Craft ideas with plum blossoms for seniors
Plum blossoms begin to bloom here and there as early as the still-chilly days of February.
When you see plum blossoms, you can’t help but feel that spring is just around the corner, can you?
Their modest yet charming flowers—whether white, pink, or a vivid red—are all soothing to the heart.
Why not make plum blossoms, the flowers that herald spring, the theme of your next craft project?
In this article, we introduce craft ideas featuring plum blossoms that are perfect for spring.
From simple origami you can fold easily, to decorative pieces like wreaths, and even intricate creations such as chirimen (crepe) crafts.
We hope you enjoy them as you look forward to the coming of spring.
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[For Seniors] Plum Blossom Craft Ideas (21–30)
Macaron strap made with mizuhiki (decorative cord)
Here’s an idea for making a macaron strap using mizuhiki cords with materials from a 100-yen shop.
This time, prepare pink-toned colors.
First, straighten the mizuhiki to make it easier to handle.
Trim the ends, make a small awaji knot, and then form it into a plum blossom (ume) knot.
Once the shape is set, secure it with glue.
Attach a bell and strap hardware to a head pin, layer the ume knot on top, and glue them together.
Hold down the ends and round the shape to finish.
Since it involves a lot of hand work, it should provide plenty of stimulation for the brain.
It’s recommended because you can also expect brain-training benefits.
Plum blossom wreath
The blooming of plum blossoms makes you feel the end of the cold winter and the arrival of spring, doesn’t it? Today, we’re introducing a “plum blossom wreath” that’s perfect for ushering in that hint of spring.
Both the wreath base and the plum blossoms can be made with origami.
Origami can be done while seated, so it’s recommended as a recreation activity for older adults.
Plum blossoms are familiar to many seniors, so this project may be easy for them to try.
It also encourages social interaction as people can chat while they work.
You can have fun arranging it by changing the colors of the origami, too.
By the way, when red and white plum blossoms bloom together on a single tree, it’s called “Genpei-zaki.” The name comes from the colors of the flags used by the Genji and Heike clans during their battles in the Heian period.
Plum wreath
Here is an idea for making a plum blossom wreath with felt that lets you enjoy a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Cut slits into a rectangular piece of felt, then round off the ends to create petal shapes.
Thread a string through the slits and gather the felt; after trimming the string, tie it off and shape it into a flower.
Secure it firmly with glue, and decorate with metallic beads or other embellishments to complete each flower component.
Finally, arrange the flowers evenly on a wooden ring and glue them in place to finish a beautiful plum blossom wreath.
Enjoy the soft feel of felt while moving your fingers—it can also help stimulate the brain.
It’s a heartwarming craft that brings a sense of Japanese elegance to your room just by displaying it.
Pressed Flower Calendar
Introducing a pressed flower calendar that captures seasonal blossoms and plants, letting you enjoy the beauty of nature.
Pick flowers and foliage yourself, carefully dry and press them, and pair them with the monthly calendar to create a gently colored, richly expressive piece.
By changing the types of flowers and plants, you can reflect the seasonal feeling of each month.
Lamination turns it into a long-lasting interior decoration, and its natural, warm charm makes it a perfect gift.
Going for walks to find flowers for pressing, and the process of making the pressed flowers and calendar, also involve planning, physical activity, and fine motor practice—activities that may help prevent cognitive decline.
plum blossoms
Here’s an introduction to a calendar featuring plum blossoms that convey an elegant feel with their soft hues.
The small, round shape of plum blossoms has a charm that’s distinct from cherry blossoms.
Since March includes the Doll’s Festival (Hinamatsuri), a calendar that pairs hina dolls with plum blossoms would be lovely as well.
Creating plum blossoms or hina dolls can also help older adults feel the season.
Incidentally, plum trees are among the earliest to bloom each year, flowering after enduring the harsh winter.
Because of their resilience, plum blossoms are said to ward off illness and are considered auspicious flowers that symbolize longevity.
Hanging ornaments of plum blossoms and Japanese bush warblers
Here’s a seasonal hanging decoration you can make with materials from a 100-yen shop.
First, make the base: cut paper straws into short pieces and thread a pipe cleaner through them to form a pentagon.
Next, the Japanese bush warbler.
Cut green origami paper and washi paper into circles, layer them, and glue them together.
Add a beak and tail from origami, and stick on eye stickers to finish the bird.
For the plum blossoms, cut pink origami into small circles, layer and glue them, and add a bead at the center.
Attach the decorations to the base, add a hanging string, and it’s complete.
The plum blossoms and bush warbler seem to herald the arrival of spring.
Please give it a try and display it!
Plum Blossoms Made with Origami
Plum blossoms are one of the flowers that are at their best in March.
Let’s try folding an origami plum so we can enjoy the feeling of the season.
Since plum blossoms have five petals, fold the origami paper and cut it to make a pentagon.
Then fold it into the shape of plum petals and use scissors to refine the form.
There are some intricate steps, but for seniors who enjoy origami, it’s a very rewarding project.
If any seniors find it difficult, please support them by folding together, and so on.
The finished piece has many uses—you can attach it to a wreath or display it on the wall.
By the way, cherry and peach blossoms, which bloom around the same time, also have five petals, so you can adapt this plum origami to make those as well.
In conclusion
We introduced some craft ideas featuring plum blossoms.
Each one is adorable, and just looking at the finished pieces warms the heart.
Many of the materials are easy to repurpose, so everyone can make them and use them as wall decorations or event decor.
The feeling of waiting for spring somehow makes you feel excited, doesn’t it? I hope you’ll enjoy making them with that same sense of excitement.