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

Setsubun hanging decoration

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

Setsubun, which invites good fortune and drives away evil, is an essential winter event that also carries a wish for a healthy year.

Let’s incorporate various motifs associated with Setsubun—such as oni (ogres), ehomaki sushi rolls, and holly-and-sardine talismans—into your decorations.

This project has you make each motif with origami, creating a cohesive look thanks to the unified material.

Since ehomaki and holly-sardine pieces end up with similar shapes, try varying the color and form of the oni to add originality.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Setsubun bean container

[Origami Box] Easy box folding method with audio commentary for Setsubun bean holder ☆ Easy way to fold a box

Bean throwing is an important part of driving away demons.

How about making a Setsubun bean container out of origami to hold those beans? If you make a compact bean holder, it’s easy to carry around.

It’s also fun to choose any origami paper you like—floral, polka dots, traditional Japanese patterns—pick your favorite design.

The method is very simple, so even people who aren’t good at origami can give it a try.

Put beans into the container you made, throw them at the ogre, and eat as many beans as you like, wishing for good health throughout the year.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nanaka

Report a problem

Oni and Setsubun decorations made with paper bowls

[Craft Idea] Setsubun Crafts: Otafuku Mask, Oni (Demon), Kanabō (Spiked Club), Plum Blossoms – Japanese Event Crafting (February) (Senior Recreation) (Early Childhood/Educational) (Wall Decorations) (Creative) (Paper Bowls) (3D) (Origami)

Create three-dimensional Oni and Otafuku figures using paper bowls.

Paper bowls sold at 100-yen shops work perfectly.

Cut the bowls for the Oni and Otafuku, and use crumpled origami paper to form their faces and hair.

You can also make the Oni’s distinctive, permed-looking rounded hair by crumpling origami paper.

Yarn or thinly cut strips of origami paper can also be glued on as hair.

Because this craft involves crumpling and squeezing paper, it uses the hands a lot.

It’s said that “the hands are a second brain,” with many nerves connecting the fingertips to the brain.

Using the hands and fingers helps activate the brain and can aid in dementia prevention.

Enjoy this brain-training craft activity and create wonderful pieces!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Let’s become a demon!

[Craft Play] 5 Perfect Oni Crafts for Setsubun

When it comes to events in February, Setsubun is the classic example.

Many senior care facilities also have staff dress up as oni (demons) and throw beans.

You can use familiar materials like construction paper, paper plates, tape, glue, scissors, pipe cleaners, and string.

Since all the steps are simple, individuals can make them as a recreational activity or hand therapy, and by assigning roles for each part and dividing the tasks, it can also be done as a group recreation.

Not only can you enjoy it at the facility, but taking it home as a gift for your grandchildren or using it for bean-throwing at home will make it even more fun.

Make colorful oni and enjoy it together with everyone!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem

ogre mask

Craft Play: Let's make an oni (demon) mask out of a paper plate—perfect for Setsubun crafts.

This is an easy oni (ogre) mask you can make with a paper plate.

All you need are a paper plate, paints, yarn, a felt-tip pen, an elastic string, and so on.

First, paint the paper plate in the color of the oni’s face.

Using not only red but also blue, green, or any colors you like will make it more colorful.

Next, cut out the eye holes and draw the mouth.

After that, have fun customizing it: use glue to attach yarn that you’ve curled to make hair, and add horns or fangs.

Punch holes and thread the elastic string through, and your oni mask is complete.

With the charming mask you made yourself, you’re sure to enjoy playing the role of the oni.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

Oni finger puppet

[Origami] Oni Finger Puppet

You can easily make a demon finger puppet with origami that lets you enjoy some movement.

All you need are single-sided foil origami paper, googly eyes, round stickers, a permanent marker, and so on.

For colors, using paper with a red or blue front and a gold back will give it a more ogre-like look.

First, fold the paper into triangles several times as if you were folding an origami crane, and you’ll quickly end up with a demon face with horns.

Next, attach the googly eyes and round stickers to create the face.

The finished demon looks cute worn on your fingertip as a finger puppet, or you can make several and use them as wall decorations!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

Oni bean holder

[Craft] Oni bean container made from a milk carton

How about making a bean holder for Setsubun bean-throwing using a milk carton? First, draw a line 7 cm up from the bottom and cut the carton there.

For the ogre’s face color, simply sticking on colored duct tape makes it easy and convenient.

Next, cut your favorite origami paper to look like clothing, and at the boundary between the face and the body, wrap and glue a strip of black construction paper cut into a thin band.

Feel free to draw the eyes, mouth, and cheeks as you like.

Once you’ve created a cute-faced ogre, your sturdy, easy-to-make bean holder is complete!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem