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[For Seniors] Kusudama Ideas Made with Origami. Fun Recreational Activity
The “kusudama” made with colorful origami is a fun and rewarding recreational activity for older adults.
Handwork that uses fine motor skills is said to stimulate the brain and help prevent dementia, naturally drawing out concentration and carefulness.
The finished kusudama also makes a perfect room decoration or gift, allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of “making something for someone.” In this article, we introduce easy kusudama-making methods and arrangement ideas suitable for beginners.
Even those who aren’t confident with crafts can enjoy it with peace of mind, so please give it a try together.
[For Seniors] Kusudama Origami Ideas. Fun Recreation Activities (1–10)
Hanging ornament of an origami kusudamaNEW!
A colorful kusudama hanging decoration made from origami in various colors is perfect for displaying around Hina dolls! First, fold the origami in half vertically, then fold both sides toward the crease you made and unfold.
Next, fold two corners on a diagonal into small triangles.
Then again, fold both sides toward the initial center crease.
From the short edge, fold toward the center to make a triangle, and tuck the folded section inside.
Once you’ve made all the necessary creases, one kusudama unit is complete! Make many of these units and assemble them to form the kusudama.
Thread a string through it and hang it from a wooden board to display.
hydrangea
Here is an idea for making three-dimensional hydrangeas using origami.
By layering small petals made from origami and assembling them into a spherical shape, you can create a beautiful, dimensional piece that looks just like a real hydrangea.
It’s fun to experiment with color combinations, and the process lets you feel the season while also helping improve fine motor skills, imagination, and concentration.
The finished hydrangea is gorgeous as a decoration and gives a great sense of accomplishment.
Doing this in a group naturally sparks conversation and makes for an enjoyable time, so it’s also recommended as a recreational activity in senior care facilities.
Kusudama Cube
Making a cube-shaped kusudama with origami is a delightful idea that’s perfect for recreational activities with older adults.
You create many origami units and interlock them like weaving to complete the cube kusudama.
Because it involves fine hand movements and sustained focus, it can help maintain and even improve cognitive function.
The colorful, eye-catching result is also appealing as a decoration after it’s finished.
It’s beginner-friendly, encourages teamwork and conversation, and is an excellent activity for enjoying a relaxed, friendly time together.
streamer-style kusudama
Here’s an introduction to a streamer-style kusudama with a charming, temari-like roundness.
When making a kusudama out of origami, there are some models that require very fine folds.
Many have complex folding methods, so some older adults might find making origami kusudama challenging.
But if you cut the origami and assemble the kusudama parts by gluing them, it may be easier for some to try.
Once your kusudama is complete, make streamers from string or origami and decorate it.
Using patterned or printed origami for the kusudama and streamers creates pieces with different moods depending on the paper you choose.
It’s also recommended as a Tanabata decoration.
A kusudama made from a single sheet of origami
Kusudama made from origami look beautiful because of their colors and shapes.
However, they often use many sheets of paper and require complex folds.
So here, we’ll introduce a kusudama you can make from a single sheet of origami paper—something many older adults can enjoy trying.
First, fold and unfold the paper to create crease lines, then begin shaping along those creases.
These creases will form the kusudama’s geometric structure.
Like making an origami paper balloon, you’ll inflate it by blowing air into it to form the kusudama.
After inflating, gently prod along the fold lines with your fingers or a bamboo skewer to refine the shape.
Sakura Kusudama
Here’s a sakura kusudama that’s also great for a spring craft activity.
Cherry blossoms are at their best from March to April.
Seasonal flower crafts can help older adults feel the changing seasons.
There are various ways to make a sakura kusudama with origami.
It might be fun to look for a design you’d like to make together with older adults.
Many origami petals are quite delicate in their construction.
For older adults who enjoy origami, this could be a project they can create while having fun.
Once it’s finished, adding a pearl to the center of the cherry blossoms or attaching streamers will make it look even more beautiful.
Flower ball made with a circular craft punch
https://www.tiktok.com/@ayawangpaper/video/7370991179640343826Making flower balls using origami paper and a circular craft punch is a perfect idea for senior recreation.
With simple steps, you can create lots of brightly colored petals and combine them to form a three-dimensional kusudama.
Handwork helps stimulate the brain, and the finished piece looks gorgeous and gives a strong sense of accomplishment.
Working together as a group encourages conversation and makes for an enjoyable time, which is another appeal.
It’s easy for beginners to try, so it’s highly recommended.