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Recommended November craft ideas for day service centers

November, when autumn deepens and you can finally feel the approach of winter.

As this season arrives, the iconic sights of autumn—starting with the colorful leaves—are coming to an end.

Because of that, some people may want to go out and soak up as much of autumn as possible, but find it difficult to leave home.

In this article, we’re introducing craft ideas recommended for November that allow seniors to enjoy the feeling of autumn without going out! We’ve gathered a variety of crafts, including ones that evoke fall foliage and seasonal flavors.

Please make use of them for craft activities in day service programs.

Recommended November craft ideas for day service (21–30)

Matsutake Mushroom Origami

[Origami] How to Fold Autumn Delicacy “Matsutake Mushroom”
Matsutake Mushroom Origami

Let’s recreate the matsutake mushroom—an iconic flavor of Japan’s autumn—using origami.

A key point is to use both sides of the paper to clearly show the color difference between the cap and the stem, while shaping the overall form with a gentle roundness.

Once the piece is neatly folded, it’s also a good idea to draw patterns to make it look even more like a matsutake.

Try imagining a seasonal scene where matsutake are arranged—such as a circular layout inspired by a woven basket—so the mushrooms feel naturally grouped and evocative of the season.

Cutout painting

Easy With Fallen Leaves! Cutout Painting / [OT Let’s Try Making It! Vol. 30] (Recreation & Crafts)
Cutout painting

This is a cutout painting that lets you fully experience autumn by touching fallen leaves.

First, sketch an autumn-themed motif on drawing paper and cut it out with scissors or a craft knife.

Next, glue fallen leaves onto another sheet of drawing paper.

Finally, layer the cutout sheet on top, glue it down, and let it dry—that’s it! Display it in a frame to add an accent to your interior.

If you enjoy working with natural materials or are good at detailed handiwork, give it a try.

Pine cone made with origami and construction paper

[Craft Idea] Pine Cone (October–November Wall Decorations) (Senior Recreation, Day Service, Occupational Therapy OT, Origami, Colored Construction Paper, DIY, 3D Craft, Wreath) (Template PDF Available: See Description)
Pine cone made with origami and construction paper

Pine cones are tree nuts that let you enjoy the changing seasons from autumn to winter.

For this craft, cut out the sketched pine cone parts with scissors and glue them together to create a three-dimensional effect.

When gluing, gently roll the cut paper pieces and lightly flatten the tips—this helps make them look more realistic.

It could also be fun to use pink or orange origami paper to express the color changes of the pine cone.

There are many delicate steps, but the sense of accomplishment when you finish will bring joy and confidence.

Cyclamen wall decoration

Winter flowers: Introducing how to make 3D cyclamen with origami! How about making them for winter wall decorations at home or in facilities? [Tsukuru-mon]
Cyclamen wall decoration

Cyclamen, which bloom during the chilly November–December season, are perfect for a November craft.

Not only do their flame-like, upward-facing blossoms captivate, but their vivid colors—red, white, pink, and purple—are also beautiful and a delight to the eye.

By making not just the petals but also the sepals, stems, and leaves, you can achieve a realistic look that’s instantly striking and eye-catching.

The steps don’t involve any complicated folds, but because there’s some delicate cutting and gluing, it’s a project you’ll want to tackle with focus and care.

Pine cone wall-hanging decor

When it comes to autumn flowers, cosmos are the first that come to mind.

This time, let’s make a wall-hanging interior decoration that recreates cosmos using pine cones.

First, use nippers to cut off the scales of the pine cones.

For safety, it’s recommended to wear gloves.

Have staff assist with the tougher parts.

Attach the decorated pine cone pieces—painted with acrylics—one by one onto a cutting board from the 100-yen shop.

A cosmos wall-hanging made with autumn materials will instantly fill your entryway or room with an autumn atmosphere.

Tissue-paper hedgehog

Hedgehog wall decoration made with tissue paper – great for pretend barbershop play too. Perfect for autumn crafts (art projects) for toddlers, elementary school kids, after-school programs, and senior recreation.
Tissue-paper hedgehog

This is a cute hedgehog craft made with tissue paper flowers! Stack several sheets of tissue paper, accordion-fold them, tie the center with a chenille stem or string, then snip fine cuts into both ends and fan it out.

Next, cut hedgehog shapes from construction paper, attach the tissue paper, and add eyes with round stickers to finish! You can change up the color combinations of the tissue paper or make different sizes, too.

If you’re making a wall display, try adding origami mushrooms and fallen leaves for an even stronger autumn vibe.

Cute! A three-dimensional maple leaf

(Construction Paper) Autumn Decorations – Easy and Cute! How to Make a Japanese Maple [DIY]
Cute! A three-dimensional maple leaf

This is a three-dimensional autumn leaf decoration made by creatively adding folds and cuts to construction paper.

Since it’s a single maple leaf, you can use it on its own or incorporate it into larger decorations.

The key is to carefully measure the length of each cut as you go; the more attention you give to the finer details, the sturdier and more three-dimensional the leaf will be.

Be mindful of the amount of glue you use so the color of the construction paper stands out.

It could be fun to make leaves in various colors and assemble them into a large, three-dimensional autumn tree.