[For Seniors] Wall Decorations to Enhance the Tanabata Atmosphere: Ideas Compilation
For craft activities in senior care facilities, we recommend making seasonal projects that let everyone feel the changes of the four seasons.
Among these, wall decorations are especially useful: they help with fine-motor rehabilitation and can also spark deeper communication with those around them.
This time, we’re sharing wall decoration ideas for Tanabata, the major event in July.
We’ve gathered many ideas featuring classic Tanabata motifs such as Hikoboshi and Orihime, bamboo decorations, and the Milky Way.
Use this article as a guide to create lovely wall decorations together with the seniors.
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[For Seniors] Wall Decorations to Enhance the Tanabata Atmosphere: Idea Collection (21–30)
Tanabata decorations: cute star ornaments
Here’s a popular and cute origami idea to brighten up Tanabata: star decorations.
Make three-dimensional stars or star-shaped chains that you can link together using colorful origami paper, and your room or living area will instantly take on a cheerful, festive vibe! The simple shapes make them easy for seniors as well, with potential benefits for finger exercise, rehabilitation, and improving concentration.
Create many and decorate the wall to bring a Tanabata atmosphere in no time.
Using shiny papers like gold or silver makes them even more beautiful.
Try making origami stars and enjoy the seasonal celebration!
shooting star
The origami “shooting star,” perfect for the Tanabata night sky, is a dreamy and delightful piece to look at.
After folding the star shape and adding a tail, it looks just like a real shooting star streaking across the night sky.
By changing the color and length, you can create decorations with a variety of expressions.
It’s easy for older adults to try, and the gentle finger work can help stimulate the brain.
Display it together with tanzaku wish strips and the Milky Way to enhance the Tanabata atmosphere.
Why not fold a shooting star in origami and make a wish?
Milky Way star ornament
Decorate the ceiling and enjoy the atmosphere! Here are some ideas for Milky Way star decorations.
The Milky Way refers to a band of stars that emits a faint, milky light and looks like a river.
It’s also known as the Milky Way, derived from Greek mythology.
This time, let’s make Milky Way star decorations using origami.
You’ll need origami paper, a non-slip mat, string, and a sewing machine.
Choose any origami you like, such as patterned sheets or materials with a sparkly finish.
Tanabata wall decoration-making
In July, as summer gradually comes into full swing, Tanabata arrives—a major event with a strong, romantic image of gazing up at the sky.
How about decorating your interior to evoke the starry sky of Tanabata and heighten the excitement for the occasion? The key element is the Milky Way, which is especially important in the folklore surrounding the festival.
Make an origami Milky Way the centerpiece, and then adorn the surrounding area with various motifs.
It’s fun that the choice of colors and motifs lets the creator’s personality shine through.
Tanabata-style calendar
This time, we’ll introduce a July calendar craft centered on Tanabata, the July festival.
Many of you may be thinking, “I want to make a handmade calendar.” There are various calendar-making kits available for purchase.
A kit featuring bamboo branches decorated for Tanabata is especially handy.
If you use a craft knife to cut out the bamboo leaves on the double-layered calendar base, you’ll get a three-dimensional finish.
And of course, be sure to add tanzaku—wish strips imbued with the feelings of the seniors—onto the bamboo.
Including tanzaku will help you create a calendar with a unique, personal touch.
Adult tanzaku decorations
This is a recommended craft for older adults that lets you enjoy the spirit of Tanabata while using your fingertips.
Cut origami paper into bamboo leaf shapes and paste them in a balanced way onto a circular piece of construction paper.
Adjust and place mizuhiki cords so they fit within the paper to create a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Combine patterned origami with white paper to make tanzaku strips, write wishes on them, then thread them onto chenille stems to bring the whole piece together.
The finished work has a calm color palette that looks beautiful on display, and the textures of washi and mizuhiki give it an elegant feel.
It can also spark conversations about memories of Tanabata from the past, making it perfect for indoor summer recreation.
Ornamental display of Orihime and Hikoboshi
These Orihime and Hikoboshi tabletop decorations are perfect for Tanabata and are a gentle, enjoyable seasonal craft for seniors.
Fold a toilet paper tube in half, then cut two rings about 3 cm wide.
Place a small, balled-up tissue inside each ring as a core and secure it with a rubber band to create a plump body.
Decorate over it with origami paper or lace as if dressing them in kimonos to evoke the look of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Finally, make facial features from origami or similar paper and attach them to finish.
Simply lining them up on a desk or shelf adds a touch of the season.
As you work with your fingertips, memories and Tanabata-themed conversations naturally flow, making it a delightful craft to enjoy.