[For Seniors] Recommended Wall Decorations and Crafts for January
We’d like to introduce wall decorations that are perfect for January, the month when we welcome a brand-new year!
We’ve gathered auspicious New Year–themed pieces as well as works that let you feel the season of January.
Many January decorations feature vibrant colors that will brighten up your space.
We offer a wide range: items you shape by hand, projects with simple steps, and pieces that require fine finger work.
New Year’s decorations often feature traditional Japanese motifs such as shimenawa and shishimai.
Some older adults may find themselves reminiscing as they create.
Why not enjoy making them while sharing stories and memories?
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- For Seniors: Wall Decorations to Brighten Up February — Festive Ideas for Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, Plum Blossoms, and More
[For Seniors] Recommended Wall Decorations and Crafts for January (91–100)
Sea bream made with origami
Why not try making a sea bream out of origami, with a wish for a joyous year? It’s an idea you can also use for a January craft activity at a day service, so feel free to take inspiration! The key to origami sea bream is to pre-fold several times to set firm creases.
Because there are many creases, if you find it hard to fold, it might be easier to draw guide lines as you go.
Finish by drawing the bream’s face and scale patterns however you like, and you’re done! You can also adapt it as a little accent for New Year’s decorations, so why not give it a try?
Kadomatsu made of origami
How about making kadomatsu out of origami as part of your New Year’s decorations? It takes a bit of time, but you don’t need any difficult techniques, so give it a try! The pine, bamboo, and plum motifs, the fan, and even the kadomatsu base—everything is made from origami.
Because there’s lots of detailed work, it’s perfect for finger dexterity training for seniors and for helping prevent cognitive decline.
If smaller origami paper is hard to work with, feel free to adapt the project by using larger sheets.
[For Seniors] Recommended Wall Decorations and Crafts for January (101–110)
New Year decorations made with origami and paper flowers
We’d like to introduce a New Year’s decoration you can make with origami and tissue paper—perfect for cozy winter days at home or for recreation at day service centers! It’s appealing because you can make it with familiar materials like origami and tissue paper.
Arrange a tissue paper flower, a fan made by accordion-folding origami, and mizuhiki cords in a well-balanced way.
The key is to attach the mizuhiki to the fan and then secure the paper flower last! Changing the color or pattern of the origami for the fan and the color of the mizuhiki will dramatically change the overall look, so give it a try.
Origami Maneki-neko
This is a beckoning cat mascot that’s perfect as a New Year’s good-luck charm and is said to bring in prosperity.
A key point is to use scissors and folds cleverly to form the ears and paws.
Also, by making small corner folds to round out the shape overall, you’ll end up with a cute finished piece—so keep that in mind.
Once the overall shape is set, draw the facial expression and have it hold an item like a koban coin to complete it.
It’s also recommended to add your own originality through your choice of colors and how you draw the expression.
Lucky Cat New Year Wreath
New Year decorations that wish for the health and happiness of your family—how about making them with origami? This time, we’re introducing a particularly cute one: a “Maneki-neko New Year wreath.” First, combine four sheets of origami to create the wreath portion.
Using patterned origami gives it a pop and lively look.
Once the wreath is complete, fold a Maneki-neko and attach it to the wreath.
Feel free to change the cat’s expression to your liking.
This way, a New Year decoration that is already auspicious will feel even more lucky.
Cute ema made with finger stamps
This activity involves pasting a large illustration of the zodiac in the center of construction paper cut into the shape of an ema plaque, then decorating around it with paint.
By applying the paint with your fingers, you can add softness and a sense of depth.
Consider how to arrange auspicious, New Year–themed elements and decorate your ema with your own design.
Since the unique feel comes from not using a brush, if you’re uncomfortable getting paint on your fingers, try using familiar tools instead.
It’s also fun to observe how the paint looks different depending on the method you use.
First calligraphy Daruma
Why not try making a “first-drawing daruma” to bring good luck at the start of the year? The process is simple—just paint a daruma with a brush—so anyone can easily give it a try.
It’s also a great New Year’s–themed activity.
The key is to use your brush to create a daruma full of personality.
Paste your daruma onto your favorite backing paper and decorate around it with origami for a vibrant finish.
Enjoy making a first-drawing daruma that’s perfect for welcoming the new year!
