![[Childcare] Enjoy Setsubun! A collection of handmade ideas you can decorate with and play with](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/BrdUgLVELdo/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] Enjoy Setsubun! A collection of handmade ideas you can decorate with and play with
When we think of Setsubun, it’s the seasonal event where we enjoy bean-throwing and ehomaki.
How about decorating your room with a Setsubun vibe using handmade crafts together with the kids? In this article, we’ve gathered fun Setsubun ideas that are easy to try at nurseries and kindergartens, too.
There are plenty of crafts that let you enjoy both making and decorating—like ogre (oni) masks and bean containers made from familiar materials, as well as garlands and tapestries to hang in the room.
Create your own Setsubun decorations and make this year’s Setsubun an even more special day!
[Childcare] Have fun on Setsubun! A collection of handmade ideas you can decorate, play with, and enjoy (1–10)
Oni Masks and Preparing for Setsubun
https://www.tiktok.com/@lienkashii/video/7324190952392822023An oni mask that’s fun to make and fun to enjoy after it’s finished is a perfect idea for a February craft.
Before you start, try reading a picture book about oni to spark creative inspiration—you might enjoy it even more.
Speaking of oni features, their hair is curly.
Let’s express that hair using stamps.
You can easily make a stamp by creating curly patterns with string or pipe cleaners on a milk carton.
Dip the stamp in paint, then dab it onto construction paper.
Cut it into a fluffy hairstyle, add horns, and you’re done.
Attach a paper band so it can be worn on the head.
Handmade ogre ornament made of yarn
The yarn oni ornament is a cute decoration perfect for February, capturing the warmth of yarn.
Prepare an egg-shaped case from a 100-yen shop as the base for the oni.
Spread glue over the egg-shaped case, then wrap yarn around it in a spiral to make the oni’s pants.
As you wrap the yarn, press it firmly with your hands so it adheres well with the glue.
After wrapping about one-third, start from the opposite side and wrap red yarn in a spiral.
Once you’ve finished wrapping the yarn all the way, make the hair, horns, and mouth, attach them, and you’re done.
Try changing the yarn colors to create different oni characters!
3 picks of oni masks that don’t cover your face
Making oni masks is essential for Setsubun crafts.
The classic style has cut-out eye holes, but it’s a shame when the children’s expressions get hidden.
So here are three ideas for masks that don’t cover the face.
First, bundle yarn wrapped around cardboard (or similar) to make the oni’s hair and attach the horns to it.
Second, use a narrow strip of construction paper and add crumpled tissue paper “flowers” and eye parts to create a mask.
Finally, cut the oni’s hair out of construction paper, decorate it with pieces of chenille stems (pipe cleaners), and attach it to a head-sized ring to finish the mask.
Handmade demon decoration made of felt
Let’s make an oni (demon) decoration out of felt—it’s fun to cut and paste the pieces together.
Cut the felt into a semicircle, shape it into a conical body, and glue the felt in place.
Stuff the oni’s torso with cotton to give it a three-dimensional shape.
Apply glue to the bottom, cap it with felt of the same color, trim around the edge, and the oni’s body is complete.
Add patterns by attaching felt to the horn area, and finish by creating the eyes and mouth.
You can also play with different colors for the face and body to make it extra cute.
Give it a try for Setsubun!
Make it with origami! Oni wreath
Let’s make a wreath using familiar origami.
Prepare eight square pieces of origami paper and fold them into the same shape.
After making the crease lines, the key is to fold evenly, carefully aligning with the lines.
When assembling the parts into a wreath shape, it may be easier if you picture where the ogre’s hair and horns will go.
Slip a sheet of Japanese-patterned origami into the background, attach the ogre origami, and you’re done.
It becomes a lovely wreath that lets you feel the transition from winter to spring, so please give it a try.
Oni Mobile
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKxcuIHDnsQ/Let’s make a perfect Setsubun-themed mobile using motifs like ogres (oni), Setsubun beans, and holly-and-sardine (hiiragi iwashi) charms! The hanging oni parts can be folded from origami or cut out of construction paper—either is fine.
Have the kids make lots of them and stick the uniquely expressive oni onto strings.
Setsubun lasts only one day, but by enjoying the crafts, you can have fun in the days leading up to bean-throwing day, too.
If you attach strings to a holly-and-sardine piece made from origami or straws for the top bar, it will look even more like a Setsubun wall decoration!
balloon art
When people think of balloon art, many probably picture Christmas or Halloween decorations.
But you can make all kinds of things with balloons for Setsubun, too.
It’s fun to think that you can even create colorful red and blue ogres and the soybeans—all out of balloons.
Even if you start by copying what you see, you’ll likely feel more motivated as you gradually learn to add your own twists.
Give balloon art a try.
There seem to be plenty of videos explaining how to make these as well.
