[For Seniors] Easy Crafts Recommended for August

bamboo-copter

I tried making a taketombo (bamboo-copter) for a summer vacation craft using an ice cream stick – easy craft, handmade toy, traditional game, how to make a taketombo.

Many older adults may remember playing with bamboo-copters (taketombo) when they were children.

Here’s how to make one using an ice cream stick for the rotor.

Use an awl to make a hole in the center of the stick, then insert a skewer or similar rod to serve as the handle.

To help it fly well, use a craft knife or sandpaper to add a slight tilt to the ice cream stick.

Once it’s ready, spin the handle quickly between your palms and let go to launch it.

Try competing with friends to see whose can fly the farthest!

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SAKI

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An ornament of a morning glory and a watering can

[Summer Craft] Morning Glory and Watering Can Ornament

Here’s a recommended idea for a summer craft to make at a day service center: “Morning Glories and a Watering Can” ornaments.

Create the morning glories using double-sided origami paper and washi (thin calligraphy paper) for a colorful yet gentle finish.

For the pot, edge a paper cup with paper cord and add paper-straw supports to give it a three-dimensional look.

The watering can uses a kitchen paper or toilet paper roll for the body, with a paper straw inserted as the spout.

Since all the materials are paper, it’s safe to make.

The finished piece is a cheerful work that also makes a delightful summer interior decoration.

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kojifumi

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Goldfish suncatcher

[How to Make] [Easy DIY] We’ll make a summery, translucent ‘Goldfish Suncatcher.’

Here’s a recommended idea for a summer craft to make at a day service: the “Goldfish Suncatcher.” Goldfish made with transparent acrylic parts catch the light and sparkle, creating a cool, refreshing atmosphere.

By reusing an empty cheese box as the base, it’s easy, eco-friendly, and very stable.

Although it uses familiar materials, the finished piece looks highly polished.

The detailed finger work is also effective for fine-motor rehabilitation.

Participants can take their creations home and enjoy displaying this seasonally themed craft.

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kojifumi

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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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Nakajima Junko

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boat

Kimie Gangi Super Easy “Boat Made with Origami” for Collage Use

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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Making wind chimes

Summer Decorations: Handcrafted Wind Chimes — Second edition made with small, cute paper cups! How about making an unbreakable summer tradition by covering them with your favorite origami paper? [Tsukuru Mon]

Its figure swaying in the breeze helps you forget the summer heat.

How about trying to make a wind chime using a paper cup? Cover the side of a paper cup—with the bottom cut out—with origami in your favorite pattern, then make several vertical slits to give it a lantern-like shape.

Create the chime part with thread, beads, and a strip of paper, and let it hang down from the center of the main body to finish.

Have all the participants make one and decorate them all around the facility! It will instantly create a summery atmosphere.

Plus, as a craft activity, it’s good exercise for the fingers.

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Araki Jakkan

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Calendar with straws and paint

Here’s a simple fireworks calendar you can make using a straw.

Cut several small slits into the tip of the straw.

Dip the slit end in paint, then dab it onto the calendar’s backing sheet.

This creates a burst like a firework.

Because the steps are simple, many older adults may find it easy to try.

You can change the color of the straw’s center and the tips of the slits, or make fireworks in multiple colors—there are lots of ways to arrange it to create different colorful fireworks.

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Nakajima Junko

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