[For Seniors] Fun February Crafts: Ideas Inspired by Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Other Events
February is a season filled with heartwarming events like Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Cat Day.
How about enjoying some crafts with construction paper and origami in a warm room on a cold day? Making things like ogre-themed pellet drums, heart-shaped accessories, or dangling plum-blossom decorations lets you move your fingers while savoring a touch of nostalgia, naturally bringing out smiles.
Displaying your finished pieces at home will brighten the atmosphere and make it feel more festive.
Here are some easy, charming craft ideas for February that you can try right away.
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[For Seniors] Fun February Crafts: Ideas Inspired by Events Like Setsubun and Valentine’s Day (61–70)
Handmade felt demon bean box
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.
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.
Den-den Drum of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre
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.
A bush warbler from a single sheet of origami
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.
Making snow rabbits
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.
Heart candy bag
This heart-shaped candy bag is perfect for anyone thinking of giving chocolates to friends or grandchildren.
You won’t need any thread or needles, so it’s safe and easy for seniors to make! Prepare two pieces of felt cut into long ovals.
Fold each one in half and make slits.
Weave the two pieces together alternately and—like magic—a heart-shaped bag appears! You can change up the color combinations of the felt or even add a handle if you like.
Plum blossom wreath
When plum blossoms start to bloom, it feels like the peak of winter has passed and spring is gradually approaching, doesn’t it? This is a wreath made with origami, using plum blossoms—which begin to bloom around February—as the motif.
You carefully layer creases to form a pentagon, then open it up to create a three-dimensional plum blossom.
By using the dimensional edges to connect the flowers, you assemble them into a wreath shape.
Add originality with color balance—for example, by deciding how to arrange red, white, and pink flowers.
