[January Crafts] Fun DIY Ideas for Kids: Perfect for Use in Childcare

Shimenawa Made with Kraft Paper

[Craft Idea] Shimenawa paper craft (New Year in January) (senior activities) (early childhood education) (wall decorations) (creative) (easy) (seasonal) (ema plaques)

Shimenawa are decorative ropes hung at the entrance for New Year’s to welcome the gods and ward off evil.

You can buy them at supermarkets, but why not try making one yourself? The shimenawa can be made with kraft paper, and the ornaments with washi-patterned chiyogami or origami paper.

Create your favorite motifs—such as folding fans or plum blossoms.

Kids will enjoy all the different steps: twisting the kraft paper, cutting slits with scissors, and accordion-folding the origami.

Display your original shimenawa and enjoy the New Year.

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sasashina

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[Newspaper Craft] Snow Rabbit

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

This craft lets you make a snow rabbit—traditionally a snowball body decorated with red nandina berries and evergreen leaves—using easy-to-find materials.

Form the body by covering a crumpled ball of newspaper with white paper, then finish it by adding eyes and ears made from origami.

It’s simple enough for children to make.

Although scissors are used to cut the origami into the necessary shapes for the parts, there are many fun steps for kids, like crumpling paper and gluing on the pieces.

The cute result will brighten up any room, so give it a try!

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Hoshino Takashi

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[Paper Craft] 3D Daruma

[Craft Idea] Daruma Doll (New Year’s decorations for January) (wall decorations) (recreation/OT/day service for seniors) (childcare) (origami) (DIY) Japanese New Year’s Decorations

Daruma dolls are auspicious figures that people often buy at New Year’s to help their wishes come true.

Many children have probably bought a daruma and drawn in its eyes.

How about making a daruma using printer paper and origami paper? It’s not actually origami—you don’t fold it.

Instead, you crumple the printer paper into a daruma shape and wrap it with red origami paper.

Then paste on a piece of paper with the daruma’s face drawn on it, add some decorations, and it’s done.

You can display it as is, or give it to a parent or guardian without the eyes filled in—they’re sure to be delighted!

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sasashina

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[Plastic Bottle] Kaleidoscope

How to Make a Kaleidoscope: A Summer Vacation Craft with a Plastic Bottle ♪ [Voice Commentary] ◇ DIY “Kaleidoscope” Pet Bottle Easy Tutorial [Balalaika Origami]

The cylindrical multi-faceted mirror was invented by Scottish scientist David Brewster and is said to have reached Japan just two years after it was patented.

Its enchanting patterns, which change every time you peek in or give it a twist, captivate people of all ages.

You can make one using a plastic bottle as the body, along with beads and silver origami paper; however, since the process involves cutting the bottle, an adult should handle the work.

The beautiful patterns it produces will surely draw children in and keep them happily engaged.

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Hoshino Takashi

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