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

red spider lily

[Craft Idea] Cluster Amaryllis (Higanbana) ~ craft (September autumn wall decorations, with templates, senior recreation, early childhood education, origami, occupational therapy OT, DIY) (featured in Monthly DAY, October 2024 issue)

Spider lilies, which could be called the flowers of September.

Their shapes look complex and hard to make, don’t they? But if you separate the parts, you can easily make them with origami! Using red origami paper, let’s create the long stamens and pistil, and the six petals separately.

For the stamens and pistil, fold the paper twice, draw the outline with a pencil on the top layer, and then cut along the lines.

For the petals, use small square pieces of origami paper.

The stem is made by rolling origami paper; since it’s thin, it’s easy if you roll it around a bamboo skewer.

If you use them for wall decorations, they’ll add a seasonal touch and are sure to catch everyone’s eye.

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sasashina

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A pine cone from a cedar tree like a rose

Like a Rose Flower!? Cedar Tree Pine Cones—Cedar Roses: How to Find and Process Them

There are many kinds of pine cones, and among them, the most striking are cedar pine cones.

They don’t produce seeds unless the tree is over 30 years old, making them quite rare.

Their shape even resembles a rose, which is why they’re called cedar roses.

This time, let’s make a flower arrangement using cedar roses.

Simply soaking cedar roses in bleach will remove the color and give them a rich, nuanced finish.

Then, by coating them with color spray, you can create a flower arrangement in any style you like.

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Nanaka

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Halloween wall decoration

[Craft Play] Easy Halloween wall decoration you can make with a single sheet of construction paper

Let’s try arranging the familiar wall-decoration paper fans for Halloween! You can easily make one with a single sheet of construction paper, and with a few tweaks you can fully enjoy the Halloween vibe.

Cut the paper in half, accordion-fold each piece, connect the two folded pieces, tie the center with a string, then join the ends to form a circle.

Using Halloween colors like orange and purple is a great choice! Add decorations like jack-o’-lanterns and ghosts to enjoy the Halloween atmosphere.

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miyabi

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cosmos

Cosmos Crafts ~Crafts of Cosmos~ (with templates) (October) (easy craft) (elderly recreation/day activities) (wall decorations) (creative occupational therapy) (autumn crafts) (preschool educational activity)

When you think of autumn flowers, “cosmos” comes to mind.

A field full of colorful cosmos in full bloom is truly beautiful, isn’t it? How about making cosmos flowers as a craft activity for seniors? Take a small sheet of origami, fold it into a triangle three times, and cut a single petal shape with the creased corner at the center—before you know it, you’ll have eight connected petals.

Roll a piece of yellow paper and glue it to the center of the petals, then make leaves and a slender stem to complete your cosmos.

They’re perfect for wall decorations, and if you glue them onto construction paper, frame them, and give them as a gift, they’re sure to be appreciated!

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sasashina

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Cosmos bouquet wreath

[Origami] How to make a cosmos bouquet wreath

Cosmos are the quintessential autumn flower.

They’re colorful and cute, coming in red, white, pink, yellow, and more.

These days you can even find rarer shades like brown.

How about making cosmos out of origami and decorating with them as a wreath? Create cosmos flowers in your favorite colors, arrange them into a bouquet, and then form a round wreath.

The steps of shaping petals and cutting with scissors involve fine work, which also serves as good finger-movement brain training.

It’s a recreational activity you can enjoy both while making it and after, when you display the finished piece.

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utatane

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Yarn photo frame

[Easy Craft] Wind Yarn Round and Round! Simple Handmade Photo Frame [Gift]

How about making a “Yarn Photo Frame” as an autumn craft activity? It’s very simple—just wrap yarn around a cardboard frame! Prepare a few types of yarn, and as you add new strands while wrapping, you’ll get a colorful, eye-catching photo frame.

Since the corners are hard to wrap, cut small slits there beforehand.

If it feels a bit plain with just yarn, try gluing on autumn items like acorns or pinecones.

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sasashina

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Acorn Totoro Santa

Totoro Santa Claus ~ Acorn DIY: Let's make a 'Totoro Santa' with acorns!

Perfect as a gift, too! Let’s make a tiny Totoro Santa.

First, use an acorn as Totoro’s body and draw the face and belly patterns with a pen.

Then pop on a Santa hat made from felt, and your Totoro is complete.

Arrange it in a container of your choice with pinecones, small cut pieces of green wreath, and cotton for decoration.

If you’re using acorns you picked up, be sure to wash them and boil them to disinfect and prevent insects.

If you attach a key chain to the acorn, it could work as a strap/keychain as well.

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sasashina

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