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[For Seniors] Easy Snake Origami Ideas
At New Year’s craft sessions, it’s common to make the animal of the zodiac for that year.
This time, here are some origami snake ideas.
Some people may feel a bit uneasy about snakes.
For those people, we’re also sharing a cute snake folding method!
It can be fun to have each senior draw a face on their snake to create a variety of unique characters.
There are also many unique folding styles, like three-dimensional snakes, or snakes that move or pretend to bite.
Some steps are a bit detailed, but please enjoy making them while staff provide support as needed.
[For Seniors] Simple Snake Origami Ideas (1–10)
Cute snake
This is a cute snake origami that looks lovely for January wall decorations or to stick on handmade ema plaques.
You’ll make the head and body from a single sheet of origami paper.
Fold the paper into four equal sections and cut off one section.
Use the small square you cut off to make the head, and use the remaining piece to fold the body.
Overall, the folding is simple, but there are some fine steps, so please have people around assist older adults as they make it.
If older adults draw the snake’s face themselves, each piece will have its own unique character.
Try arranging the finished pieces to create works that feel perfect for January.
Pouncing snake
Origami pieces you can play with even after they’re finished are handy because they can be used as items for recreational games.
This time, we’re introducing a snake that lunges at its prey when you bend its body with your fingers.
Start by folding the paper in half and on the diagonal to create crease lines.
Once you’ve made the creases, fold along the lines to form the head and body sections.
By adding many creases and folding, the body will take on an accordion shape.
This accordion section is essential for the lunging snake.
Add facial features like eyes and a tongue as you like; using round stickers makes it quick and easy.
When it’s finished, be sure to try playing with it together with older adults.
Wiggly snake
With origami, you can create lovely pieces even with simple folds.
Models that move often look complicated, don’t they? But you can make moving creations with straightforward steps, too.
Cut two colors of origami paper into narrow strips, then cut those into band-like pieces, paste them together, and fold as you go.
This will form a snake’s body that wiggles and moves like a real snake.
Finally, attach a face and tongue made from origami or construction paper to finish it off.
Because it’s a moving piece, there’s fun to be had even after you’re done making it.
It’s a project that older adults might enjoy as well, chatting with those around them while watching the snake wiggle.
It could also make a delightful gift for your grandchild.
Suisui Snake
This is a fun snake origami that you can play with even after it’s finished.
The snake’s body works like a spring—press the body with your fingers and release, and it will move forward.
Some steps are a bit complex, so older adults who are good at origami may enjoy folding it.
If it’s difficult to fold, staff or helpers at a facility can support with the steps.
Because it’s slightly challenging, completing it should give a nice sense of accomplishment with a “I did it!” moment.
You could also use the finished pieces for a New Year’s party or recreational activity and hold a snake race—it’s sure to be a hit.
A plump, cute snake
Let’s make a craft where only the snake’s head becomes three-dimensional from a single sheet of origami.
Try picturing the composition of snake photos or illustrations.
You’ve probably seen a snake with its belly on the ground and just its head raised, right? We’ll create that pose from one sheet of origami.
First, fold the paper several times to make crease lines.
From there, form the head in three dimensions.
The key is to use your fingertips to shape the paper so it becomes rounded and puffy.
It’s a great activity for older adults too, keeping their fingers moving and stimulating the brain as they get absorbed in the process.
Start folding from the edges to create the body as well, then attach the eyes and tongue to finish.
Using round stickers cut into shape for the eyes and tongue makes it easier.
There’s also space in the center to write text, so you can add a message and give it as a gift to a senior.
Snake-themed money envelope
During the New Year, some households may have grandchildren and relatives’ children gather at the homes of older adults.
Some seniors might prepare New Year’s gift money (otoshidama) as well.
How about adding a little twist to the otoshidama envelopes you prepare each year? Here’s a cute, snake-shaped pochibukuro (small gift envelope).
The folds aren’t complicated, so even if you don’t plan to hand out otoshidama, you can enjoy it as a January origami project.
It’s also recommended to place a letter instead of money in the envelope section.
As an origami piece themed around the zodiac, it’s a great way to feel the season while you create it.
A snake wreath
Let’s make a wreath that takes advantage of the snake’s long, slender shape.
Prepare separate sheets of origami for the head and the body.
The head has some complicated folding steps, so if any older adults find it difficult, please have people around them offer support.
On the other hand, older adults who enjoy origami may find this part fun to make.
For the body, fold several sheets of origami into shape.
Make multiple body segments and glue them together to connect them.
You can use a single color for all the body parts, or make each one a different color for a colorful snake—both would look great.
By letting older adults create the piece in the colors they like, you’ll end up with snakes that each have their own unique personality.