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[For Seniors] August-Themed Origami: Simple Ideas to Try
As August ushers in the height of summer, we want older adults to enjoy themselves without being overcome by the heat.
For staff planning indoor activities, we recommend origami projects that are perfect for August.
Since you basically only need origami paper, it’s easy to get started.
Many people have summer-related memories—events like the beach or summer festivals, going bug catching, or eating watermelon.
Why not reminisce about those nostalgic moments while taking on a creative project? We hope you enjoy a fun, smile-filled crafting time!
[For Seniors] Origami with an August Theme: Simple Ideas (1–10)
shaved ice
Shaved ice topped with syrups like strawberry, melon, or Blue Hawaii.
Shaved ice on a hot day is something special, isn’t it? In senior care facilities, older adults may also enjoy shaved ice during summer festivals or as a snack.
Here’s an origami shaved ice craft that perfectly fits the summer vibe.
Since there are few small folds and the steps are simple, many seniors should find it approachable.
After folding the shaved ice with origami, use pens to color it as if you’re pouring your favorite syrup.
You can also customize the cup part that holds the shaved ice by drawing patterns or adding stickers.
happi (traditional Japanese festival coat)
In August, many facilities probably hold summer festivals, don’t they? Here’s an origami happi coat that’s perfect for indoor summer festival decorations and August wall displays.
You’ll fold it using a single sheet of origami paper.
Some steps are a bit complex, but the finished result looks just like a real happi.
Please try folding it with support from those around you, tailored to the needs of older adults.
On the back of the finished happi, write the character for “festival” (祭) with a black pen, or write it on white paper and paste it on.
That will make it look even more authentic.
dolphin
We’d like to introduce an origami piece that looks like a dolphin leaping and swimming through the sea.
Start by making crease lines on the paper, then continue folding step by step.
As you go, it gradually takes on the shape of a dolphin, so older adults can enjoy making it as well.
The dolphin’s mouth and tail fin are also made from a single sheet of paper.
Because of that, there are some steps with finer, more detailed folds.
If the older adult is skilled at origami, they’ll likely enjoy the process.
Once finished, you can arrange it in different ways, such as turning it into a wreath or attaching it to a calendar.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)
Let’s make a rhinoceros beetle—often seen as the king of insects—out of origami.
It’s a cute, rounded beetle made up of a horn and a body.
The wings have slits like a real rhinoceros beetle, making it look more realistic.
You can also use another sheet of origami to make the legs and glue them to the body.
You’ll have a beetle that looks like it could start moving at any moment.
Older adults creating this beetle might even be reminded of summer days spent with their children or grandchildren.
box of watermelons
Watermelon is one of the iconic foods of summer, isn’t it? Many older adults likely have memories of eating watermelon in the summer.
So this time, we’ll introduce an origami project with a watermelon theme: a watermelon box.
We’ll make the flesh part and the rind part with origami.
By separating them, the flesh becomes the lid and the rind becomes the container.
When finished, you’ll have a triangular watermelon box, just like the slice you hold when you eat it.
It can serve as a little trinket box, and if you put some candy inside and give it to your grandchild, they’ll probably be delighted.
hibiscus
Hibiscus under the hot summer sun.
Wouldn’t it be perfect for an August origami project? Here’s a hibiscus origami craft that almost makes you hear a cheerful “Aloha!” The hibiscus is known for its large, fluttering petals.
You can express this by adding long, narrow creases to the origami when folding the petal sections.
Since it uses a lot of finger movement, it’s also great for brain training and finger dexterity.
Cut the tip of the origami into a curved, petal-like shape.
Create the stamens and pistil in the center, as well as the leaves and stem, attach them to the petals, and you’re done.
It’s a lovely, three-dimensional hibiscus piece.
boat
For August indoor decorations and wall displays, you might choose an ocean theme.
In that case, let’s try making ships that sail across the vast sea using origami.
You can fold simple ships with easy steps, such as folding a triangular-cut piece of origami paper just once or using designs with few complex folds.
Try using double-sided colored or patterned paper, draw windows and other details on the folded ships with a pen, or add your favorite stickers.
With a bit of creativity, you’ll end up with even more charming ships.
Make and display various ships out of origami, and you’ll have lively, fun summer ocean decorations.