[For Seniors] Enjoy at Day Service: A Roundup of May Craft Ideas

Standing Kintarō

Origami 3D Kintaro

Kintaro, the folk tale character, has a strong image of power, which makes him perfect for the Children’s Day theme of wishing for growth.

This piece is about recreating Kintaro with origami, paying attention to creases and the shapes of each part to build a three-dimensional figure.

Use skin-toned origami paper for the base, and be mindful of the angles of the folds so it can stand on its own.

Then add decoration: use red origami for the body parts based on a triangle, and black origami for the face part shaped like a square pouch.

Since the body and face are made separately, it’s important to keep an eye on the size balance as you work.

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kappamaki

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Simple koi-shaped streamer

[Craft Idea] Koinobori (carp streamer) decorations (May) (Children’s Day) (activities for seniors) (wall decorations) (early childhood education) (origami) (samurai helmet) (seasonal decorations)

Koinobori (carp streamers) are an iconic item for Children’s Day.

In the past, it was common to display large koinobori in the yard, but recently compact versions have become popular.

They embody parents’ hopes that their children will overcome difficulties and grow into strong adults.

This time, we’re introducing an easy koinobori craft that’s recommended as a gift from seniors to their grandchildren.

Prepare origami paper, a craft knife, and glue; since you only need to cut and paste the paper, the process is simple.

It’s also a nice idea to design the koinobori to reflect your family members.

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Nanaka

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strawberry

[Craft Idea] Strawberries (April–May, Spring) (Wall Decorations) (Senior Recreation/OT/Daycare) (Early Childhood Education) (Origami) (Group Craft Activity) (DIY/Papercraft)

When you think of fruits that signal the arrival of spring, many people probably picture strawberries.

Beloved for their sweet-and-tart flavor, strawberries are a favorite for many.

This time, let’s make strawberries as wall decorations! Prepare red construction paper and make small cuts with scissors to create a realistic strawberry texture.

To make it even more vibrant, it’s a great idea to add leaves and flowers as accents.

Displaying them in your room will look stylish and create such a realistic feel that you might find yourself wanting to go strawberry picking.

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Nanaka

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Kashiwa-mochi castanets

[Handmade Instruments] With Paper Clay! Kashiwa Mochi Castanets [Children’s Day Craft]

Kashiwa-mochi is a must-have wagashi for Children’s Day (Tango no Sekku).

It’s delicious to eat, but since its shape resembles castanets, let’s turn it into a castanet craft! It’s such a unique project that older adults may also take an interest.

Glue together a circle of thick paper and colored paper, then cut it into the shape of a kashiwa leaf.

If gluing layers feels like a hassle, you can simply paint the leaf color instead.

Next, roll paper clay into the shape of the mochi, and before it dries, sandwich it between the leaf pieces to form it.

Finally, embed a button into the paper clay and let it dry—that’s it! Since it’s a castanet, don’t forget to attach a button on the opposite side from the paper clay as well.

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miyabi

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four-leaf clover

[Elderly Recreation] Four-Leaf Clover [Spring Wall Decoration]

A four-leaf clover is like a symbol of happiness, and it’s exciting when you find one, isn’t it? How about making your own four-leaf clover? Using a coffee filter and some paint, you can create a cute design, and it’s fun to watch the paint slowly seep in and form a gradient.

Leave a small part of the coffee filter uncut so the center of the clover stays connected, then cut the leaf sections into rounded shapes.

Hold the connected center and dip it into water tinted with diluted paint.

Let it dry as is, and when you open it up—your clover is complete! If you vary the intensity of the colors and make a bunch of them, it will create an even more spring-like atmosphere.

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utatane

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small bird

(Drawing paper) Easy and cute! How to make a little bird [DIY]

Did you know that May 10–16 is Bird Week every year? It’s also called Bird Week (Birdweek) and aims to raise interest in wild birds and the natural environment and to spread knowledge.

In honor of Bird Week, how about making a cute little bird out of colored construction paper? Cut the colored paper into long, thin strips, glue one end, and roll it up from the glued end.

To create a pleasing color gradient and make the center of the circle the bird’s eye, place a black strip at the edge and use other strips in similar hues to add contrast.

For the body, curl the paper around a pencil to give it a rounded curve and shape it to resemble a small bird.

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utatane

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windmill

[Craft Origami You Can Play With] How to Make a Well-Spinning Pinwheel with Audio Commentary ☆ Origami Windmill Tutorial

Why not try making a pinwheel that spins round and round? All you need are origami paper, a straw, and a pushpin.

Fold the origami paper along the diagonal, make cuts along the folded lines, then gently fold one tip of each cut toward the center and glue them down at the center.

Pack a small piece of cut origami paper into one end of the straw, stick the pushpin through the center of the pinwheel, and fix the pin into the packed paper in the straw—done! Many day service centers and care facilities probably enjoy strolls and sunbathing on warm, sunny days.

Bring along the pinwheels you made on such outings; they’re sure to make an ordinary walk or sunbath even more fun!

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utatane

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