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Lovely senior life

Recommended for seniors! Origami gifts

How about giving origami as a gift to an older adult?

Origami makes a perfect present for Respect for the Aged Day, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Handmade gifts warm the heart and make people feel cozy inside.

For such occasions, flowers are a great choice in origami, as well as celebratory good-luck cranes.

Try making something with the recipient’s tastes in mind.

It’ll be even more appreciated if you include a message card along with the origami gift.

Recommended for seniors! Origami gifts (11–20)

Crane Wreath

[Origami] How to Make a Crane Wreath — A Festive Decoration or Gift for New Year’s, Respect-for-the-Aged Day, and More | Origami Crane Wreath Tutorial / fukuoriroom
Crane Wreath

Cranes are considered lucky symbols of longevity because they live long lives.

Many people are probably familiar with the classic way of folding them.

For this wreath, we’ll adapt the standard folding method to create eight parts and then connect them.

It will be stable if you align the inner corners and tuck them in firmly.

If you divide into groups of eight and work together, each wreath will have its own character, which should be fun.

Using washi or patterned origami paper is also recommended.

Hanging it on the wall will make the space look festive.

Mini mini kusudama made with 4 cm origami paper

A difficult flower kusudama made with 4 cm mini-mini origami
Mini mini kusudama made with 4 cm origami paper

Here’s a kusudama made from small origami that we especially recommend for seniors who are skilled at origami.

The paper size is 4 cm.

Combine parts made with this paper size to create a mini kusudama.

Many kusudama units involve detailed folding.

When using smaller paper, you’ll use your fingertips even more dexterously.

If the senior enjoys origami, they’ll likely be able to focus and work on it intently.

With a slightly higher level of difficulty, they should feel an even greater sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.

Spiral bouquet

[Origami / Copy Paper] Spiral Bouquet / [Paper Flower] Spiral Bouquet
Spiral bouquet

A spiral bouquet made with origami and drinking straws can create a bright, festive atmosphere for celebrations.

Why not use vibrant origami paper to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day? Cut off the flexible tip of a bendy straw and make 4–5 slits.

Make the flowers using origami paper that’s one-quarter the standard size.

Create four parts, round off the petal edges on each, then crease them to form an accordion fold.

Attach them into the slits on the straw, and then add the remaining accordion-folded parts to finish.

It’s an easy method, but it requires delicate work, making it a great recommendation for recreational activities for seniors.

Two-tone fan crane

Origami: 'Two-Colored Fan Crane'
Two-tone fan crane

The red-and-white fan crane is a perfect motif for celebrations.

How about making it together with seniors as an item to liven up Respect-for-the-Aged Day? After folding a red sheet of origami paper in half twice, make a cut in the center.

Fold along the cut and create an accordion fold.

Use the other side to fold the crane.

From here, the work becomes more detailed, but the steps are the same as folding a standard crane.

When making the second one, change the color or reverse the front and back before folding.

Combine the two pieces to complete the fan crane.

The fine movements in origami help exercise seniors’ fingers and provide good stimulation for the brain.

Let’s all make them and enhance the atmosphere for Respect-for-the-Aged Day.

Decorative celebratory crane

[Origami] Let's make a celebratory crane ornament out of paper. 🐦
Decorative celebratory crane

Cranes have long been regarded as symbols of longevity and peace, and they’ve become a beloved, classic motif for celebratory occasions.

Origami cranes—known as “celebration cranes”—make perfect decorations for Respect-for-the-Aged Day.

We’ll fold them using reversible crepe paper you can buy at a 100-yen shop.

The folding process is the same as a standard crane up to a certain point, so it may be easy for older adults to try.

When you open the wings, the gold interior appears, creating a gorgeous celebration crane.

Attach it to a coaster and add decorations with a fan or clay to finish.

a bouquet of tulips

[Easy Origami] How to Make a Tulip Bouquet for Graduation and School Entrance ♡ With Ribbon, Message Card, and Wrapping
a bouquet of tulips

Did you know that tulips, which bloom in vibrant colors from late March to mid-April, come in a wide variety of hues? In addition to classic red, yellow, and white, there are even black and purple tulips! Let’s try folding tulips with origami in your favorite colors.

Use quarter-size pieces of origami paper to make the flowers, and combine two pieces to form the stem.

Attach the flowers to wrapping paper with a ribbon, and you’re done.

They make a lovely gift for family and friends on special occasions.

Recommended for seniors! Origami gifts (21–30)

Sakura Kusudama

How to make an origami sakura (cherry blossom) kusudama / How to make Origami [Sakura Ball]
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.