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

Fun to make and play with: Kendama!

Let's collect pine cones and make it! Handmade kendama

Many of you probably played with a kendama when you were children.

It’s an item loved by people of all ages.

Let’s make a handmade version of a kendama using a pinecone.

You’ll need a pinecone, twine, a paper cup, and a toilet paper roll, among other things.

Threading the twine through the pinecone is a delicate task, so it can help with fine motor rehabilitation.

The handle part is easy—just tape paper cups together.

It might also be fun to decorate it in your own cute style.

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Nanaka

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Moon-viewing dumplings made with cardboard and washi paper

How to Make Mini Sanpō (sanbo) Moon-Viewing Dumplings from Cardboard and Washi Paper - Instructions & Templates

Let’s make a sanpō (ceremonial tray) and dango that will be useful for a moon-viewing event.

There are templates for both, so please download those first.

Once you’ve downloaded the templates, cut the sanpō parts out of thick paper and attach them to washi paper.

After you’ve prepared all the parts, assemble them.

For the dango, roll up tissues lightly moistened with a misting spray, let them dry, then use glue to adhere chirimen fabric over the top.

Lay washi paper with red-painted edges on the assembled sanpō, place the dango on top, and you’re done! You’ll use a hole punch to make the decorative openings on the sanpō, but if you don’t have one, drawing black circles with a pen is fine, too.

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sasashina

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Cute pumpkin

[Halloween Origami] Easy and Cute Pumpkin Folding / Autumn Origami Pumpkin Ghost

A pumpkin that’s perfect for Halloween crafts and autumn origami.

It has a three-dimensional finish and can stand on its own, making it great for Halloween decorations! The pumpkin is relatively simple to make, so it’s ideal for seniors to enjoy as well.

Start with regular-sized origami paper, and once you get the hang of it, try making it with smaller sheets too! You can also easily make a hat to place on the pumpkin, so have fun creating them as a set.

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miyabi

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Cute maple leaves

[Autumn Origami] Easy! Cute Maple Leaf How to Make / Fall Foliage Decoration Origami Maple

When it comes to plants that symbolize autumn, brilliantly colored red and yellow autumn leaves come to mind.

Let’s make those evocative fall leaves with origami.

This project combines parts to create a three-dimensional finish, resulting in sturdy origami that works not only as part of a decoration but also stands on its own.

Cut small pieces of origami paper with scissors, fold them into diamond shapes, and assemble them to form a maple leaf.

By paying attention to the seam in the center, you’ll achieve a lifelike three-dimensional shape.

You can even aim for a more realistic look by intentionally combining parts of slightly different sizes instead of using pieces that are all the same.

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kappamaki

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Cute cosmos

[Origami] How to make a cute cosmos flower

The flower name “cosmos” is written with the characters for autumn and cherry blossom (秋桜) because its petals resemble those of cherry blossoms.

This time, let’s make a cosmos flower with origami.

By folding a single sheet of paper finely to create each petal, you can nicely express the flower’s distinctive jagged notches.

Since a cosmos has eight petals, prepare eight sheets of origami.

Also, the yellow central disk of the flower, made by snipping fine cuts into the paper, turns out beautifully.

If it strikes you as somewhat similar to a chrysanthemum, that’s because cosmos is a member of the Asteraceae family and is also known by another name, “Ōshagiku” (literally, great spring wheel chrysanthemum).

A maple leaf made by folding a strip of paper

Easy paper maple and ginkgo leaf decoration (with audio commentary)

Here’s an artful maple-leaf craft idea that brings out the feeling of autumn in Japan! If it’s for seniors, it’s best to keep the materials and steps as simple as possible.

How about a beautifully three-dimensional maple leaf made just by folding and gluing paper cut into strips? Since you’ll need lots of pieces, the more participants you have, the more smoothly the work will go.

The silhouette is as clean as a paper cutout, so if you hang them as mobile-style decorations, they’ll look great by windows, at the entrance, or on walls.

Please try incorporating this into day service activities so everyone can enjoy the autumn season together!

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miyabi

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Handmade pumpkin garland

Easy Halloween Craft: How to Make a Handmade Pumpkin Garland | Craft Kit | Great for Elementary School Kids and Preschoolers | Elementary School Entrance Exam Projects | Arts and Crafts | Decorations | Halloween Garland DIY | Senior Recreation | Wall Decorations | Autumn Crafts

If you want to enjoy the Halloween mood easily, handmade garlands are recommended! A garland that instantly brightens up a wall can also lift the spirits of older adults.

By combining strips of construction paper, you can make simple yet cute pumpkins.

You can also make these pumpkins in different colors! If cutting the paper into strips feels tedious, paper tape is a convenient alternative.

Adding other Halloween motifs to the garland—not just pumpkins—will make it even more festive.

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miyabi

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