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

Hanging decorations for Setsubun

[Craft Idea] Hanging Decorations for Setsubun (February Setsubun) (Wall Decorations) (Senior Recreation/OT/Daycare) (Early Childhood Learning) (Origami) (Kirie/Paper Cutting) (DIY)

February 3rd is Setsubun.

It’s said that the change of seasons can affect your health, so people would drive away bad influences and invite good fortune.

There has long been a custom of wearing an oni (demon) mask and throwing beans at the oni.

Doing so is believed to chase away evil.

The custom of eating beans is said to come from the idea that beans contain energy.

Let’s make a must-have item for Setsubun: a hanging decoration.

You can easily make things like oni, ehomaki (lucky sushi rolls), and sardines with origami.

All the steps are simple and easy to try.

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Nanaka

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paper-cup ogre

[Craft idea] Setsubun craft: A demon eating an ehomaki (lucky direction rolled sushi) — Japanese event crafting (February) (recreation for seniors) (early childhood/educational) (wall decoration) (art/craft) (paper cup) (rolled sushi) (demon)

This paper-cup oni craft is highly recommended because the materials are easy to obtain and you can enjoy a variety of expressions.

Attach facial parts made from origami to a paper cup and try creating an oni with expressive faces and horns! It uses fine motor skills, so it can help with finger rehabilitation and stimulate the brain, contributing to dementia prevention.

The finished piece will brighten up your room as a decoration suited to the seasonal turning points.

Moreover, making the crafts together with others can serve as a catalyst for communication.

We hope you’ll share the joy of self-expression through crafting and spend a fulfilling time.

Japanese bush warbler

[Origami] How to fold a Japanese bush warbler (uguisu)

The bush warbler origami that heralds the arrival of spring is lovely.

The process of bringing a bush warbler to life from a single sheet of paper sounds very exciting.

Since the steps are simple, it seems like seniors could enjoy taking part as well.

Using your fingertips can also help stimulate the brain.

It’s fun to fold while chatting with others, too.

Displaying the finished bush warbler in a facility or your own room will make you feel the arrival of spring.

Even in the cold season, bush warbler origami can bring a heartwarming moment.

Heart wreath

[DIY] How to make a heart wreath with a twirling heart

You see heart shapes everywhere these days, regardless of any special expression of affection or romance.

But you might spot them even more during the Valentine’s season in February! If you’re confident with your hands, why not try making a heart-shaped wreath using thick paper? It’ll turn out so lovely you’ll wonder, “Is it really okay for me to keep this?” Rolling each strip of card one by one takes quite a bit of time.

You could even make a larger one and display it at a day service center where seniors gather.

Add ribbons and beads to power it up even more.

Heart wall hanging

[Craft Idea] Heart Decoration (Paper Craft) (February Valentine) (Wall Decoration) (Early Childhood Education) (Senior Recreation) (Creative) (Easy) (Origami)

This heart-shaped wall decoration made with origami is recommended for seniors as a finger exercise and brain training activity.

Since the origami paper is cut into fine strips, it’s especially great for those who are good at detailed work! To make the hearts, cut the paper into strip shapes and curl them by running the strips against the scissors.

Create lots of these parts, then connect and layer them to transform them into a stylish wall ornament.

It’s perfect for making together with participants at a day-service center, so please give it a try!

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miyabi

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maneki-neko (beckoning cat)

[Origami Cat] Lucky Maneki Neko that beckons happiness

Do you know what February 22 is? If you love cats, you probably do—it’s “Cat Day.” They say the date was chosen because the sound of a cat’s meow in Japanese, “nyaa-nyaa,” resembles the numbers in the date.

Since cats don’t need daily walks like dogs, many seniors keep them as pets.

So why not share a bit of happiness by making an origami “maneki-neko” (beckoning cat) and giving it as a gift? It’s tough until you learn the folds, but once you make one, you can make them one after another.

Add gold or red paper and it’ll look so real you might mistake it for a genuine maneki-neko.

May the beckoning cat bring good luck and auspicious beginnings this spring!