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[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 an oni (demon) mask! A collection of ideas using everyday materials (11–20)

A mask made by cutting out the center of a paper plate

Sometimes when you buy beans for Setsubun, they come with a small, perfectly round oni mask, right? Using that mask as inspiration, why not make an oni mask with a paper plate? If you cut out the center of the plate and pop it over the face, your child’s expressions won’t be hidden.

If you want it to double as a face mask, attach a mask over the mouth area.

Since you’ll need a craft knife to cut out the center, have an adult handle that part.

Kids can customize more than you might think—like making the oni’s hair with yarn and adding horns with thick paper or cardstock.

And since we’re in an eco-friendly era, the paper plate doesn’t have to be brand new as long as it’s clean!

Mask made from cardboard

[Setsubun] A slightly realistic ogre mask made from cardboard [Production time: 1 hour]
Mask made from cardboard

Cardboard is an essential item for crafts.

It’s easy for kids to handle, and since it’s something most households have, it’s simple to get started! If your child is making it themselves, choose cardboard that isn’t too thick so it’s easier to cut.

You can divide the tasks—for example, let your child do the painting while an adult helps with cutting out the eye holes.

It’s a project that both adults and children can enjoy, wondering what kind of unique oni (demon) they’ll create.

It’s also great as February décor, so be sure to display it and have fun!

A mask-made face mask

Setsubun Craft: Easy! Oni Mask (Nonwoven Fabric Mask) [Kindergarten, Nursery, Elementary School, Crafts, Art] Bean-Throwing
A mask-made face mask

Let’s make an oni (ogre/demon) mask using a household face mask.

Since it already has ear loops, you can put it on and enjoy it right away.

The method is super simple: color the mask red, draw an oni illustration, and cut out holes for the eyes—that’s it! The illustration you draw on the mask is a great place for your child to unleash their imagination.

Masks come in many colors, so a black oni or a purple oni could be fun, too.

If you use a 3D mask, you can even create a more three-dimensional oni mask!

A simple mask made from construction paper

Let's make it for Setsubun! Crafting an Oni (demon) mask
A simple mask made from construction paper

It’s a classic, but making oni masks out of construction paper might be the smoothest way to get the job done.

It’s great for preschools or community events where lots of kids gather.

Attaching the elastic bands that go around the ears can be a bit tricky for small children, so please have the adults nearby help with that part.

I’m sure the kids will get really excited when they draw the oni faces on the paper! And instead of just drawing with crayons, you can add masking tape or sprinkle on some glitter—maybe it’s no longer the era of making only scary oni masks.

A mask with a lovely smiling oni would be great too!

A half-face mask made from a paper plate

[Preschool Craft] Perfect for Setsubun! A Demon Mask Made with a Paper Plate ♪ | Setsubun Demon Mask
A half-face mask made from a paper plate

Paper plates transform into oni masks! This is a great mask idea for anyone with extra paper plates at home.

There aren’t any difficult steps, so children should be able to make it smoothly.

Cut a paper plate in half, paint it your favorite color, and cut out the eye holes with scissors.

If you use an awl to make holes for the elastic, be sure an adult stays nearby or helps out.

Let your child freely create the oni’s horns, hair, eyebrows, and more using their own imagination! It’s also wonderful for parents and children to make their own masks together.

Not scary! Oni masks that kids will love

Setsubun Crafts: Not Scary! 3 Oni Masks Kids Will Love [Nursery/Kindergarten]
Not scary! Oni masks that kids will love

Here are three ogre masks you’ll want to make for Setsubun! All of them use familiar, easy-to-get materials, and they’re ideas that naturally bring kids to mind.

The tissue-paper crown ogre is just crumpling and sticking on tissue, so children can enjoy fine-motor play as they work.

Choosing colors gives each mask a unique expression, which is part of the charm.

The envelope ogre hat involves sticking, drawing, and decorating, making it a focused, fun activity.

Washi tape and yarn really expand the individuality.

The paper-bag ogre mask is great because kids can wear it to play once it’s finished.

And the paper-plate mask—surprise!—uses broccoli.

Stamp paint onto a halved paper plate with broccoli.

These projects will make the celebration even more fun.

[Setsubun] Let’s make an ogre mask! A collection of ideas using everyday materials (21–30)

Make it with a paper bag! Oni (demon) headpiece

[Preschool Craft] Perfect for Setsubun! Make an Oni (demon) hat with a paper bag
Make it with a paper bag! Oni (demon) headpiece

Here’s a fun idea for playing with a paper-bag oni mask.

First, cut off the handles of the paper bag.

Then cut out the center of the bag with scissors.

Next, decorate the cut construction paper with crayons or other materials.

Attach the horns you made from construction paper with glue, then stick them onto the paper bag to finish! By drawing patterns and facial expressions with crayons, each child can create a unique oni.

When using scissors, a caregiver should supervise closely and proceed at a pace appropriate for the child’s age.

Wearing the mask to play helps children feel more connected to seasonal events.