[Childcare] A collection of craft ideas for enjoying Setsubun

paper puppet theater

Origin of Setsubun to Tell Children and Recommended Paper Puppet Theater

Do you know what a “peep-show puppet theater” (peep-sart) is? In Japanese, “peep-sart” refers to a paper puppet show—a puppet theater made of paper.

You attach sticks or similar handles to paper character puppets and move them in time with the story.

These paper puppet shows are very popular in nursery schools and kindergartens.

Of course, you can also make them at home and enjoy them with your child.

Seasonal events in February, like bean-throwing Setsubun and ogre-chasing games, can also be played using this peep-sart.

After you create ogre illustrations with colorful origami or construction paper, try giving them lively movements.

You can turn them into a puppet show, or simply stick them on the wall—both are great options.

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nikki

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pochette

Setsubun: Making an ogre-themed bean-holder pouch from a milk carton

It’s a cute little demon-themed pochette that will make you want to carry not just Setsubun beans but all kinds of small items! Cut a milk carton to a size that makes it easy for children to put their hands in and take things out.

Leave one side longer so it can serve as the flap of the pochette.

Next, cover the sides with construction paper in your favorite colors, and attach horns, hair, and facial features so that when the flap is closed, it looks like an oni face.

Add a string so it can hang from the neck, and you’ll be all set to enjoy bean-throwing to the fullest!

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yuri

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lease

[Origami] How to Make a Setsubun Wreath [With Voice Commentary] Cute Ideas for Setsubun Decorations!

This is a Setsubun wreath featuring motifs that evoke Setsubun and the New Year, such as Otafuku masks, ogres (oni), holly with sardines, and plum blossoms.

Make four zigzag-shaped pieces from origami and combine them into a ring to form the wreath.

Then simply fold Otafuku and oni from origami and decorate the wreath! If folding is difficult, you can also cut each motif from colored paper and glue them onto the wreath for an equally charming result.

Once you learn the base wreath, you can enjoy various arrangements to match the seasons.

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yuri

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Ehomaki maracas

[Handmade Toy] "Ehomaki Maracas"

Ehomaki turns into maracas—who would’ve thought! Cover one end of a toilet paper tube by gluing on a circle of construction paper.

Pour some rice inside so it makes a rattling sound, then seal the other end the same way.

Next, wrap the outside with black origami paper, and stick red, yellow, green, and other round stickers on the covered end to look like fillings.

And that’s it—your maracas shaped like an ehomaki are complete.

Playing with real food is a no-no, but with these maracas, you can shake to your heart’s content! You can just picture the kids happily rattling them away.

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yuri

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origami

This is an origami oni craft where you can freely draw the face to finish it! Fold the paper to make the shape of an oni with a single horn, then draw the face with a pen and use masking tape or stickers to give the oni some pants.

It’s also a great idea to make the oni’s spiked club (kanabō) out of origami and add it as an accessory! There are many ways to make an origami oni, but some can be difficult for children.

In that case, the teacher can do part of the folding in advance, and let the children draw the face and stick on tape with their favorite patterns.

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yuri

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