[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 (101–110)
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!
Daruma made of newspaper
Daruma dolls have long been cherished and displayed as symbols that bring good fortune.
Especially at the start of a new year, many people entrust their wishes to a Daruma.
This time, let’s make a large Daruma out of newspaper.
You’ll need a balloon, newspaper, calligraphy paper (hanshi), origami paper, glue, and so on.
The task of cutting the newspaper into small pieces is also great for dexterity rehabilitation for seniors.
Inflating the balloon requires some strength, so staff should assist with that step.
The process is very simple, making it an ideal craft activity for older adults.
Display your large Daruma and welcome in good luck!
Let’s write and display it: New Year’s calligraphy
If you’re looking for something to do in the New Year, I recommend kakizome, the first calligraphy of the year.
Kakizome is a custom that has been enjoyed since the Edo period, in which you write down your resolutions and goals for the year.
Not only is it fun to practice writing beautifully, but deciding on your resolutions and goals can also help you start the year with a positive mindset.
Why not give it a try while pondering which characters to write? After you finish, it would look lovely displayed on the wall.
By the way, it’s said to be especially auspicious to do kakizome on January 2.
New Year’s decorations with camellias
This New Year’s decoration features camellias, a quintessential flower that brightens up winter! With simple steps like cutting and gluing paper, it’s perfect for a January craft activity at a day-service center.
The key is to round the camellia petals using chopsticks or another stick-shaped tool.
For the flower’s center, cut construction paper into a long, narrow strip, snip fringe along one side, curl it with chopsticks, and wrap it around a plastic bottle cap.
It looks striking on its own as a decoration, but you can also customize it in many ways—such as adding a shimenawa or mizuhiki—so give it a try!
[For Seniors] Recommended Wall Decorations and Crafts for January (111–120)
Camellia flower wall decoration
A festive-looking camellia wall decoration made with origami! It’s a perfect piece to enjoy the winter season, so give it a try by hand.
To make the camellia petals, fold a circular piece of origami paper, sketch the petal shape, and cut it out with scissors.
For the center of the camellia, cut a strip of origami paper, fold it in half, make fine cuts along the top and bottom, then wrap it around a plastic bottle cap.
The camellia alone is lovely, but pairing it with paper fans made from Japanese-patterned origami or adding strings to turn it into a hanging decoration will make it even more eye-catching.
New Year’s Crane
How about making a New Year’s crane with a fan out of origami? Just displaying it in your entryway or a room will instantly enhance the festive New Year atmosphere! It’s also perfect for a New Year’s craft activity at day service centers, so why not give it a try? The key to this origami is to crease firmly as you fold.
There are a few finer steps, but they’re just right for finger dexterity training for older adults! Opening the fan at the end makes it suddenly more dazzling.
Using double-sided origami with a plain color on one side and a pattern on the other will make it even more beautiful, so be sure to try it!