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Lovely senior life

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 (51–60)

Matsutake mushroom origami

[Origami] How to Fold Autumn Delicacy “Matsutake Mushroom”
Matsutake mushroom origami

Let’s recreate the matsutake mushroom—an iconic flavor of Japan’s autumn—using origami.

A key point is to use both sides of the paper to clearly show the color difference between the cap and the stem, while shaping the overall form with a gentle roundness.

Once the piece is neatly folded, it’s also a good idea to draw patterns to make it look even more like a matsutake.

Try imagining a seasonal scene where matsutake are arranged—such as a circular layout inspired by a woven basket—so the mushrooms feel naturally grouped and evocative of the season.

Making grapes with construction paper

[Nursery/Kindergarten] How to Make Grape Decorations! Rolling Them Up Is Fun! [Autumn Craft] #shorts
Making grapes with construction paper

Here’s an idea for making paper grapes that’s perfect for decorating the walls of senior care facilities.

They’re very easy to make! Cut construction paper into long, thin strips, curl them up using a pen, and glue them onto a piece of cardboard cut into a triangle.

Make the grape stem and leaves from construction paper in the same way and attach them to create realistic-looking grapes.

Also, instead of using a single color of paper, try mixing colors like blue, light blue, purple, and lavender to give the grapes a more realistic appearance.

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.

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

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.