[For Day Service Centers] February Craft Ideas: Decorations for Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and the Feeling of Spring

snow rabbit

[Craft Idea] Snow Rabbits (January–February, Winter) (Wall Decorations) (Elderly Recreation/OT/Day Services) (Childcare/Educational) (DIY)

It is said that rabbits cannot move backward because of the structure of their legs.

They are also considered lucky charms for business, which is why rabbits are depicted on the shop curtains of sushi restaurants and traditional eateries.

February brings to mind “snow rabbits.” Let’s make a cute snow rabbit out of colored paper.

It only takes 10–20 minutes, but it’s sure to be fun.

The method is simple: first wrap some crumpled newspaper, which will be the stuffing, with white paper.

Use red paper to make nandina berries for the eyes, and green paper, representing bamboo grass leaves, for the ears—and it’s done.

Making them in different sizes to create a parent-and-child pair is a nice touch, too.

Setsubun tear-off calendar

Daily tear-off calendar production (Setsubun version)

When you think of events in February, many people probably think of Setsubun, right? Setsubun brings to mind things like ogres (oni), bean throwing, and ehomaki.

Let’s make a seasonally themed calendar by creating 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 older adults imagine the season and craft what they describe.

Recalling what’s related to each month can serve as brain training, too.

By changing the motifs, you can create a calendar that can be used throughout the entire year.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

A demon made by winding yarn

Here’s an easy craft idea for making an oni (demon) decoration.

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

Wrap the cut cardboard with yarn in colors like blue or red, whichever you prefer.

Attach the facial features to complete the oni.

You can display it on a fan-shaped backing for a festive look, or paste it onto construction paper or colored paper for a lovely finish.

To give it a Setsubun feel, arrange holly leaves or plum blossoms around the oni for 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 them choose the pieces, and have them finish the design in the style they like.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

cute demon

February wall display with a Setsubun theme: handmade paper craft “Oni”

Let’s make a “cute ogre” using colored construction paper! Cut the colored paper into the shapes of the ogre’s face and facial features like the eyes and nose, then glue them on.

The steps are simple, so it should be easy for older adults to try.

With a little creativity when making the face, you can create a cute, three-dimensional ogre face.

The steps of cutting along the shapes with scissors and attaching the facial parts with glue require dexterity with the fingertips.

Using the fingertips is said to help activate the brain.

Display the finished piece on the wall to help older adults feel the seasonal spirit of Setsubun.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Cute oni made with chirimen fabric

[Easy] How to Make Red and Blue Oni for Setsubun [Just Cut and Paste]

When February comes around, it’s Setsubun, isn’t it? The time of Setsubun marks a change of seasons, and it’s traditionally believed that illness and disasters are more likely to occur.

That’s why Setsubun has long been celebrated as an event to drive away evil spirits, symbolized by oni (ogres).

This time, let’s make that iconic oni out of chirimen crepe fabric! It’s a cute, round little oni.

The materials you’ll need are Styrofoam balls, chirimen fabric, double-sided tape, and so on.

All you have to do is stick the chirimen fabric onto the Styrofoam, so it’s very easy to make.

Display it in your room or by the entrance to invite good fortune.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nanaka

Report a problem

chopstick sleeve

[Easy Origami] Chopstick Sleeve with Heart [Valentine Easy Origami] How to make a Heart Chopstick Bag 종이접기 하트 젓가락봉투 折纸 爱心 筷子袋 #shorts

These are cute chopstick sleeves that use the color difference between the front and back of the paper to reveal a heart pattern.

It’s important to clearly picture the finished look and carefully choose the origami’s color and design.

As you create the tube that snugly wraps the chopsticks, add a small extra fold at the edge to form the heart shape.

Since there’s a step where you pull out overlapping layers, be careful to avoid creases.

Folding down the pointed tips to make them rounder is also key to clearly conveying the heart shape.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Fluffy Heart

[Valentine’s Craft] Making Fluffy Heart Decorations with Cardboard and Yarn♪

Let me introduce fluffy hearts you can make with cardboard and yarn.

All you have to do is wrap yarn around a heart-shaped piece of cardboard, and you’ll have an adorable fluffy heart decoration in no time! You can also try adding artificial flowers or wrapping a ribbon to enjoy a different vibe.

Since the cardboard heart is flat, wrapping plenty of yarn will give it a plump, cushioned look.

To get a nicely shaped heart, use a heart-shaped template to cut the cardboard, or draw the heart first and then cut it out.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kawamura Mina

Report a problem