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.
- Recommended for seniors! Origami maple leaf ideas that capture the feeling of autumn
- [For Seniors] Autumn Origami to Enjoy in October
- [Day Service] Craft Ideas for Seniors to Make in October
- [For Seniors] Simple Craft Ideas to Feel the Autumn Season with Fall Foliage
- [For Seniors] Recommended September Origami to Feel the Autumn Season
- [For Seniors] Perfect Finger Exercises! Seasonal Flower Origami
- [Day Service] Handmade Autumn Crafts: Take-Home Project Ideas
- [For Senior Care Facilities] Easy! September Craft Ideas to Feel the Autumn Season
- Enjoy the sights of autumn using just scissors! A collection of easy paper-cutting ideas
- [For Seniors] Simple crafts that feel like autumn: a fun creative activity
- [For Seniors] Fall Wall Decoration Ideas
- Craft ideas with a maple-leaf theme. Fun craft activities for seniors.
- [For Seniors] Let’s Make It Together! Wonderful November Wall Decoration Ideas
Easy for Seniors! Colorful Autumn Origami (21–30)
Gentian
Gentians, which bloom from August to November as a quintessential autumn flower, are also a classic gift for Respect for the Aged Day.
Let’s recreate the beautiful purple blossoms—said to have been used in traditional Chinese medicine—using origami.
You’ll unfold a firmly folded sheet, create radial creases spreading outward from the center, and then shape the petals to match those folds.
Paying close attention to the outward spread of the petals and moving your fingertips accordingly is key to crafting a beautifully three-dimensional gentian.
origami maple leaf
Here’s an idea for making “fallen leaf origami” from a single sheet of paper.
By changing the size of the paper, you can create leaves in various sizes, giving a natural sense of depth and dimension.
Use colors like red, brown, and yellow, and layer multiple leaves to enhance the three-dimensional look and make them appear more realistic.
If you cover an entire calendar page with them, a vivid autumn scene will unfold, gently brightening your room.
It’s also good exercise for the fingers, making it an enjoyable project for older adults.
Give it a try!
bat ghost
Here’s an idea that’s perfect for making an autumn calendar: “Bat Ghosts.” Use black or purple origami paper, add a grid of crease lines, and fold along them as guides.
After making fine folds to shape the bat, layer on folds to create the ghost shape.
Once it’s done, draw the face and you’re finished.
The detailed folding helps develop finger dexterity and boosts concentration.
The black and gray tones add a Halloween feel, and making many of them will turn your calendar into a lively display.
Give it a try!
Grapes made with an origami heart
We’d like to introduce a calendar made with heart-shaped grape origami.
Autumn brings many harvests and everything tastes especially delicious, doesn’t it? It’s said that the peak shipping season for grapes generally starts around September.
A grape-themed calendar, one of the flavors of autumn, would help older adults feel the seasonal atmosphere.
Since the grapes are made from origami folded into heart shapes, some seniors might enjoy the cute style.
When making the grape vines, try wrapping vine-colored origami around a toothpick.
Add leaves and attach them to the grapes to create a piece that looks like real grapes.
fallen leaves
We’d like to introduce a “fallen leaves” idea that looks as if an autumn scene has been projected straight onto your calendar.
By cutting red, orange, and yellow origami paper and then accordion-folding it, you can create three-dimensional, lifelike leaves.
Scatter them as if they’re fluttering down onto construction paper, and you’ll have a piece brimming with autumn charm.
The folding and cutting work also helps with finger dexterity and concentration, and experimenting with colors and shapes makes creating a warm, personalized calendar even more enjoyable.
It’s a recommended craft that lets you feel the season as you work.
Fallen leaf origami
Here’s an idea for “fallen leaf origami” that lets you feel the deepening of autumn.
Accordion-fold red, brown, yellow, and other colored origami papers, then shape them into leaves to add a three-dimensional look.
Tearing the edges or intentionally missing small sections creates a natural, realistic texture.
Use several finished leaves to decorate a calendar, and the result will have a warm, autumnal feel—like fallen leaves piled on the ground.
The activity also promotes finger dexterity, making it perfect for crafts with older adults.
Witch and Wizard
Here are some “witch and wizard” ideas to boost the autumn Halloween mood.
Use black and purple origami to make hats and capes, and add a pointed hat and broom to instantly elevate the Halloween atmosphere.
The simple shapes make it easy for seniors to try, and the contrasting colors create a striking look.
While keeping space for the date, you can express a cute yet mysterious world—perfect for a calendar craft when you want to enjoy seasonal flair and a playful touch.