[For Seniors] Fun February Crafts: Ideas Inspired by Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Other Events

Setsubun kendama

Here’s an idea for a Setsubun kendama featuring a charming demon eating an ehomaki.

In this craft, a construction paper demon face is attached to the rim of a paper cup, with the cup acting as the mouth.

It captures the look of a demon going “Aah!” with its mouth wide open—very cute.

For the ball part, cut a toilet paper roll into a shorter piece, stuff it with crumpled newspaper, and decorate the outside with construction paper to look like an ehomaki sushi roll.

Connect the paper cup and the ehomaki with string, and you’re done! Try your best to feed the ehomaki to the little demon.

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sasashina

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Handmade felt demon bean box

[No-Sew] Handmade Oni Bean Box with Felt, Masu/Setsubun/No Pattern Needed/100-Yen Store DIY/felt/handmade/craft

Here’s how to make a soft bean box out of felt.

This one has an ogre face on the side of the box, so it works great as a decorative piece too.

The key when making it is to fold the felt in half to make it double-layered, which gives the box strength.

When shaping it into a box, the corners will also be thicker, making it easier to glue.

Once the box is done, all that’s left is to attach the facial parts and horns cut from felt.

Scary face, cute face, funny face… Express whatever expression you like.

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sasashina

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Bean-Throwing Cup

Bean-throwing cup made from a paper cup for Setsubun

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.

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sasashina

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Den-den Drum of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre

[Cardboard Craft] Make it for Setsubun! Cute Red and Blue Oni Den-den Drums

Here’s an idea for making an ogre-themed den-den daiko (hand drum).

This one is mini-sized, so it’s quick to make and cute enough to display like a fork pick.

First, cut two small egg shapes out of cardboard.

Draw an ogre on the cardboard, place a string between the two pieces, and glue them together.

Attach a small ball of crumpled aluminum foil to each end of the string, then insert a twig (like a toothpick or small stick) as the handle to finish.

Since plain aluminum foil can come off when the drum is played, be sure to use double-sided tape to firmly bond the foil to the string before you crumple it.

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sasashina

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A bush warbler from a single sheet of origami

[Made with One Sheet of Origami] Easy and Cute Bush Warbler (Facing Left) Folding Tutorial ◇ Origami Japanese Bush Warbler — Spring Little Bird, Uguisu ◇

The bush warbler is also known as a bird that heralds the arrival of spring.

You can hear its call across the archipelago from around February.

Its cute song is somehow soothing, isn’t it? You can actually make this comforting little bush warbler with just one sheet of origami paper.

Since it only uses a single sheet, even beginners can try it easily.

The key is to make crisp, firm creases as you fold.

It involves delicate handwork, but there aren’t many difficult steps, so don’t worry.

Finish by adding the eyes, and it’s complete.

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Nanaka

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Making snow rabbits

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

Snow bunnies, made by packing pure white snow into the shape of a rabbit, are a traditional favorite in Japan and are loved by people of all ages for their cute form.

They are wintery figures you can feel the season through—children make them by gathering snow, and they’re also represented in Japanese confectionery.

To craft one, wrap crumpled newspaper with copy paper, then attach origami to represent nandina berries and construction paper shaped like leaves.

By making the nandina leaves and berries together, you can create a more festive item.

The process involves few steps and makes for a recreational activity that also helps train fine motor skills.

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mutō

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Hartleys

[Origami] Easy and cute way to fold a heart wreath [with voice commentary] Origami Heart Wreath – Valentine’s Wreath #3

Let me introduce an origami “Heart Wreath” that’s perfect for Valentine’s decorations! Make several heart-shaped pieces out of origami paper and connect them together.

There are some delicate steps when folding the heart shape, and some people may find it a bit challenging, but since you just repeat the same heart over and over, once you learn the method it becomes easy.

Enjoy making it together—for example, with seniors—while having fun.

You can display the finished wreath on a facility wall, of course, or take it home and decorate your room—it will look lovely either way.

It’s a cute wreath, so please give it a try!

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Nakajima Junko

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