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 Tanabata Crafts Recommended (41–50)
Making a windsock
If you’re looking for a Tanabata-themed craft that seniors can enjoy, we recommend making “streamers” (fukinagashi).
The brightly colored streamers displayed on Tanabata create a refreshing atmosphere.
With just origami paper, scissors, and glue, anyone can easily give it a try.
Whether someone is skilled at origami or not, working together can be a great way to encourage communication.
Since the activity can be done slowly while seated, seniors can participate comfortably and safely.
Prepare colorful origami paper and be sure to display your creations on Tanabata!
Let’s make Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Doing activities that use the hands can help revitalize the minds and bodies of older adults.
By sharpening their tactile senses and focusing on the task, they can also provide beneficial stimulation to the brain.
Making Tanabata decorations and displaying them in the entrance or in a room can be a lovely way to enjoy the feeling of the season.
Orihime and Hikoboshi wall decoration
One of the most popular events in July is Tanabata! It’s a wonderfully romantic day when Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet just once a year.
Many venues also hold Tanabata events in July.
Here’s a wall decoration idea that’s perfect for seasonal displays and craft activities leading up to events.
Try creating it with a focus on Orihime and Hikoboshi’s distinctive hairstyles and clothing! Cutting out each part and pasting them together uses the fingertips extensively, which can help improve cognitive function in older adults.
When displaying it on the wall, it’s also nice to decorate it together with the Milky Way, bamboo decorations, and tanzaku with written wishes!
Tanzaku of Orihime and Hikoboshi
Tanzaku are the small strips of paper where you write your wishes and hang them on the Tanabata bamboo.
How about adding a little twist to make your tanzaku even cuter? In true Tanabata fashion, try attaching Orihime and Hikoboshi to your tanzaku.
You can use the usual paper for writing your wish—no problem there! Use separate origami paper to fold Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Choose paper with cute patterns, and after folding, decorate them with stickers or other embellishments to make them extra adorable.
Once you’ve folded each one, attach them to the tanzaku, add a string, and you’re done! Then hang them on the bamboo and enjoy Tanabata!
Tanabata decorations made with ribbons
Let’s make colorful Tanabata decorations using ribbons.
Prepare several thin ribbons cut to about 10–15 cm.
Combine and line up about two colors of ribbon, then secure both ends of the ribbons with masking tape.
Once secured, roll them into thin tubes or twist them slightly and roll them so they form a shell-like shape.
Adjust the shape and you’re done.
It also looks great combined with ribbons tied in a bow.
Try different color combinations, different ways of rolling, and different sizes to create a vibrant decoration for your Tanabata bamboo branches!
Wishes in a Jar of the Universe
Stories about the stars shining in the night sky are an essential part of Tanabata.
Here’s a fun craft inspired by that starry sky, with a bright look that evokes space and the near future.
Fill a small bottle with cotton and water, then layer in paint and glitter to decorate.
The cotton absorbs the paint, letting you create gradients inside the bottle—another enjoyable feature.
If you keep Tanabata in mind and add your wish, it should be easy to incorporate as a seasonal decoration.
shooting star decoration
Let’s make shooting star decorations and have everyone make wishes for Tanabata! Cut star shapes out of construction paper and attach several colors of raffia ribbon to create a shooting star.
If you stick small star-shaped pieces onto the raffia ribbon, it will sparkle even more—highly recommended.
On the paper star itself, write your wishes or draw and paste pictures of Orihime and Hikoboshi to decorate.
You can use the finished piece as a wall decoration, or attach a string and hang it on bamboo.