[For Seniors] Craft Ideas Recommended for New Year’s and the New Year
In winter it’s cold and you tend to feel reluctant to do anything.
At times like that, try adding some fun, absorbing craft activities.
In this article, we’ll share New Year–themed craft ideas you can enjoy, perfect for the season.
New Year’s brings a festive image, and it’s the perfect time to make New Year decorations.
As a New Year craft activity, enjoy origami with auspicious motifs, or try making New Year decorations at the end of the year in preparation for the holiday.
Each idea is sure to result in a gorgeous, delightful creation!
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[For Seniors] Recommended New Year’s Craft Ideas (51–60)
Origami Shimenawa Wreath
Let’s make an original shimenawa New Year’s wreath using origami that parents and kids can enjoy together.
Prepare seven sheets of origami paper and fold the base parts.
The key is to align with the lines and make crisp creases as you fold.
After folding all seven the same way, connect them and assemble them into the round shimenawa shape.
For the top section, add creases to create a rope-like pattern and glue it together.
You can also crumple a piece of origami into a ball to make a cute tangerine (mikan) and attach it as a decoration.
New Year’s decoration with camellias and mizuhiki
Would you like to make an elegant New Year’s decoration using mizuhiki cords? First, thread your favorite beads onto three mizuhiki cords.
Glue the cords onto the backing paper in an S-shape, then decide where the beads should go and glue them in place as well.
In the remaining blank areas of the backing, arrange and glue felt pieces shaped like pine, bamboo, plum, and camellia, along with squares of washi paper with traditional patterns.
Once your design is set, attach the backing to a gold base, add a cord for hanging, and you’re done.
Using black backing paper will make the mizuhiki stand out beautifully.
Simple tissue paper shimenawa wreath
Shimenawa are often displayed as New Year approaches to ward off evil spirits and indicate a place to welcome the gods.
Prepare four sheets of crepe paper and glue the edges together.
Place folded tissue paper inside and roll it up to wrap it, which will give the shimenawa some thickness.
Twist it as you shape it into a loop.
For the mizuhiki cords, form loops in both large and small sizes, balancing their proportions as you go.
Make an Edo-uchi cord and attach the flowers, and it’s complete.
Create a handmade shimenawa and welcome a festive New Year.
About 30 cm! Large kadomatsu (New Year’s pine decoration)
Although it’s a size you can easily make at home, it has an impressive presence that instantly brings a festive New Year feel just by placing it on display! Because it faithfully reproduces traditional elements of a kadomatsu—like the bamboo-inspired sections, pine needles, and plum blossoms—placing it in an entryway or living room will greatly enhance the New Year atmosphere.
The creation process involves many hands-on tasks, which can help exercise your fingers and improve concentration.
Plus, if you make it together with family or friends, the conversation will flow naturally during the activity, making your New Year preparations even more enjoyable.
[For Seniors] Recommended Craft Ideas for New Year’s Holiday (61–70)
Shimenawa made of paper
For New Year’s, let’s try making a shimenawa decoration—often displayed at the front door—using only construction paper.
You’ll make the shimenawa base, camellias, plum blossoms, shide (paper streamers), and a fan.
Since templates are available for download, you can cut the listed parts from construction paper and assemble them by following the steps.
It’s best to place the template on the construction paper, staple it in place, and cut them together.
Add slits, fold along the creases in an accordion style, and enjoy the paper crafting process as you create it.
Making Kadomatsu out of construction paper
This craft project is appealing for its simplicity—you can make it almost entirely with construction paper.
Without any special materials, just by cutting, rolling, layering, and gluing colored paper, you can create a surprisingly authentic kadomatsu.
Preparation is easy, so it’s perfect for recreational activities or at-home craft time, and anyone can try it casually, which is a big plus.
The making process is fun and hands-on, and once you display the finished piece, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and growing excitement for the New Year.
It’s a highly recommended seasonal craft.
Origami kadomatsu you can display standing up
The balance between ease of decorating and ease of making is really appealing.
It features the gentle texture unique to origami and a design that can stand up as a 3D decoration, making it perfect for tables, entryways, or desks.
Simply changing the color combinations or patterns gives you a kadomatsu full of originality.
The handmade process brings the joy of the season and a sense of accomplishment, and displaying the finished kadomatsu instantly elevates the New Year’s mood.
Why not incorporate it casually as a heartwarming item to brighten the New Year?