![[For Seniors] Recommended Origami for Sensing Autumn in September [Part 3]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/AUXxhyrOuSM/maxresdefault.webp)
[For Seniors] Recommended Origami for Sensing Autumn in September [Part 3]
While the days still feel hot, September brings a string of mornings and evenings that are gradually cooler.
Here are origami ideas perfect for the transition from summer to autumn.
We’ve gathered a wide range of creations: flowers that are at their best in September, seasonal foods, and pieces inspired by September observances.
There are also cleverly arranged projects like wreaths and wall decorations made with origami pieces.
Finished works will look lovely displayed on facility walls or taken home to decorate your space.
These selections are designed so that even older adults, who may find it difficult to sense the changing seasons, can feel the atmosphere of September by making and displaying the creations.
Use these origami ideas as inspiration for your next project.
[For Seniors] Recommended September Origami to Feel Autumn [Part 3] (1–10)
Lucky Cat for September’s anniversary/commemoration
Do you know what day September 29 is? Because the numbers can be read as “kuru fuku” (good fortune is coming), it’s Maneki-neko (Beckoning Cat) Day.
Let’s make this lucky Maneki-neko out of origami! Please prepare one sheet of origami paper.
First, fold it in half to make a crease.
Then fold the top and bottom edges toward that crease.
Next, fold both sides toward the center to make a square shape.
Fold the top corners up diagonally to form the cat’s ears.
Once that’s done, draw two horizontal lines 1 cm apart near the bottom, and use scissors to cut from the center outward along those lines.
These will be the hands, so be careful not to cut them off! Tuck in the bottom edge to round it.
Turn it over and draw the eyes, ears, and other features to finish.
Since it’s a Maneki-neko, raise one hand for the final touch! It’s also cute to make a bell or a gold coin and paste it on.
Three-dimensional moon and rabbit
Let’s fold a yellow moon that looks like an autumn moon, along with a rabbit.
Please prepare two sheets of origami paper measuring 15 cm by 15 cm, one sheet measuring 7.5 cm by 7.5 cm, some cellophane tape, and a felt-tip pen.
When folding origami, the key is to use your fingernails to make crisp, firm creases.
As you fold the paper into the shape of the moon, watch the creases and use your fingertips to fold slowly and carefully.
Once you connect the two sheets of origami with cellophane tape, the moon is complete.
Fold the rabbit from white origami paper, then draw its eyes and nose with the felt-tip pen.
Origami supports communication and stimulates the brain, so it’s recommended for maintaining good health.
cricket
Speaking of insects that represent autumn, crickets come to mind! You can often spot them around fields, so let’s fold a cricket with origami.
Prepare one sheet of brown origami paper.
Fold the paper into a triangle twice, open it up, and squash-fold it into a square.
Just like the crane base, fold it into a diamond shape.
It gets a bit tricky when you start folding the triangular part upward, so take your time.
Folding the tip of the cricket is where your dexterity really shows! Draw the eyes with a felt-tip pen, and you’re done.
It’s also great to try with your kids.
Give it a try!
Dahlia
Let’s fold a beautiful 3D dahlia out of origami.
Prepare three sheets of the same color, each 15 cm by 15 cm.
Fold into triangles and squares to make creases.
By making mountain and valley folds along the vertical and horizontal lines, then tucking along the creases, you’ll complete one dahlia part.
The key is to make three identical pieces and glue them together! Once you attach all three and adjust the shape, it’s done.
It’s said that creating three-dimensional objects helps develop spatial awareness.
Give it a try!
Grapes that look real
Let’s fold an origami grape cluster with its signature purple color! Prepare seven purple origami sheets measuring 17.5 cm by 17.5 cm and one green sheet measuring 15 cm by 15 cm.
Fold the paper twice into a square and twice into a triangle, then unfold.
Following the creases, tuck it into a triangular shape and fold it like you would an origami balloon to make each grape.
Finally, inflate it slightly like a balloon to finish one piece.
Make seven of the same piece and glue them together in the shape of a grape cluster.
Repeating the same process can help prevent dementia and provides good stimulation for the brain.
Lastly, use the green paper to make a vine and leaves, attach them, and you’re done.
Have fun creating while imagining autumn fruits!
Anniversary cake for September
September 29 is Western Confectionery Day.
Let’s try making a sweet, tasty cake out of origami! The steps are very simple.
First, prepare one sheet of origami paper and fold up about two-thirds from the bottom.
Next, fold the top part down toward the bottom, but leave a small gap—this gap will become the cream.
Once folded, flip it over, shape it into a cake, then turn it back to the front and you’re done.
If you make parts like strawberries or chocolate and place them on top, you’ll have a luxurious cake.
Have fun making all kinds of flavors!
Moon-Viewing Wreath
Let’s make a moon-viewing wreath for the Harvest Moon (Jūgoya).
Use eight 7.5 cm square sheets of origami paper to create a soft, fluffy base.
Once you assemble the eight pieces, the wreath base is complete.
If you attach pale orange origami paper on the back as a background, it will give off a full Jūgoya atmosphere.
Folding rabbits and pampas grass (susuki) from origami and decorating the wreath with them would be adorable, too! Using scissors—opening and closing them with a “paper-rock” motion—also provides great hand exercise and stimulation.
Let’s craft a cute wreath and get into the autumn spirit!