Birthday Medal seniors would be happy to receive
For those looking for a handmade birthday gift: this time, we’re introducing a “medal” craft.
Medals make great keepsakes as a symbol of effort and achievement.
Some older adults may associate them with the Olympics.
Why not present such a nostalgic medal for their birthday? If the craft allows for a message, it’s nice to add their age and a “Congratulations.” We also recommend hanging it around their neck and taking a commemorative photo.
We hope this helps them look forward to their birthday.
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Birthday Medals That Seniors Will Be Happy to Receive (1–10)
Heart Medal
A medal featuring four small hearts arranged inside a large heart, charming for its three-dimensional look and cuteness.
You’ll use a rectangular piece of origami paper.
After adding creases, fold inward and continue shaping it into a 3D form.
The small hearts require fine reverse folds, which can wrinkle if done by hand, so using a bamboo skewer or tweezers is recommended.
Pay attention to the softness of the 3D effect created by the crease strength and how the colors appear to finish the medal beautifully.
medal with a ribbon
How about making an easy origami “medal with a ribbon” to give as a gift? It would be a hit at birthday parties in senior care facilities, too! No special techniques are required—if you can fold a crane, you should be able to take on this project.
Origami is also effective for dementia prevention, so it’s great for seniors to make themselves as well! You can write a message in the center of the medal or decorate it with a small ribbon made from a smaller sheet of origami—both are lovely ideas.
Try using check patterns, heart patterns, or traditional Japanese designs, and choose the paper to match the image of the person you’re giving it to.
Rosette ribbon medal
Would you like to try folding a “rosette ribbon medal” that’s perfect for celebratory occasions? The term rosette originally referred to the decoration on a medal, but nowadays it’s used with the nuance of a chest ornament.
Many of you have probably seen them at weddings or school entrance ceremonies.
We’ll recreate a medal inspired by such rosettes using origami.
The finished medal makes a lovely gift as is, and you can also write a message in the center and give it to someone.
Birthday Medals That Seniors Will Be Happy to Receive (11–20)
Accordion-folded medal
Let me introduce an idea for a medal made by accordion-folding origami.
With this method, you can make two medals from a single sheet of origami paper, so it’s perfect if you want to make a lot using only a few sheets.
First, cut the origami paper in half and make an accordion fold.
Open both ends, divide the folded accordion evenly to the left and right, then fold it in half.
Next, take the four corners of the ends you opened and fold them inward, tucking them between the accordion folds.
Open the pocketed parts outward, attach a ribbon so it can go around the neck, and you’re done!
Lion Medal
If you want to make an animal medal, how about trying this “lion medal”? First, glue some glitter origami onto a round base cut from construction paper, then attach two pieces of foil origami that you’ve cut into strips and looped into rings.
On top of that, glue a lion wearing a crown made from construction paper, add a face using round stickers, and you’re done! Attach a ribbon as well so it can be worn around the neck.
You can also make animals other than a lion, so it’s a great idea to use the recipient’s favorite animal!
Medal you can make from a single sheet
This is a medal made from a single sheet of origami paper, bordered to highlight the message written in the center.
It’s important to make firm guide creases first.
Then fold carefully along them.
By keeping vertical and horizontal symmetry in mind, you’ll achieve a more beautiful medal.
Open it to create a blank space in the center for your message, and add reverse folds and other touches to give it a three-dimensional look—that completes the medal.
It’s also recommended to get creative with how you write the message and with any decorations you attach.
sparkly medal
Speaking of medals, the metallic luster is an important point that adds a touch of glamour, isn’t it? Let’s recreate that essential shine using holographic origami paper.
First, make creases that connect the corners and use them as guides.
The steps involve folding it into a round shape inspired by a medal.
If you make gentle creases as you fold, you can emphasize the medal’s rounded form nicely—highly recommended.
Also, try exploring angles that reflect more light and decorations that make it look even more dazzling.