Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Enjoy the Arrival of Spring Indoors! Recommended April Origami

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Physical Therapist / WriterKawamura Mina
From a physical therapist to a writer, driven by the desire to travel the world with just a laptop. I’ve traveled to over 20 countries. I hope to deliver writing that many people are glad to have discovered. Thank you in advance.

April is a season when many people take their first steps into new environments, with events like school entrance ceremonies and company induction ceremonies.

Elderly care facilities such as day service centers may also be welcoming new seniors.

This time, we’re introducing recommended origami for April.

Because origami uses the fingers extensively, it’s also used as rehabilitation after a stroke and as a form of brain training.

Everything we’re introducing today is themed around April.

Enjoy creating pieces in origami recreation that let you feel the arrival of spring!

[For Seniors] Enjoy the Arrival of Spring Indoors! Recommended Origami for April (81–90)

bamboo shoot

[Craft Idea] Bamboo Shoot Crafts (April, Spring) (Senior Recreation) (Childcare/Educational) (Wall Decorations) (Tabletop Decorations) (Creative) (Origami) (Sasa Bamboo) (DIY)

bamboo shoot

Spring is the season for bamboo shoots, isn’t it? Eating the real thing is great, but if you’d like to use them on a wall display or as a decorative piece, why not try making one with origami? First, roll a green sheet of origami paper into a cone and glue it, then trim off the excess at the bottom so it sits flat.

Next, cut brown origami paper into triangles and glue them on from the top in layers to create steps.

Finally, wrap a thin strip of light orange origami paper around the base, and you’re done! If you crumple the pieces you’re going to glue once to add wrinkles, it gives a nice texture.

Also, slightly curl the tips of the brown triangular pieces outward to enhance the bamboo shoot look!

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horsetail

[Craft Idea] Horsetails – Crafts of Spring (March/April) (Senior Recreation) (Wall Decorations) (Early Childhood/Educational) (Creative) (3D) (Easy) (Origami)

horsetail

How about making horsetails, the plants that herald the arrival of spring? First, crumple a sheet of cream-colored origami paper into a ball.

Unfold it, fold it into thirds, cut along the folds, and roll each piece tightly into a thin stick.

Next, crumple a sheet of brown origami paper, fold it into ninths, and cut.

Apply glue to those pieces and attach them to the tips of the sticks you just made.

Then cut the brown paper into thin strips, fold them to a width of 5 mm, and cut to make the horsetail’s sheaths (hakama).

If you trim the finished horsetails to different lengths, they’ll look like they’re sprouting up vigorously.

The crumpling step is a fresh twist and makes the craft extra fun!

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Butterfly

[Craft Idea] Butterfly crafts (March/April spring) (origami) (senior recreation) (childcare/early learning) (wall decorations) (creative) (easy)

Butterfly

In the season when flowers begin to bloom, the fluttering butterflies are so beautiful, aren’t they? How about making three-dimensional butterflies out of origami? First, cut the origami paper into butterfly shapes in large, medium, and small sizes.

Crease a cross into the medium and small butterflies, then attach them to the large butterfly.

Next, cut out the body and antennae from origami paper in a paper-cut style.

It’s also nice to draw a cute face on the body with colored pencils.

Glue all the parts together, then reinforce the creases at the end, and you’re done.

Stick them on the wall with flowers to give your room a springtime feel.

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Three-dimensional dandelion

Introducing how to make 3D dandelion flowers using origami! Perfect as spring decorations for March and April—why not make some and hang them on your wall? [Tsukuru-mon]

Three-dimensional dandelion

The dandelion, which blooms with vivid yellow flowers, is a familiar flower even to older adults.

Some people may have made flower crowns with dandelions.

In this article, we introduce dandelion-themed ideas that represent spring.

Cut yellow origami paper into one-quarter width strips lengthwise.

Fold it so it becomes long and narrow, then glue two pieces together and make many small slits.

Be careful not to cut all the way through! Roll it up tightly from one end and secure it with glue to complete the flower.

Make a stem and leaves, and decorate a frame to finish.

It’s a gentle craft that lets you feel the arrival of spring.

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In conclusion

The pieces I introduced range from simple to a bit more challenging. Origami not only helps prevent dementia but also serves as good finger dexterity training. In this April, when you can feel the arrival of spring, please create these seasonal works together with the older adults around you!