Simple Crafts for the Elderly Recommended for Tanabata
July 7 is Tanabata.
When you think of Tanabata, many people picture Princess Orihime, Prince Hikoboshi, and the Milky Way.
For older adults, hands-on crafts that let them experience seasonal events provide great stimulation for the brain.
In this article, we introduce easy craft ideas recommended for Tanabata.
We’ve gathered a wide range of Tanabata-themed craft ideas, including decorations, garlands, wall art, and tanzaku wish strips.
They’re all simple to make, so older adults can try them with ease.
Be sure to read this article and use it to help with your Tanabata crafting!
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[For Seniors] Simple Tanabata Crafts Recommended (1–10)
Frame decoration of Orihime and Hikoboshi
Here’s a cute framed decoration of Orihime and Hikoboshi you can make with items from 100-yen shops.
Using aurora-colored origami paper will give the characters a sparkly look.
First, use a template to make the faces and cut them out.
Fold the bodies along the template’s crease lines and trim off any excess.
Attach the faces and bodies with double-sided tape.
For the background, star-patterned origami paper works well.
To finish it like a frame, fold the edges of the origami paper narrowly inward and secure them with stickers or similar, and you’re done.
Transparent three-dimensional star tanzaku
Tanabata is said to be an event based on Chinese mythology, but it seems there were similar customs in the West as well, though their exact origins aren’t clear.
It’s like the song “When You Wish Upon a Star”—gazing up at the shining stars in the night sky and letting your thoughts wander is something common to all humanity.
Speaking of Tanabata, it’s all about “stars.” Let’s try making a lovely three-dimensional Tanabata ornament using transparent chiyogami paper.
There are plenty of videos that teach you how to fold them, so look for one that suits your style.
And when you write your wish on the tanzaku strip, make sure it’s something you don’t mind others seeing!
Swaying and sparkling, Orihime and Hikoboshi
Here’s how to make a gently swaying, sparkling Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Get ready a paper cup, construction paper, color markers, scissors, an awl, origami paper, and curling ribbon.
Draw Orihime and Hikoboshi on construction paper, make crowns with origami paper, cut them out, and paste them together.
Use the awl to make a hole in the center of the paper cup’s bottom, thread the curling ribbon through, and create a hanging loop.
Sketch sleeve shapes on the paper cup, then cut along the lines with scissors to form a three-dimensional kimono shape.
Attach the faces to the finished kimono.
Stick star shapes onto the cut curling ribbon, then adhere the ribbon to the inside of the paper cup.
Your Tanabata decoration—perfect for hot summer days—is complete!
[For Seniors] Easy Tanabata Crafts Recommended (11–20)
Swaying bamboo decorations of Orihime and Hikoboshi
Speaking of Tanabata, it’s all about making wishes.
In shopping arcades and large malls, you’ll often find strips of paper that shoppers can freely hang up and write their wishes on.
It’s fun just to read other people’s wishes, like “I want to live a long life” or “I want to be rich.” The stars of Tanabata are Hikoboshi and Orihime.
Let’s make a gently swaying decoration using a polystyrene cup and pipe cleaners.
Basically, you just connect the Hikoboshi and Orihime figures made from colored paper to the cup with pipe cleaners.
Feel free to enjoy the rest of the decorations however you like.
Strip with mesh
Tanabata is one of the major events in July.
Many senior care facilities probably hold Tanabata events and decorate their interiors, don’t they? Tanabata is also a day when people attach wish strips (tanzaku) to bamboo and make wishes.
Try adding a twist to those tanzaku by cutting slits that create a mesh pattern.
There’s originally a net decoration among Tanabata ornaments, and—as the name suggests—it’s said to carry the wish for a bountiful catch of fish.
Fold the top of the tanzaku paper, then make many cuts.
When you open it, you’ll have net-like slits.
If you like, you can also make Hikoboshi and Orihime and place them along the mesh of the tanzaku.
As they create, some older adults may recall past Tanabata memories.
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 as well.
Fold a toilet paper roll in half, then cut two rings about 3 cm wide.
Place a core made by rolling up a tissue inside each ring and secure it with a rubber band to create a plump body.
Decorate over that as if dressing them in kimono using origami paper or lace to bring out the feel of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Finish by making facial features from origami or similar paper and attaching them.
Simply lining them up on a desk or shelf adds a touch of seasonal color.
As you move your fingers through the steps, memories and Tanabata stories naturally come up, making it a craft that fosters enjoyable times.