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Easy for seniors to make! Colorful autumn origami

When you think of autumn, what comes to mind?

As the saying “autumn for the arts” suggests, it’s the season when the autumn leaves turn beautifully vibrant.

Many older adults probably want to go out for activities like leaf-peeping or grape picking.

However, some seniors don’t have many opportunities to go out.

So this time, we’re introducing origami ideas with autumn motifs that let you spend colorful days even while staying in your room.

In addition to maple and ginkgo leaves, we’ve also gathered origami themed around events like Halloween.

Be sure to read this article and use it to help with autumn origami projects for seniors.

Easy for seniors! Colorful Autumn Origami (61–70)

Autumn hanging ornaments

How to Make Autumn Hanging Decorations with Origami and Paper Plates (with Audio Commentary) [Tsukurumon]
Autumn hanging ornaments

How about making a hanging decoration of maple leaves that sway and twirl beautifully? Fold origami a few times and, using a paper-cutting technique, create autumn leaves like maple and ginkgo.

Making the maples in various colors—red, yellow, and orange—will give a lovely finish.

Adding creases to the ginkgo and fallen leaves adds depth and makes their swaying motion more delightful.

Cut a painted paper plate into a spiral, then glue on the leaves and maples you made.

The way it twirls and swings is colorful and fun—you’ll never get tired of watching it.

Cosmos flower wreath

Cosmos Wreath / Flower Papercutting 72
Cosmos flower wreath

Cosmos, a representative flower of autumn—why not brighten up your room with a wreath of origami flowers? Fold a single sheet of paper into eighths, then cut it into a petal shape as if making a paper cutout; when you unfold it, you’ll have a cosmos with eight petals.

There are no intricate folding steps to create petal details, so it’s beginner-friendly.

Use several colors of paper—pink, orange, yellow, white, red—to add vibrancy.

It’s even better if you use origami of different sizes to make flowers both large and small.

Three-Dimensional Cosmos

I tried making 3D cosmos origami #shorts
Three-Dimensional Cosmos

This is a three-dimensional cosmos flower that you complete by repeatedly folding it down small, using the creases radiating in eight directions from the center as guides.

The process involves stacking triangles to match the number of petals, and as you crease the tips of the triangles, you also form the center of the cosmos.

Precise, crisp refolds are crucial, so pay close attention to the creases and fold accurately.

Along the way, gently twist and open the paper to shape the flower, giving it a soft, rounded form.

A cute three-dimensional origami squirrel

[Origami] How to make a cute squirrel: an easy way to fold a 3D squirrel | How to make an Origami Squirrel
A cute three-dimensional origami squirrel

Autumn is also the season for harvesting nuts and fruits, so we tend to picture squirrels busily scurrying around to gather them.

Let’s recreate an adorable squirrel—an animal that symbolizes autumn—using origami.

Starting with a long, narrow triangle based on diagonal creases as guides, we’ll shape the legs, face, and tail using reverse folds and other techniques.

It’s important to fold symmetrically along the center line, aiming for a figure that can stand on its own.

Finish by drawing the face and stripe patterns.

Because the creases are fine, this project helps develop precise finger movements and concentration.

autumn leaves

[1 Sheet of Origami] Easy! Cute Leaf: How to Fold a Maple (Autumn Leaf). How to make a red leaf with origami—it's easy!
autumn leaves

These maple leaf origami are perfect for autumn activities at senior care facilities! Make lots and use them as wall decorations, or just add a few to accent a room.

There aren’t many difficult steps, but there is a part at the end where you make fine folds to shape the leaf, which might be a bit tricky.

Try expressing autumn leaves in your favorite colors—red, yellow, orange, or yellow-green! Using gradient origami paper or washi paper could also make them look beautiful.

Autumn leaves and ginkgo

Maple and Ginkgo Origami: Introducing a Slightly Unusual Leaf Shape! Perfect for Autumn Decorations in September and October! [Tsukuru Mon]
Autumn leaves and ginkgo

Here’s an idea for making 3D maple leaves using accordion-folded origami.

First fold the paper into a triangle, then accordion-fold the triangle.

Open it up, fold in half, and cut it into a triangle shape.

For the other pieces, cut them into triangles as well, reducing one or two folds each time so they gradually get smaller.

Fold each piece firmly into a triangle, fold in half, and glue—this creates a maple leaf shape! Try combining large and small pieces and pasting them together.

You can use the same accordion-fold method to make ginkgo leaves, too—perfect for autumn crafts or wall decorations.

Papercut flowers

[Origami] Paper-Cut Flowers (11) Cosmos 🌸
Papercut flowers

Here’s an idea for making a cosmos flower with paper cutting.

Fold the origami into the specified shape, sketch the petals, and cut along the lines to create a large, single cosmos when you open it.

First, fold the origami in half into a square twice, then fold it once more into a triangle.

Lift half of the stacked layers and fold them so the bottom edge aligns with the left side.

On the other side, fold so the bottom edge aligns with the right side.

That’s the end of the folding steps.

Draw the petal pattern and cut along the lines with scissors.

If you place a yellow round sticker in the center, it will look even more like a cosmos.