For Seniors: Come, Spring! Recommended March Craft Ideas for Daycare Services

Hina-doll wreath

[Hinamatsuri] Origami wreath [Easy] [March craft] [Hina dolls] [Daycare] [Kindergarten]

Let’s make a Hina doll wreath—an origami wreath.

You might think making a wreath sounds difficult, but for this one, both the wreath base and the Emperor and Empress dolls are made with just three folds each.

The three folds are simple and easy to do, making this a project that’s approachable for seniors.

Since origami involves using your fingertips, it’s also recommended as brain training for older adults.

Many senior care facilities incorporate origami, too.

The steps are simple, but the finished piece brightens the Peach Festival and evokes the feeling of spring.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Swaying hanging ornaments

[Easy] Origami ✨Hanging Sakura Decoration 🌸 [3D ✨Weeping Cherry Blossoms] Also great for Hinamatsuri 🎎 Paper Craft DIY Cherry Blossoms. Origami

Here’s an introduction to a cherry blossom hanging decoration that looks beautiful as it sways in the breeze.

Cut origami or construction paper into rectangles and accordion-fold it five times.

Trim any excess and staple the center.

Draw cherry blossom petals on the accordion-folded piece and cut them out.

Apply glue to the center, stick the parts together, and shape it.

Attach a string to the back to finish.

If you make and hang many blossoms, it will look even more lovely.

It seems like you could make plenty of blossoms while chatting with seniors.

Please use this as a reference for making decorations.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Chinese milk vetch

April Wall Decorations: “Chinese Milk Vetch” — Cute Spring Bulletin Board Made from Paper

A wall decoration featuring bright pink Chinese milk vetch blossoms.

Since it requires precise hand movements, it’s recommended for seniors who want to try more advanced origami.

Cut the petal pieces according to the template and lightly score the fold lines.

For the stem, make all the fold lines valley folds, then overlap both edges and glue them securely in place.

For the flower pieces, alternate valley and mountain folds starting from the lower fold line to create a three-dimensional shape.

Where the fold lines split into three, make mountain folds from both sides and push the center line inward into a valley fold.

By pressing down the lightly made mountain folds and creasing them more deeply, the flower shape will hold firmly.

Finally, glue together the petals, stem, and leaves to complete the piece.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Japanese bush warbler

[Made with One Sheet of Origami] Easy and Cute Bush Warbler (Facing Left) Folding Tutorial ◇ Origami Japanese Bush Warbler — Spring Little Bird, Uguisu ◇

When you hear the call “hoo-hokekyo,” it makes you think, “Spring is here,” doesn’t it? The Japanese bush warbler (uguisu) is familiar to many people, including seniors, as a bird that heralds spring.

So let’s try making a calendar with an uguisu motif.

You could use origami or a coloring-page design—either works nicely.

It’s also a great idea to add plum or peach blossoms.

There’s even a traditional auspicious expression, ‘ume ni uguisu’ (plum blossoms with a bush warbler).

Plum blossoms and the bush warbler are a well-matched pair, and because the two together symbolize harmony, the phrase is used to represent good fortune.

Incorporating this combination into your calendar’s layout would likely result in a lovely piece.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Gerbera

[Easy] How to Make Gerberas [No Sewing] DIY Felt Gerbera Flowers and Bouquet

The gerbera, with its striking shape that looks like tiny petals spreading out, gives a sense of softness and cuteness thanks to its unique appearance.

This craft recreates gerbera flowers using felt and arranges them to look like a bouquet.

You cut slits into circular felt pieces, shape them into petals, and layer them to form the gerbera.

If you assemble and attach them around a central piece, it creates a more three-dimensional look, which is highly recommended.

Finally, attach the felt gerberas to a sponge base and fill any gaps with leaves or other parts to complete the piece.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Hina dolls in clear pockets

[Hinamatsuri Craft] Easy with Clear Pockets! How to Make Hina Dolls [Ashitaba Channel]

These are soft, charming Hina dolls made with clear pockets and tissue paper.

After finishing, you can keep enjoying them by displaying them in an older adult’s room, for example.

Crumple tissue paper in colors inspired by the Emperor and Empress, roll it into balls, and place it in the clear pockets to form the bodies.

Because you use your fingers and hands, it may help stimulate the brain.

Attach faces drawn on construction paper to the bodies, and they’re complete.

Prepare decorated paper plates or backing sheets, stick the dolls on, and hang them as wall decorations.

You can also make them into a wreath—depending on your ideas, they’ll become lovely interior pieces and decorations.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

A field of clover

Kimie Gangi Spring Wall Decoration: Field of Clover — April, three-dimensional, easy, cute, beautiful, for seniors

Haven’t you ever gone searching for clovers? They say finding one brings good luck… This video shows you how to actually make those lucky clovers! By making lots of them, you can create a lovely decoration like a field.

They’d be great for room decor or for making calendars at day services, too! The more you make, the more it looks like a grassy meadow.

Try working on it with a big group! Changing the clover colors can add depth as well… Be sure to make plenty and put them to good use!