RAG MusicRecreation
Lovely senior life

For Seniors: Wishing for Good Health — Handmade Setsubun Decoration Ideas

This time, we’re sharing handmade Setsubun decoration ideas for older adults.

Since Setsubun is a traditional event passed down through the ages, many of you have probably celebrated it before.

Setsubun marks the division between winter and spring.

People pray to “stay healthy for the year,” eat ehomaki to ward off misfortune, and throw beans to drive away evil.

When making Setsubun crafts, put your heart into wishing for good health, and have fun creating them together—chatting and laughing—with everyone at the nursing home or day service.

[For Seniors] Wishing for good health: Handmade Setsubun decoration ideas (41–50)

Bean-Throwing Cup

Bean-throwing cup made from a paper cup for Setsubun
Bean-Throwing Cup

Let’s make an easy bean cup using a paper cup.

First, firmly press and flatten the rim of the cup, then cut off the edge with scissors.

Overlap the drinking rim to create a lid, add the beans, and then slide the previously cut rim under the lid to use it as a handle.

Finally, decorate the outside like an oni (ogre) and you’re done! Feel free to make it cute using yarn, felt, or construction paper.

Since the handle is only tucked under the lid, it will come off when you open the lid.

If it’s a hassle to tuck it in each time, try cutting the edge in half and gluing it on.

5 Devilishly Good Crafts

[Craft Play] 5 Perfect Oni Crafts for Setsubun
5 Devilishly Good Crafts

This idea showcases five crafts: an ogre hat made from a paper bowl, ogre photo props made with paper plates, an ogre hat made from construction paper and PE tape, a sparkly pipe-cleaner ogre party hat made with construction paper, and an ogre mask made from a paper bag.

Each project has simple steps, so as long as the parts are prepared, older adults can enjoy working on them too.

They also make great decorations, adding a festive Setsubun atmosphere just by being displayed.

Origami Setsubun Wreath

A Setsubun wreath that lets you feel Japan’s traditional customs is a great way to enjoy the seasonal event while also exercising your fingers.

Let’s prepare and make it with Setsubun motifs like a bean container, Otafuku, and red and blue oni.

For the wreath base, using a greenish color inspired by holly leaves—befitting Setsubun—may make the oni and Otafuku stand out more crisply.

When making each part, be mindful of colors associated with Setsubun and attach the pieces in a well-balanced way.

Changing the expressions of each piece will give your work a stronger sense of originality, which is highly recommended.

Setsubun tear-off calendar

Daily tear-off calendar production (Setsubun version)
Setsubun tear-off calendar

When it comes to events in February, many people probably think of Setsubun.

Setsubun brings to mind things like oni (demons), bean-throwing, and ehomaki sushi rolls.

Let’s try making a calendar suited to each season by crafting these associated items out of construction paper or cardstock.

For example, New Year’s for January, Hina dolls for March, and cherry-blossom viewing for April.

It could also be fun to have seniors imagine the season and create items based on their answers.

Recalling seasonal themes each month can serve as brain training, too.

By changing the motifs, you can make a calendar that works all year round.

A demon made by winding yarn

Here’s a simple craft idea for making an oni (ogre) decoration.

Cut cardboard into a square and create the oni’s face.

Wrap the cut cardboard with yarn in colors you like, such as blue or red.

Attach the facial features, and your oni is complete.

You can display it on a decorative fan base for a festive look, or mount it on construction paper or colored paper for a lovely finish.

To give it a Setsubun feel, arrange holly leaves or plum blossoms around the oni to create a lively atmosphere.

It’s also fun to make several Setsubun-themed parts together with older adults.

You can prepare the parts in advance, let the seniors choose the pieces, and have them finish the work in their preferred style.