Simple, Recommended Autumn Crafts for Seniors
When we think of autumn, we think of a season for appetites, the arts, and sports—and it’s also packed with seasonal events.
Here are some craft ideas that are perfect for this time of year.
We’ve included plenty of projects: ones that are fun to make, delightful to look at, and even practical items you can use after you’re done.
Using fallen leaves and nuts is especially enjoyable because you can collect them on a walk.
With your own creativity, you can make these crafts even more unique—so gather everyone and have fun making them together!
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[For Seniors] Easy Autumn Craft Ideas (161–170)
Real and simple maple leaf
Here’s an idea for maple leaves you can easily make with origami and display in lots of places.
First, fold the paper into a triangle with the side you want to show—the colored side—on the inside.
Fold it in half again, then open it.
Fold both sides toward the crease you just made, and open it again.
After adding radial crease lines to the triangular origami, begin folding by gathering those creases toward the edges.
The key is to offset each fold slightly.
Then, freehand draw the leaf shape, cut along the line, and open it up to reveal a maple leaf.
You can use this basic method for many different purposes.
Fun to make and play with: 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.
[For Seniors] Simple Recommended Fall Craft Ideas (171–180)
It can be a piece of art! Maple leaf wall decoration
This decoration combines drawing paper and origami, featuring a soft look and striking, layered three-dimensionality.
You use a sheet of drawing paper with a lattice of cuts as the base, then layer maple leaf pieces on top.
By considering the base’s uneven surface as you add the pieces, you can effectively create depth and a realistic sense of dimension in the foliage.
It may also be important to choose a background color that highlights the maple leaf colors.
A rod and string are attached to the top of the base, making it easy to hang and display in a variety of locations.
Papercut Art: Moon-Viewing Rabbit
Here’s a paper-cutting idea of a moon with the silhouette of a rabbit pounding mochi.
It seems useful for wall decorations, autumn crafts, and many other settings.
The method is simple: fold a sheet of yellow origami paper in half, draw the rabbit and the moon with lines, and cut them out with scissors.
If you have trouble drawing a perfect circle for the moon, fold the paper twice and draw one quarter at a time.
Also, since freehand drawing the rabbit can be tricky, it may help to draw guide lines beforehand; for older adults, it might be better to have them trace over those lines with a pen.
Moon-viewing dumplings made with cardboard and washi paper
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.
Cute pumpkin
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.
Cute maple leaves
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.