[For Seniors] Kusudama Ideas Made with Origami. Fun Recreational Activity

A kusudama that bursts open like a flower blooming in an instant.

【Origami】Basic Flower Kusudama – Origami Kusudama Flower

Let me introduce a kusudama that looks like it’s made of connected flowers.

It’s a gorgeous and cute piece, perfect for hanging as a decoration for the Peach Festival, and you can even arrange it into a kusudama bouquet.

Using a single sheet of origami, you fold both the petals and the parts that resemble stamens and pistils at the center of the flower.

Combine five of these units to complete one flower.

Even on its own, it makes an adorable origami flower.

Apply glue near the tips of the petals and connect the flowers to form the kusudama.

It really looks like a ball of blooming flowers, and I think even older adults would enjoy seeing the finished piece.

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Nakajima Junko

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streamer-style kusudama

Kusudama, streamers, and string decorations made with origami (with audio commentary) — How to make origami Kusudama, streamers, and string decorations

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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Sonobe-style kusudama

Origami Kusudama (Sonobe) – 12 pieces

Here is a kusudama made using the Sonobe-style unit, devised by Japanese modular origami artist Mitsunobu Sonobe.

First, modular origami is a technique in which you fold multiple identical paper parts and assemble them to create geometric works.

Since the parts are all folded in the same way, once you learn it, the folding itself should be easy.

The assembly, however, requires some tips and may feel challenging for some older adults.

Please have those around them offer support tailored to their needs and try making it together.

By changing the number of parts and how you combine them, you can create works other than kusudama as well, so why not give it a try?

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Nakajima Junko

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Kusudama making with origami

Kusudama Origami: Introducing an easy trick [Kusudama] Origami

When you look at an origami kusudama, you can’t help but be captivated by its beautiful form, can you? Among older adults, there are surely people who want to fold kusudama or who simply enjoy making them.

Kusudama often feature bright colors and shapes that seem difficult to create.

That’s because they use many parts made from multiple sheets of origami paper.

When making the parts, folding several sheets together at once may make the process easier.

The key is to fold even the finer sections in batches.

Try creating a wonderful piece together with older adults in whatever way is easiest to fold.

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Nakajima Junko

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A kusudama made from a single sheet of origami

Easy kusudama made from a single sheet of origami paper

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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Bubble Kusudama

[Unit Origami] Bubble Kusudama ♡

Here’s an idea for a three-dimensional craft called the “Bubble Kusudama,” loved for its round and soft form.

It’s a vibrant 3D piece made by assembling many parts.

Although it involves a lot of fine work, you can enjoy it without strain by taking your time and proceeding carefully step by step.

Moving your hands provides finger exercise and helps maintain concentration.

The finished kusudama has a light, airy look, as if bubbles have gathered together, and it will brighten up your room as a decoration.

Changing the color of the origami gives it a completely different feel, so try making several in your favorite colors.

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kojifumi

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Kusudama Cube

[Origami Kusudama 12 Sheets] ORIGAMI CUBE 141

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.

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kojifumi

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