[For Seniors] August-Themed Origami: Simple Ideas to Try

balloon goldfish

[Origami Goldfish] Easy with one sheet of origami♪ How to make a balloon goldfish 💙 step-by-step explanation – Summer origami – How to make very simple tulip origami

Some older adults may have fond memories of scooping goldfish at summer festival stalls, don’t you think? Watching goldfish gracefully swim in a tank can also evoke a refreshing, cool feeling.

Let’s help older adults feel the arrival of summer with goldfish origami.

If you make a goldfish that turns into a paper balloon, you can blow air into it to create a plump, adorable goldfish.

Try using origami in various colors, or with traditional Japanese patterns or polka dots.

You can create unique pieces that only origami can achieve.

Display them on the wall or paste them onto a backing shaped like an aquarium—your ideas will expand the possibilities of your creations.

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swim ring

[Summer Origami] How to fold a swim ring with voice commentary ☆ How to make a float with origami / Tatsukuri

We get more chances to go to the pool or the beach in summer, don’t we? Watching people bob around in the water with floaties under the blazing sun makes you feel cool just looking at them.

So let’s make a swim ring out of origami.

The size of the ring will change depending on the size of the paper you use.

If you make it in a larger size, you can even create a base for a wreath shaped like a swim ring.

Make the parts of the ring using both the colored side and the white side of the paper.

Some parts require fine folds, but since you’ll be making several identical pieces, it becomes easy once you learn the steps.

Insert the parts into each other to complete the swim ring.

If you add origami animals or children to the ring, it will turn out super cute.

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crab

[Origami] How to Make a Crab

Here’s an introduction to crab origami that evokes the feeling of the summer sea.

Many older adults may have gone to the beach with family or friends during summer vacation.

This crab origami is sure to bring back those happy memories.

When you think of crabs, you think of their claws—these claws are made from a single sheet of origami paper together with the body.

Many people imagine crabs as red, but don’t feel limited to red; try making them with orange or blue origami paper as well.

With the variety of colors and patterns available in origami paper, you can create uniquely expressive pieces.

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ghost

[Origami] How to Fold a Ghost | Origami Ghost Paper Craft DIY | Halloween

Here’s an introduction to a ghost origami that makes that hot, tingly feeling go “whoosh.” It’s a design of a ghost in a white sheet, with both hands held forward.

You can use the white side of any origami paper even if the paper itself isn’t white.

Of course, folding it with papers of different colors can also make for a fun piece.

After folding, draw in the eyes and mouth.

This is where the individuality of older adults really shines through.

The finished ghosts can be glued onto a wreath or hung as parts of a garland.

Ghost origami is sure to be a hit for Halloween in October.

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pinwheel

[Craft Origami You Can Play With] How to Make a Well-Spinning Pinwheel with Audio Commentary ☆ Origami Windmill Tutorial

On hot summer days, there are things that make you feel cool, aren’t there? The sound of wind chimes, sprinkling water, and tokoroten jelly are just a few.

A pinwheel might be one of those cool-feeling items too, don’t you think? A pinwheel that spins in a light summer breeze or with a gentle puff of air—watching it whirl around somehow makes you feel cooler and more at ease.

Cut slits in four places on a piece of origami paper and fold the corners toward the center.

The key is to bring the corners to the center without making creases—more like folding them over gently.

Fix the pinwheel with a toothpick and attach it to a straw to finish.

It’s the kind of craft that might even bring back memories for older adults of playing with pinwheels when they were young.

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yukata (summer cotton kimono)

Yukata are one of the iconic sights of summer, and seeing people wearing them evokes a sense of seasonal charm.

They also create a refreshing impression even on hot summer days.

So let’s help seniors feel the spirit of summer by making yukata with origami.

Origami comes in a wide variety of patterns and designs—try using ones unique to origami, such as traditional Japanese motifs or polka dots.

Adding an obi (belt) to the finished yukata will enhance the atmosphere even more.

Choosing the colors for the yukata and the obi is another aspect seniors are likely to enjoy.

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Handmade uchiwa (Japanese handheld fan)

How to Make a Handmade Origami Fan: Easy and Cute Summer Craft with Kids

There may be days in August when you find yourself fanning with an uchiwa.

Ready-made ones are fine, but how about spending summer with a handmade fan? Take three sheets of origami paper, fold them accordion-style, and glue them together in a row.

Attach chopsticks to the left and right ends and secure them with cellophane tape.

When you hold the chopsticks and spread it open, it becomes a fan.

For a fun variation, use red origami paper and stick on strips of white and green origami.

Draw black dots on the red paper and fold it accordion-style.

Then, assemble it the same way to complete a watermelon-themed uchiwa.

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