![[Setsubun] Let’s make an oni mask! A collection of ideas using everyday materials](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/tziC_1BZSbc/maxresdefault.webp)
[Setsubun] Let’s make an oni mask! A collection of ideas using everyday materials
For Setsubun, making oni masks is a must! Why not create unique demon masks using familiar materials like construction paper, paper plates, and yarn? In this article, we introduce a variety of handmade mask ideas—quirky designs, wearable types, and projects you can take your time perfecting.
One of the joys of crafting is choosing your own colors and expressions, so you can make both scary and cute oni.
These ideas are perfect for quality time at home with parents, as well as arts-and-crafts time at preschools and kindergartens.
This Setsubun, let’s liven up bean-throwing with a one-of-a-kind mask!
[Setsubun] Let’s Make Oni Masks! A Collection of Ideas Using Everyday Materials (1–10)
Paper plate mask without rubber bands
From the belief that malevolent energy arises during seasonal transitions, the custom of Setsubun and driving away demons spread.
It has now become a well-established early-spring tradition.
If you want a mask that doesn’t use rubber bands around the ears, try this type: simply put, it’s a mask with a handle like a fan.
Cut out the parts of a paper plate where you want the eyes, design an oni (demon) face, and attach a handle such as a chopstick—that’s it.
You can create the oni on the paper plate however you like—papercutting, collage, or illustration—so even small children can enjoy it.
You can also design different oni faces on the front and back, making it double-sided.
Masks made with decalcomania
Have you ever heard of decalcomania? It’s actually a painting technique that comes from a French word meaning “transfer.” In Japan, it’s sometimes called “awase-e” (matching pictures).
It might sound a bit tricky, but the principle is very simple: draw any pattern you like on just one half of a piece of paper folded in two, then fold it closed and open it again.
You’ll get a left-right symmetrical image or design, creating patterns that are hard to describe.
That element of surprise is the most enjoyable part of decalcomania.
Add eyes, a mouth, or horns, and you’ve got a fine oni (ogre).
If you’re interested, give it a try!
A cute mask made with construction paper and yarn
When making masks, the material is often construction paper, so they tend to end up looking a bit flat, right? So here’s a twist for the ogre’s hair: how about using colorful yarn? The main body can be a ring type that fits on the head or a face-covering mask type—either is fine—but be sure to use yarn for the ogre’s hair.
Just that will give your mask a three-dimensional look and make it more fun.
Pair blue yarn with a pink ogre and you’ve got an irresistibly cute, super-stylish ogre! Use colorful construction paper and a variety of yarns to create a happy ogre!
Mask made with tissue paper
Did you know that tissue paper flowers are used in quite a lot of places? Of course they’re popular for decorating events like graduation ceremonies and school performances, but you’ll also spot them wrapping bouquets at flower shops, or used to wrap cutlery at restaurants.
Once you start paying attention, you’ll notice tissue paper flowers all around you.
When you crumple the tissue paper, it instantly transforms into an ogre’s hair.
That light, airy texture is perfect for hair, and the rich variety of colors is another big plus! It matches really well with band-style headpiece masks, so give it a try.
You can find plenty at 100-yen shops, too.
Masks made with chenille stems (pipe cleaners)
In the old days, people believed that oni (demons) caused epidemics and disasters.
Many things that couldn’t be explained by the learning and knowledge of the time were attributed to oni.
How about driving away such demons with a cool mask designed using pipe cleaners? If you freely bend the pipe cleaners, you can easily create expressions like smiley faces.
You could also combine short pieces to make a stylish, design-like oni mask.
It’s nice that pipe cleaners can be easily attached with glue or double-sided tape.
They seem to go well with headband-style masks that wrap around the head.
Experiment in various ways and make a fun mask!
Masks you can make with paint play without getting your hands dirty
Have you ever gotten so absorbed in painting with paints that you ended up making a mess around you? Here’s a mask craft that helps keep your home or facility as clean as possible.
First, prepare a sheet of drawing paper slightly larger than a postcard and squeeze paint directly from the tubes onto it.
It’s fine if it doesn’t look like a picture yet.
Put the paper into a ziplock bag and squish and mix the paint from the outside of the plastic.
You can blend the colors completely or leave some of the original colors as they are—either is fine! Let it dry, then attach parts for the ogre’s eyes and mouth, and you’re done.
Since drying time is needed, be sure to allow a little extra time for the activity!
A mask made with origami
We often talk about red oni and blue oni, but have you ever wondered, “Why are they different colors?” The colors of oni represent different kinds of worldly desires and vices: red stands for desire, blue for hatred, and so on—each color has a proper meaning.
How about enjoying a story about oni while making an oni mask out of origami? Since there are more than 10 folding steps, it’s better suited for people who are good with their hands.
It might go most smoothly if one person masters it first and then teaches everyone else.
Be sure to make the headband portion out of origami as well.