[For Seniors] Easy and Fun! Tsumami Zaiku Craft Ideas
When you hear “tsumami zaiku,” do you picture something difficult?
This article is perfect for anyone who feels that way.
We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas—from easy, beginner-friendly methods to elaborate creations!
Because you assemble many small parts, it helps build concentration and is also effective for finger dexterity and dementia prevention.
And since it involves detailed work, the sense of accomplishment when you finish a piece is exceptional.
There are many lovely projects, so do try making chirimen crafts together with older adults.
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[For Seniors] Simple and Fun! Tsumami Zaiku Ideas (1–10)
Orihime and Hikoboshi
When you hear “tsumami-zaiku,” many people may picture flowers.
This time, instead of flowers, we’re introducing Tanabata ornaments made with chirimen craft.
Let’s make Orihime with pink chirimen fabric and Hikoboshi with light blue chirimen fabric.
Just like when making flowers, attach the parts to the base.
Since this base will become the kimono, using both lighter and darker shades will enhance the overall brilliance.
Once you attach the face and decorations to the kimono section, it’s complete.
These Tanabata ornaments will brighten up any space just by being displayed.
Please use this article as a reference and give it a try!
snow rabbit
A snow rabbit made with tsumami-zaiku! Cut an ellipsoidal piece of styrofoam in half to make the rabbit’s body.
Wrap it with white fabric and glue it in place.
Fold a square piece of fabric into a triangle to make the ears, and attach beads for the eyes.
The balance of the ears and eyes affects the rabbit’s expression and cuteness, so this is where individuality can really shine.
Since making the ears and eyes involves delicate work with tweezers, it really tests your focus and dexterity! It could be nice to help each other out, or treat it like brain training and take on the challenge!
Koinobori hanging ornament
We’re going to make carp streamers (koinobori) using tsumami-zaiku! If you make them for Children’s Day, lots of kids will probably be delighted.
First, cut out the pattern and create a carp-shaped base.
If you can draw the curves nicely, your carp will look lively.
Attach your favorite fabric to the pattern with double-sided tape and trim off the excess.
Fold a square piece of fabric into a triangle, then fold one side over to meet the opposite side to create a scale.
Stick several of these onto the body.
Connect a few carp together with string and a straw, and your koinobori is complete.
It’s a piece that really captures the feel of the season!
[For Seniors] Simple and Fun! Tsumami Zaiku Ideas (11–20)
Half-Kusu Keychain
Let us introduce a semi-kusudama-style keychain that lifts your mood just by having it.
You will need chirimen fabric, keychain hardware, and Rilian (kumihimo) thread.
Thread the string through the hardware and secure the backing.
Cover the backing with chirimen fabric so the white parts are hidden.
Adding beads in between makes it extra cute.
Using three colors of chirimen, make round tsumami petals.
Attach the petals to the prepared backing and shape them.
To avoid gaps, fill in with smaller petals for a neat finish.
A pearl in the center of the flower is a lovely touch.
There are many fine steps, but with staff cooperation, please enjoy working on chirimen crafts together with older adults!
Chinese bellflower
The balloon flower, which blooms with vivid purple blossoms, is so beautiful and soothing to look at, isn’t it? Let’s try making that balloon flower using chirimen-style fabric scraps from a 100-yen shop! If you iron out the wrinkles before you start, you’ll get a neat finish.
Cut the scraps into small pieces and make five round tsumami petals.
Arrange them evenly around the base and adjust the shape.
The key is to apply a bit of glue to the tips of the petals at the end and pinch them to a point—this brings out the balloon-flower look even more.
Attach a pearl to the center and you’re done.
Tsumami crafting, which uses fine finger movements, is ideal for finger exercises for older adults.
It also helps build concentration and stimulates imagination.
Give it a try!
little star
One motif that brightens your mood just by displaying it is the little star.
Let’s make one of those stars with chirimen craft! Using the video as a guide, create five parts from yellow chirimen fabric and glue them at equal intervals onto another piece of cloth.
Unlike when making a flower, sharpening the tips makes it look more like a star.
Attach a pearl to the center, and you’ve made a cute little star.
Tsumami-zaiku requires dexterous use of the fingers, which helps build concentration and stimulates the brain.
Enjoy tsumami-zaiku as a fun way to help prevent dementia.
Halloween decorations
We’re making Halloween decorations with tsumami-zaiku! When you think of Halloween, orange and black come to mind.
First, we’ll make the base.
Cover a circular piece of paper with chirimen fabric to create the bottom layer.
Take a square piece of fabric, fold it into a triangle twice, and finally fold both sides in from the edges to the center.
It’s delicate work! Make several and layer them onto the base to form a three-dimensional body.
Next, for the head, cover a styrofoam ball with fabric and attach the eyes and ears.
Make the ears by folding the fabric into triangles just like the body pieces.
Cut out a semicircle of paper, cover it with fabric, and bend it into a cylinder to complete the hat.
Did you end up with a cute rabbit that captures the Halloween spirit?