[For Seniors] Enjoy Koinobori Indoors: Wall Decoration Ideas Collection
When it comes to May’s main event, Children’s Day is a big favorite among kids.
Many of you probably decorated your homes with carp streamers when your children were little.
These days, some cities even host events where unused carp streamers from households are displayed along rivers, making them beloved by people of all ages.
This time, we’re sharing wall decoration ideas featuring carp streamers that are perfect for May.
There are many creative ways to make and display carp streamers, so you can enjoy both crafting and decorating.
Just by putting them up in your room, you’ll instantly feel the spirit of May.
By all means, try making them together with everyone!
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[For Seniors] Enjoy Koinobori Indoors: Wall Decoration Ideas (21–30)
Carp streamers made of felt
Let’s try making a carp streamer (koinobori) using felt, which is known for its soft touch.
If you attach craft pom-poms to a rectangular piece of felt fixed to a stick, you can create the look of the carp’s scales.
Add eyes and a tail fin to the carp, and try attaching a windsock and a decorative pinwheel as well.
How about also making the banner top in felt to go with it? Another key point is that the overall impression of your koinobori will change depending on the color of felt you use.
Seniors, too, are sure to smile while creating these cute koinobori crafts.
paper cup koinobori
Let’s make a carp streamer (koinobori) using a paper cup.
If you use pre-colored paper cups, it’s easier.
If you only have white cups, try covering them with origami paper.
Cut or tear origami paper or paper tape and stick the pieces onto the cup—this creates the scales, and torn scales give each koinobori a unique look.
Add eyes with round stickers and attach a tail fin made from strips of origami paper.
Fix a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) or string to the head, tie it to a straw, and you’re done.
With the straw attached, you can place it in a vase and set it on a table.
Displaying them in a facility can help older adults enjoy the seasonal atmosphere.
[For Seniors] Enjoy Koinobori Indoors: Wall Decoration Ideas (31–40)
Wobbly paper-plate carp streamer
Why not try making a gently swaying carp streamer using a paper plate? First, fold the paper plate in half and staple only one side.
The stapled side will be the tail.
Cut a small bit off the head end.
Next, cut a colorful piece of paper slightly smaller than the body and glue it onto the body.
Then cut another piece of paper slightly longer than the tail end of the plate and glue it on, slightly shifted.
Add an eye using an eye part or a round sticker, and you’re done.
When you display it, it will sway in the breeze and look lovely.
Chiyogami torn-paper collage carp streamer
Chigiri-e (torn-paper collage) is also enjoyed as a hobby, isn’t it? Because it fully engages the hands, it’s effective for finger dexterity training for seniors and even for dementia prevention! How about making carp streamers with chigiri-e as a May wall decoration? If you’re doing this in a facility’s day service, staff can create the main body of the carp streamers out of construction paper, and have the users tear and paste chiyogami paper for the next step.
Older adults might find themselves completely absorbed in the fine work! Try making vibrant carp streamers that really showcase the colorful chiyogami paper.
Koinobori garland
When it comes to classic wall decorations, garlands are a top choice.
They’re easy to make and can instantly liven up a wall, so they’re great for parties, events, and many other occasions! Try making carp streamers (koinobori) by cutting origami or construction paper.
Since you’ll thread them onto a string at the end, a key tip is to fold the paper in half when you make them.
Create the scales by cutting origami or construction paper as well.
It’s fun to express your originality with different scale shapes—basic, ribbon-shaped, teardrop-shaped, and more! And it will look lovely not only with koinobori, but also with added pinwheels or clouds.
Landscape with moving koi-nobori (carp streamers)
How about making a slightly unique koi-nobori decoration? You’ll paste koi-nobori ornaments onto a picture that serves as a background of cityscapes and sky—and amazingly, the koi-nobori move! The body is made by stringing together scale-shaped parts, so when you touch it, it wiggles and changes shape.
Depending on your mood that day, the koi can go up or down.
It’s a May wall decoration you’ll never get tired of, even if you look at it every day! It takes a little time because you make each part one by one, but that just makes you grow more attached to it.
Carp streamers and samurai helmet
Try making 3D-style carp streamers and samurai helmets! Their intricate look will boost the May festival mood.
The carp streamer is based on a rolled sheet of origami paper.
Cut one side of the origami into a triangle to form the tail, then attach the pre-cut eyes and scales to finish.
The helmet is also made with origami, but after folding, create some space inside so it stands on its own.
Connect them with thread and hang them on the wall for a cute mobile! Choosing colorful origami will make them look even more festive.