[For Seniors] Simple crafts that feel like autumn: a fun creative activity

Grapes & Cherries

[Origami] Make Grapes & Cherries with Simple Parts!

These are soft, rounded parts shaped by gently forming a square sheet of origami.

Arrange small purple circles in a triangle to make grapes, or attach a stem to red circles to make cherries.

The key is a soft appearance—don’t press the creases too hard; fold gently to add a raised, three-dimensional look.

When making grapes, the arrangement and layering also matter; changing the order you place them helps create a sense of volume.

Combining various colors instead of using just one can also produce depth through color gradation.

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kappamaki

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plump grapes

Introducing an easy way to make plump grapes out of origami! Perfect for autumn decorations in September and October. Great for wall displays too! [Tsukuru Mon]

We’ll use a circular piece of origami with a raised center to represent a grape, and arrange several of these to form the cluster.

The key to creating depth is the creases that radiate from the center, so be sure to fold those firmly.

Make a single cut along one of the creases, then fold it over twice more from that cut to close the gap and glue it down—this completes one grape.

Next, attach the grape pieces to a triangular base, and finish by adding the stem and leaves to complete the bunch.

Pay attention to how you layer the leaves to enhance the overall three-dimensional effect.

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kappamaki

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maple and lantern

Now, let’s light up the long autumn nights. Momiji Lanterns.

Let’s make a maple-leaf lantern, a perfect item for long autumn nights! You’ll need a milk carton, wax paper, and origami paper.

Cut off the top and bottom of the milk carton and open it up, then cut out the four panels, leaving a 1–2 cm border around each side.

From the inside, attach the wax paper.

On the outside, stick on maple leaves made from origami paper.

Tape the corners of the milk carton together with cellophane tape, and you’re done.

Place an LED light, such as one from a 100-yen shop, inside.

The softly flickering light and the maple leaves projected onto it look beautiful, don’t they?

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utatane

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Stained-glass-style wall hanging of maple leaves

Making a stained-glass autumn leaves design with 100-yen shop glass paint 🍁 [Yukkuri]

Stained glass might seem like a high hurdle, but you can create something with a similar feel using glass paint you can even buy at a 100-yen shop! If you’re looking to include it in an autumn craft activity, how about a stained-glass-style wall decoration with a maple leaf motif? Draw the outline on a clear plastic sheet using a black glass pen, then color the sections you want in the same way with glass pens.

Arrange the colors however you like! Stained glass generally looks best with combinations of deep colors, so that’s recommended.

Since we’re not using actual glass as the base, it’s a safe project for older adults to enjoy making!

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miyabi

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Maple leaf string art

Autumn Craft: How to Make a String Art “Maple Leaf” Design [Nail it!!]

Incorporating activities that people can’t usually experience into day-service craft sessions is highly recommended because it stimulates older adults! While it may not be very common in Japan, let’s try making a maple leaf with string art, which uses nails and thread to create motifs.

After hammering nails into a board in the shape of a maple leaf, you loop the thread around the tips of the leaf.

You can add your own flair depending on how you string the thread and the colors you choose, so have fun making it! It would also make a stylish interior piece and a gift that’s sure to please.

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miyabi

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Maple Leaf Wreath

Autumn Foliage: Origami Maple Leaf Wreath

Let’s make a wreath using colored origami that evokes autumn maple leaves! Fold maple leaves from origami in colors like orange and brown.

Use the same folding method for all of them, and make enough pieces to form a wreath.

The assembly is simple—just connect the folded maple leaves into a ring.

This should make it easier for many older adults to participate.

Origami involves moving your fingers while thinking through the steps, so it can be a good brain-training activity.

The finished “Maple Leaf Wreath” can be displayed on a facility wall or taken home, which also provides a sense of accomplishment.

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Nakajima Junko

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Paper-cut maple leaves

[Paper Cutting] Easy Way to Make Maple Leaves 🍁 Fall Season Classic Made Only with Scissors | Kirigami with Audio Tips and Precautions / Let’s Start Paper Cutting!

Here’s an idea for making maple leaves with paper cutting.

First, prepare origami paper in yellow, red, orange, and other autumn colors.

Follow the steps to make the creases, then draw a maple leaf with a pencil and cut it out with scissors.

Carefully open it so it doesn’t tear, and your maple leaf is complete.

The initial creases look like leaf veins, giving the leaf a three-dimensional feel even though it’s made from a single sheet of paper.

You can use it as a wall decoration, or glue two together to make a hanging ornament.

It’s an easy craft that seniors can enjoy too, so please use it for your autumn projects.

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sasashina

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