Childcare: Fun February craft ideas to make with 1-year-olds
Many teachers are likely looking for ideas for February crafts to enjoy with one-year-olds.
Seasonal motifs like oni for Setsubun and Valentine’s themes really capture children’s interest at this time of year.
There are plenty of activities that let them fully use their fingers and enjoy the feel of paint and changes in color, such as hand painting, stamping, and marble rolling.
Another appeal is letting them fully enjoy the texture of materials by crumpling tissue paper into balls or tearing paper.
Please use these ideas as a reference and enjoy seasonal creations with the children! Because we emphasize ideas that foster children’s free creativity, we use the term “seisaku” (制作, creation) rather than “seisaku” (製作, craftwork) in the main text.
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[Childcare] Crafts to make with 1-year-olds! February craft ideas (21–30)
Clothes and hats made with decalcomania
This project uses the decalcomania technique, where paint is pressed between sheets of paper to create a transfer.
This time, we’re going with a winter theme: mittens and knit caps! Place paint freely on one half of a drawing paper with a preliminary sketch, then fold it in half to press.
After it dries well, cut it out to match the sketch and paste the pieces onto a backing sheet along with the facial and body parts.
Observe your friends’ faces, touch and check the placement, and then have the teacher and children draw in the facial features together to finish.
Teachers handle the cutting of the drawing paper, while children can take the lead in creating patterns, pasting, and drawing the faces so they can fully enjoy the process.
Penguin footprint art
This penguin footprint art is perfect for recording children’s growth.
You don’t need many materials, so it’s easy to try! First, trace both of the children’s feet on colored construction paper, cut them out into a penguin shape, then add eyes made from round stickers, a beak, and feet to finish.
If you plan to display it on a wall, you can tear up origami paper to resemble ice and combine the pieces, or add other animals like seals and polar bears to create a wonderful piece.
Plus, the process of taking their footprints will likely become a fond memory for the children.
[Childcare] Crafts to make with 1-year-olds! February craft ideas (31–40)
Mittens made by threading yarn
These are gloves you can make by threading yarn—perfect for kids to enjoy using their fine motor skills.
Cut colored construction paper into the shape of a glove, then punch holes along the edge with a hole punch.
After that, have fun threading yarn through the holes! Kids can explore by weaving through this hole and that one, imagining where to thread next.
Changing yarn colors partway through can make the piece even more unique.
It’s a great February craft for cold winter days, letting children work with their hands indoors—give it a try!
Crumpled paper-bag ogre mask
Wearable craft! We’re introducing a crinkly ogre (oni) mask made from a paper bag.
What you’ll need: a brown envelope, newspaper, hair parts for the oni made from construction paper, face parts for the oni made from construction paper, round stickers in your favorite colors, glue or tape, construction paper, and rubber bands.
How about making an oni mask you can wear for Setsubun events? The key is to enjoy the process while nurturing each child’s individuality.
Be sure to watch how their expressions change as they create!
Just stick it on! Easy ramen
How about a “stick-on ramen” craft as an activity to enjoy with one-year-olds in chilly February? Parents or teachers can prepare yarn and small pieces shaped like noodles and toppings in advance, and the children can stick them onto a backing sheet.
As they recognize the colors and shapes of the ingredients and arrange the colorful toppings, children can experience making their very own bowl of ramen.
Adults should prepare the backing sheet ahead of time and apply double-sided tape.
Beyond displaying the finished work, the process can nurture interest in colors and food.
Make a warm bowl of ramen and enjoy the seasonal feel together!
Footprint art ogre
When it comes to Setsubun, it’s all about oni (demons), so here’s an idea using footprint art.
First, use construction paper to make an oni in a seated position.
Picture a chibi-style, two-head-tall oni sitting with its legs stretched out.
Create the head and body, then attach slightly oversized sole-shaped pieces on top to give it a three-dimensional look.
For the feet pieces, use cutouts made from the children’s actual footprints.
Not only does it look adorable, but it also adds originality.
Plus, it’s fun later on to compare with their current foot size.
Snowman Stencil
The snowman stencil, where children use their fingertips to dab colorful paint with a sponge, is a perfect idea for nurturing a two-year-old’s creativity and senses.
Why not spark their imaginations again this winter with this craft activity? The tools and materials are simple—using items like cotton swabs and clear folders—to create friendly winter characters.
It’s sure to bring out smiles with its gentle touch! Aim for a clean, understated finish, and sprinkle in elements of Setsubun and Valentine’s Day to create a lovely, February-themed piece.