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Lovely senior life

For Seniors: Simple and Fun Hina Matsuri Crafts—An Idea Collection Using Various Materials

As Hinamatsuri approaches, you might feel like adding a touch of springtime brightness to your room.

That’s why we recommend easy Hinamatsuri crafts you can enjoy casually.

We’ll share ideas for items like hanging ornaments and tabletop decorations that you can make using various materials such as felt and pompoms.

Many of them can be finished without sewing, letting you savor the seasonal tradition while keeping your hands busy—a delightful bonus.

Once you display your finished pieces, the space will instantly feel brighter.

Be sure to enjoy some conversation together as you try your hand at crafts brimming with the colors of spring.

[For Seniors] Simple and Fun Hinamatsuri Crafts: A Collection of Ideas Using Various Materials (91–100)

Hina dolls

When it comes to major events in March, some older adults may think of the Peach Festival (Hinamatsuri).

Here’s a calendar featuring the Emperor and Empress dolls as a Hinamatsuri motif.

You can make hina dolls out of origami and attach them to the calendar.

Of course, you can also cut colored paper into the parts of the dolls and glue them on instead of using origami.

Creating the hina dolls might prompt some people to remember festivals they’ve spent with family.

Talking about those memories could make for lively conversation while working on the calendar.

Japanese-style tapestry

A tapestry inspired by the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri)
Japanese-style tapestry

Tapestries that look just like traditional Hina dolls are cute and lovely, but how about making a tapestry inspired by the Hinamatsuri festival like this one? First, create a padded motif inspired by the Emperor’s kimono and another padded motif inspired by the Empress, making them about the same size.

Attach them to a base fabric with batting sandwiched inside, and do the quilting.

Finish by appliquéing pieces of chirimen fabric cut into flower shapes here and there.

Since it’s made of fabric, it doesn’t take up much space and is easy to store.

Peach blossom ornament

[Elderly Recreation] Rec Craftsman Series Part 258: “Small Peach Blossom Decoration [Hinamatsuri/Girls’ Day/March 3rd/Handmade/Floral Decoration/Crafting/Fine Motor Skills/Functional Training]”
Peach blossom ornament

Peach blossoms bloom in beautiful pale pink around late March.

Even if you want to go for a walk to see them, many people may find it hard to go out because March often has chilly days.

For those people, we recommend this “Small Peach Blossom Decoration.” It requires only a few materials, making it perfect for craft activities with seniors.

Prepare white, pink, and light green colored sand, artificial flowers, and a clear container—all of which you can buy at a 100-yen shop.

Then, layer the colored sand in the container in order.

The color scheme, like hishi-mochi, looks very cute.

Insert the artificial flowers, tie a string, and it’s done.

This peach blossom decoration will warm the hearts of those who see it, letting you feel the arrival of spring even while indoors.

Paper lantern with origami

How to make a paper lantern: origami for Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) and the Hina dolls
Paper lantern with origami

No Hina Doll display is complete without bonbori lanterns.

They’re an essential decoration that even appears right at the start of the children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri.” In the past, bonbori were reportedly used as lighting at weddings held at night in Japan.

This time, let’s fold bonbori out of origami that gently illuminate the faces of the Emperor and Empress dolls.

The steps aren’t complicated, making it an easy project for older adults as well.

For the flame part of the bonbori, try using your favorite origami in bright or soft colors.

Paper-cup Hina dolls

Hinamatsuri dolls that pop out from a paper cup
Paper-cup Hina dolls

These are Hina dolls made from paper cups that you can whip up in very little time.

All you need are patterned paper cups and origami paper—everything can be found at the 100-yen shop, so the low cost is another nice perk! They’re perfect for chatting and crafting together at a day service center.

First, draw the Hina dolls’ faces on the bottom of the paper cups and their sleeves on the sides.

Next, make cuts in the cup, leaving about 1.5 cm from the bottom intact, and cut out the sleeve areas as well.

Finally, fold the faces upright and adjust the sleeves so they lift slightly, then add accessories like crowns made from origami to finish.

Display them as ornaments and enjoy decorating your room.

In conclusion

How did you like these Hinamatsuri craft ideas you can enjoy with older adults? Projects made with a variety of familiar materials—like pom-poms, felt, and tissue paper flowers—are great for stimulating both the fingers and the brain.

Savoring a seasonal tradition while keeping your hands busy can add a warm touch of color to everyday life.

We hope you enjoy creating your favorite pieces.