Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] January Craft Ideas for Day Service Activities

Work experience in a hospital as a physical therapistNakamū
I worked as a physical therapist at a general hospital for about four years. I’ve supported a wide range of patients, from those needing emergency rehabilitation to those doing rehabilitation at home at a comfortable pace. As a writer, I’d be happy to share health-related information with many people. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you!
Care Worker Initial Training Certification ObtainedNakajima Junko
Leveraging my experience working as a care worker at a day service, I am currently active as a writer in the caregiving and welfare fields. Beyond writing, I hope to expand my work into web design and illustration. I am a mother of three who has begun studying to become a certified social worker.

In January, we have the longstanding Japanese traditional event, the New Year’s celebration.

Many day service centers and welfare facilities likely put a lot of effort into decorations themed around January, the start of a new year.

So this time, we’ll introduce January crafts recommended for day service programs.

It’s still quite chilly, so let’s enjoy craft activities you can do indoors!

Even after the New Year’s holidays, winter-themed decorations like snow motifs and plum blossoms can stay up and be enjoyed as they are.

In addition to decorations, we’ve assembled many works that are perfect for January.

There are lots of ideas, including auspicious items, practical pieces, and projects that incorporate creative twists in the materials.

By all means, use these January craft ideas as a reference.

[For Seniors] January Craft Ideas to Make at Day Service (111–120)

small decorative money envelope (pochibukuro)

With origami and washi tape… a handmade cash envelope #shorts

small decorative money envelope (pochibukuro)

Pochi-bukuro (little money envelopes) that come in handy for New Year’s.

Many seniors probably give their grandchildren New Year’s gift money tucked into these envelopes.

If they’re handmade, they feel even more heartfelt and lovely! With just origami paper and washi (masking) tape, you can make them easily—why not give it a try? The steps are simple, with few folds, so anyone can make them casually—that’s the key point! For the finishing touch, fold a strip of masking tape in half to make a decorative cord, wrap it around the envelope, and you’re done in no time.

Also, if you reverse the sides when using double-sided origami paper, it changes the look, so be sure to try that too!

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Fluffy chenille wish plaque (ema)

Gen Hoshino says “Let’s dance at home,” and we say “Let’s make it at home♪ Let’s make ema♪ Let’s make them as a family.” (This is a how-to video from Kanone Junior High on making handmade ema craft plaques.)

Fluffy chenille wish plaque (ema)

It’s an ema plaque with a three-dimensional feel, as if the area outside the written wishes is framed by a softly wrapped chenille stem (pipe cleaner).

Cut the panel into the shape of an ema, then make an inner cut and hollow it out.

Wrap the chenille around the outer frame, punch a hole at the top of the inner piece, cover the entire inner piece with construction paper, thread the chenille through the inner hole, tie it, and fit it in place to complete the whole piece.

Have everyone write their wishes on the inner construction paper.

With the frame thoroughly decorated, the wishes written on the inside are nicely emphasized.

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Art box

How to Make an Art Box (Monthly Day, January 2022 issue) #dayservice #daycare #outpatientrehab #nursingcare #seniors #crafts #recycledmaterials

Art box

Here’s an art box you can enjoy with colorful patterns when placed by a window or in sunlight.

Slice an empty milk carton into rings about 2 centimeters thick and turn them inside out.

Attach tissue paper to one cut edge on one side.

Cut several strips of origami paper, fold or bend them into shapes you like, and glue the tips in place.

Fill the milk carton box with lots of the shaped origami pieces.

Finish by attaching tissue paper to the milk carton’s cut edge.

The fine work of folding origami uses your fingers a lot, so it may also be effective as brain training.

Please place it near a window at the homes of older adults and use it as a decoration.

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Coffee filter idea ema (votive plaque)

[Origami] New Year’s craft with a former preschool teacher mom: Making Ema plaques — Easy way to fold a tiger (Origami tiger tutorial)

Coffee filter idea ema (votive plaque)

When it comes to ema (votive plaques), the five-sided shape is the most familiar, but there are also versions inspired by auspicious motifs like fans.

Here’s an idea for an ema that evokes a fan shape, using a coffee filter.

The base is made with a simple step—cutting off the edge of a coffee filter—and then adding decorations such as the zodiac animal.

Since the base is thin, even if it’s somewhat soft, layering the decorations well is key to achieving a beautiful finish.

Think about balance as you place the decorations, including where to write your wish.

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Shishimai made from a tissue box

How to Make a Tissue Box “Shishimai (Lion Dance)” [Easy New Year’s Craft]

Shishimai made from a tissue box

How about making a square-faced lion using an empty tissue box? With a tissue box, construction paper, and a green plastic bag, you can do it easily.

First, cut the tissue box in half, leaving the bottom part intact.

Prepare another tissue box: cut one piece to 12 cm for the side and 5 cm for the front surface, and cut another piece to 2 cm.

Assemble these pieces and cover the front surface with red construction paper.

Create bold lion face parts from colored paper and stick them on, and you’re done.

The mouth opens and closes, which gives it an exciting, dynamic look and makes it fun to play with.

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Toilet-paper kadomatsu

How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll ‘Kadomatsu’: Easy New Year’s Craft

Toilet-paper kadomatsu

Here’s a decorative kadomatsu you can make by reusing toilet paper rolls.

It’s perfect for a New Year’s craft activity, so consider trying it at a day service center or similar setting.

Cut the ends of toilet paper rolls diagonally and wrap them with green construction paper to represent bamboo.

Make three of these and glue them together.

Next, take a rectangular piece of construction paper, snip fine cuts along the top and bottom edges, and wrap it around the bamboo to finish.

For an even more festive look, wrap red construction paper or washi-patterned paper over it.

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Doll-style towel hanger

[Easy Craft] [100-Yen DIY] Hand Towel Hanger ☆ #100yen #DAISO #DIY #100yen #handmade #kawaii #recreation #craft #elderly

Doll-style towel hanger

Here’s a project that turns a hand towel into a cute little doll.

If the hand towel you always use at home looked like a doll, it might lift the spirits of older adults, too.

Use a foam ball to make the doll’s face, then attach craft eyes and yarn for hair.

After fixing the facial parts to a wooden clip, decorate it with ribbons and beads.

Attach a towel folded into a triangle to the wooden clip, and your doll-style towel hanger is complete.

You can make one for yourself, and it would also make a delightful gift for families of older adults.

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