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] Easy Crafts Recommended for Tanabata (21–30)
The tanzaku of Orihime and Hikoboshi
When Tanabata draws near, it somehow makes you want to look up at the sky, doesn’t it? This time, we’re introducing a craft: making “Orihime and Hikoboshi tanzaku.” Use softly colored origami to create Orihime and Hikoboshi, and display them together with wish strips featuring different messages.
When it comes to writing wishes like “Health first” or “I want to enjoy delicious meals,” everyone’s personality shines through, which is heartwarming.
Lined up on the wall with bamboo leaves, it creates a gentle, Tanabata-like atmosphere that delights passersby.
It’s an easy project that leaves lasting memories—highly recommended for wall decorations.
Orihime and Hikoboshi
These are Orihime and Hikoboshi made with three sheets of origami paper.
You fold them in three separate parts and then assemble them.
The head uses black origami paper, and the face is made from the white reverse side.
The other two parts are the upper garment and the lower garment.
Since the folds are the same as the balloon model up to a certain step, it shouldn’t be too confusing.
Insert the lower garment from underneath the upper garment.
Finally, glue on the face piece to finish.
Feel free to draw the facial expressions however you like.
Your very own original Orihime and Hikoboshi will surely turn out adorable.
[For Seniors] Easy Crafts Recommended for Tanabata (31–40)
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 magical and delightful craft to look at.
After folding a star shape and adding a tail, it looks just like a real shooting star streaking across the night sky.
By changing the colors and length, you can create decorations with a variety of expressions.
It’s easy for older adults to try, and the gentle, finger-focused work can help stimulate the brain.
Displaying them together with tanzaku strips and the Milky Way will bring out the Tanabata spirit even more.
Why not make a wish and create a shooting star with origami?
tanzaku (paper strip for writing wishes)
Speaking of Tanabata, “tanzaku” for writing wishes are essential.
Tanzaku made from origami can be freely arranged in color and shape, expanding the fun of decorating.
Using five-colored origami conveys traditional meaning and enhances the seasonal feel.
It’s also a gentle activity that older adults can enjoy while reminiscing about the past.
By adding motifs like flowers and stars made from washi, you can create tanzaku that look like works of art.
Combining the joy of writing wishes with creative decoration boosts the desire to make things.
It’s a heart-lifting Tanabata craft, perfect for older adults.
bamboo leaves
How about making the essential “bamboo leaves” for Tanabata out of origami and enjoying a decoration full of seasonal charm? Fold green origami paper into long, slender shapes and you’ll have refreshing bamboo leaves that sway in the breeze.
A single leaf looks lovely, but combining several creates a more three-dimensional decoration.
Display them together with stars, tanzaku strips, and kusudama balls to instantly enhance the Tanabata atmosphere.
The steps are simple, so even seniors can work on them with confidence, and it’s effective as finger exercise, too.
Why not start preparing for a fun Tanabata with origami?
yukata (summer cotton kimono)
Let’s make a yukata and an obi out of origami—perfect for July festivals.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper to make the yukata.
Make firm creases as you fold.
The key is to puff it out slightly as you fold so the top and bottom of the yukata connect smoothly.
Carefully make each crease one at a time.
For the obi, men should fold a long, narrow strip of origami paper as if tying it; women should fold it into a ribbon shape.
Adjust the proportions of the yukata and obi as you craft them.
Using patterned origami paper is recommended for a summery look.
