[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!
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[Childcare] Fun for Setsubun! A collection of handmade ideas you can decorate with and play with (51–60)
Bean-throwing play with empty boxes
How about a bean-throwing game idea that turns an empty box you’d normally throw away into a fun toy? It’s perfect for indoor play in February.
Fix the box lid upright with duct tape or similar so it stands vertically.
Line the bottom of the box with colored construction paper, and stick a paper-made oni (demon) face and pants on the inside of the lid.
For hair, use small pieces of colorful origami paper for a fun look.
Using shiny, reflective origami will also get kids excited.
Make paper balls by crumpling origami, then throw them at the oni.
If they land inside the box, you win!
Paper hanging ornaments
It’s a perfect idea for Setsubun wall decorations! In this idea, you’ll use strips of construction paper measuring 29 cm by 2 cm to make the decorations.
Here’s how to make them: roll the paper to create the ogre’s hair, and by creasing the paper and then gluing both ends together, you can form the ogre’s face.
If you fold it to make a triangle, you can also create the horns.
If you make an Okame mask along with the ogre, the piece will feel even more like Setsubun.
When hanging it on the wall, use the paper strip as the base and attach the ogre and Okame parts you made, along with washi-patterned origami as accents.
How to Make a Bean-Counting Game
A bean-toss game like basketball.
If you’re looking for a bean-throwing game that doesn’t involve scattering real beans—which are a pain to clean up and take up space—this activity is perfect.
Cut open one side of a milk carton and cover the outside with colored construction paper.
Fold the opened flap and secure it with vinyl tape.
Make horns and head parts from construction paper, attach them to paper cups, and draw an ogre’s face.
You can adjust the difficulty by changing the size of the paper cups, so it’s good to make several in different sizes.
Glue a plastic bottle cap to the bottom of the milk carton to create an incline, make your “beans,” and you’re done.
The feeling when a bean lands in the goal is sure to be addictive!
Roll it! Throw it! Demon-slaying
Here’s an idea that lets kids move their bodies—throwing or rolling toward a target—while also enjoying a seasonal event.
Prepare five plastic bottles, some string, and origami paper, and make ogre (oni) faces with the origami.
It’s more fun with a variety of colors, so let them choose their favorites.
Encourage them to draw freely—smiling, angry, or crying faces—so their individuality can shine.
Attach string to each ogre face and secure it to a plastic bottle by fixing it under the cap, and you’re done.
Roll or throw a ball to knock down the plastic-bottle pins.
Making toys fosters imagination and gives a sense of accomplishment.
Above all, kids will feel attached to what they’ve made and learn to value their belongings.
Colorful Oni Made with Balloons
Here’s an ogre craft idea made by sticking face and horn parts cut from construction paper, plus yarn hair, onto inflated balloons.
Prepare colorful balloons, have an adult inflate them and tie the necks.
After your ogres are finished, you can tie string to the balloon necks and hang them from the ceiling as decorations.
If you treat the hanging ogres like targets, you can enjoy bean-throwing; try making “beans” out of newspaper and have fun.
Use balloons in a variety of colors to express your own unique ogres.