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[For seniors] A handmade calendar you’ll want to make in February
How about making a handmade calendar together with older adults, instead of just looking at the usual one every day? By making it yourself, you’ll feel more attached to it, and it will bring you joy each time you see it.
We introduce various types of calendars—wall-mounted, desktop, and tear-off daily styles—so why not start with an easy one? Some include messages on each day’s page or use photos.
Turning the page might become a daily pleasure! Use this article as a reference and enjoy a fun crafting time.
[For Seniors] Want to Make in February! Handmade Calendar (1–10)
Cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji
Let’s try making a handmade calendar with construction paper! Paste a calendar with dates onto construction paper in your favorite color.
You can write directly on the calendar with a pen, or staff can prepare one in advance using a computer.
It’s easy to add a Mount Fuji illustration like in this video, but if you’re good at drawing, please draw it yourself! You’ll end up with a wonderful, original piece.
Finally, add cherry blossoms made from tissue paper, and it’s complete! Create a bright, seasonal piece full of charm.
Retro-cute! TV-shaped calendar
In the 1950s (Showa 30s), black-and-white televisions made their debut.
Black-and-white TVs even came to replace housecleaning as one of the so-called “three sacred treasures” of the time.
Some older folks may remember going to a neighbor’s house just to watch TV when they first bought one.
Here’s a retro, TV-shaped calendar that lets you reminisce about those days.
Make a rectangular box and attach legs to the bottom.
Then, insert a one-month calendar you’ve drawn on construction paper into the “screen” area of the TV, and it’s complete.
If you make one, it can even serve as a perpetual calendar you can use forever.
perpetual calendar
As the year draws to a close, some older adults may be thinking, “What should I do about next year’s calendar?” In times like that, how about a perpetual calendar you can use year after year? Perpetual calendars come in various forms, such as ones with cards or cube blocks to change the date and day of the week, or versions where each month corresponds to a set of dates.
They also come in a variety of materials, from wood to acrylic, but you can easily make one yourself using items from 100-yen shops.
It’s lovely to add photos or cards with messages to your perpetual calendar.
Since it also works as decor, it’s nice to display what you’ve made in your room.
Setsubun calendar
When you think of events in February, some of you might picture Setsubun.
So, let’s make a Setsubun-themed calendar.
You can fold an oni (ogre) out of origami and glue it onto the calendar base, or you can color a Setsubun illustration and use that instead.
Both origami and coloring involve dexterous finger movements, which stimulate the brain and can be expected to have brain-training benefits.
Seasonal crafts like a Setsubun calendar are also recommended for older adults who may find it difficult to keep track of time.
Through these activities, they may be able to feel the changing seasons.
Perpetual calendar made from a milk carton
Here’s an introduction to making a perpetual calendar out of milk cartons.
Milk cartons are usually made of thick paper and often come in a rectangular shape.
Using that characteristic, we’ll create a cube-shaped perpetual calendar.
Cut and fold the milk cartons so they form perfect squares.
Paste construction paper on the sides, and attach a sheet with the month written on it.
Using the same method, make cubes for the days of the week and the dates, then combine them to complete the calendar.
Changing the cubes every day might be enjoyable for older adults as well.
Some seniors may experience difficulties recognizing the correct date, time, or season.
By updating the calendar daily, it can help them stay aware of the date.
A snowman made with an eraser stamp
Why not try making a handmade February calendar using eraser stamps? If the staff prepare the eraser stamps in advance, the craft can proceed smoothly.
Of course, it’s also great to have dexterous seniors make them.
Let’s decorate a calendar with the dates already printed using the eraser stamps.
Stamps with cute motifs like snowmen, scarves, and hearts are lovely.
When stamping, press down with even pressure across the whole stamp for a clean finish.
Once the main design is done, use a round stamp to add a snowy effect.
Give this adorable handmade calendar made with eraser stamps a try!
Easy Origami Calendar
How about making a simple, original handmade calendar out of origami paper? You can buy various patterns of origami at 100-yen shops.
Find your favorite patterns and colors, and create your own original calendar! If you use designs that match each season, it will feel wonderfully seasonal.
Transparent origami paper also gives a fun, translucent look! For the date section, you can create it on a computer, or use sticker-type dates available at 100-yen shops for convenience.
Of course, handwritten is also fine.
A handmade calendar that combines the things you like will feel special and dear to you.
Give it a try as a craft activity with older adults!