapy OT, Day Service, Early Childhood Education) (Origami DIY) (Creative Activity, Psychiatric Recreation)

This is a festive, auspicious decoration that uses a large fan as the base and arranges various New Year–themed motifs on it.

The fan serving as the base is a simple one made by accordion-folding washi-patterned origami, with the ends secured firmly to accentuate its gently spreading shape.

After that, just place items like cranes, ornamental cabbages, and sasanqua camellias to finish it off.

Aim for an auspicious look while keeping color balance and a sense of depth in mind.

The fun part is choosing the overall colors and motifs and deciding how to arrange them in your own way.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

shimenawa (sacred Shinto rope)

Paper Cord: How to Make the Base for a New Year’s Shimenawa Wreath Decoration

Making shimenawa is exciting, isn’t it? It’s perfect for New Year preparations.

You can easily make a lovely shimenawa using paper cord.

Twist the brown cord into a spiral, form it into a ring, and add any decorations you like.

Since it uses fine motor skills, it also helps stimulate the brain.

It’s wonderful to enjoy crafting together in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Older adults can take it slow and start with whatever they can do—no problem.

Let’s enjoy getting ready to welcome the New Year with a one-of-a-kind, original shimenawa.

Camellia New Year decoration

Easy New Year’s camellia decoration made of paper (with audio commentary) — Easy camellia flower paper craft.

Camellias, which bloom in the season of waiting for spring, keep their leaves lush and green even through winter and are known as flowers of longevity and good fortune.

So why not try making a camellia using brightly colored construction paper? First, cut out five circles.

Make a slit to about one-third of the diameter, and cut the opposite side into a heart-like shape.

If you wrap the paper around something like chopsticks, it will look like real petals.

Create the center with yellow paper and the leaves with green paper, and you’ll have a beautiful camellia.

There aren’t any particularly complicated steps, so feel free to give it a try.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

Zodiac ornament

[Year of the Dragon Craft] How to Make a Dragon with a Paper Cup [Easy]

How about making cute zodiac animals out of paper cups? Since they’re made of paper, it’s easy to glue on decorations made from colored construction paper or origami, and you can cut and paste without any hassle.

Start by attaching construction paper to the paper cup.

Be sure to cut the construction paper to fit the size of the cup.

For example, if you’re making a rabbit, you can insert ears made from colored paper, or if you’re making a dragon, you can insert straws to make horns—have fun trying all kinds of variations!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

Daruma made from a milk carton

[Elderly Recreation] Easy New Year’s Craft: Daruma Decoration [Making/Handicraft]

How about making a daruma doll out of a milk carton? The materials are all easy to find, and preparation is simple.

If you use colorful tissue paper, you’ll end up with a very cute daruma.

It’s also fun to adapt it to the zodiac of the year.

Since it uses fine motor skills, it helps build concentration.

Choosing colors and adding decorations is a great way to spark creativity, too.

Once it’s finished, display it in your room—it will surely make a lovely New Year’s decoration.

It’s also great to make together with everyone.

Why not spend some craft time that brings smiles to everyone’s faces?

A spinning top made from a milk carton

"牛乳パックでこまをつくろう" → "Let's make spinning tops from milk cartons!"

Making spinning tops with milk cartons is highly recommended! It’s easy, yet you can create pieces full of originality.

Just punch a hole in the bottom of a milk carton and use a toothpick as the axle, and the base of your top is ready in no time.

You can enjoy decorating the surface by drawing patterns with pens or adding masking tape and stickers.

Older adults can keep their hands active while fully expressing their creativity.

If everyone holds a spinning-top contest with their finished tops, you’re sure to have a great time.

It’s a perfect craft for the festive New Year season—give it a try!

ema (votive wooden plaque)

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

Making ema plaques sounds wonderful.

Cut cardboard or thick paper into a pentagon and draw your favorite designs on the front.

Adding origami cranes or daruma dolls is a nice touch, too.

New Year’s decorations will help create a festive atmosphere.

How about writing your New Year’s resolutions or wishes on the back? Preparing a sample first will make it easier for older adults to participate.

Let’s welcome the New Year with handmade ema.

May all your wishes come true.