For Seniors: Feel the Arrival of Warm Spring. Introducing Origami Ideas
When we get through the cold winter and start to feel the warmth of spring, it somehow lifts our spirits, doesn’t it? What comes to mind for you when you think of spring? Perhaps iconic spring plants like cherry blossoms and dandelions, or creatures like butterflies and ladybugs.
In this article, we’ll introduce origami ideas that let you feel the arrival of spring indoors.
Nice-weather days are perfect for a stroll, but going out isn’t always easy for everyone.
These spring-themed origami projects are perfect for such times and will instantly brighten up your space.
In addition to plants and animals, there are pieces that fit spring-related events, too.
Why not decorate your room and enjoy the feeling of spring’s arrival?
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[For Seniors] Feel the Arrival of Warm Spring. Introducing Origami Ideas (21–30)
Hina dolls
Hinamatsuri, the popular event in March.
Some seniors may remember displaying hina dolls and enjoying a festive meal with their families.
However, since hina dolls require space to set up, some households no longer display them these days.
For those people, we recommend small, cute hina dolls made from origami.
Prepare four sheets of origami paper and cut them to the sizes needed for each part.
Make the faces of the empress (ohinasama) and the emperor (odairisama), and also craft small accessories like a fan and a ritual baton (shaku).
Finally, make the kimono, then assemble the faces and accessories to complete the dolls.
They would also make a delightful gift for your grandchildren.
ladybug
A popular origami piece that evokes the arrival of spring is the ladybug.
It’s easy to make with a single sheet of paper, so even seniors can enjoy it with confidence.
Its rounded shape and the cute contrast of red and black make it perfect for seasonal decorations.
The steps are simple, yet using the fingertips provides brain stimulation and hand exercise, making it effective for rehabilitation as well.
Display the finished ladybugs together with cherry blossoms and other flowers to create a bright, cheerful spring scene.
It’s a recommended craft that will instantly lift your spirits.
Cherry blossom wall hanging
When you think of spring, many people probably picture cherry blossoms.
Known as a quintessential symbol of spring in Japan, cherry blossoms are beloved not only by Japanese people but also by many overseas.
Let’s make a wall decoration with a cherry blossom motif.
Prepare light pink and dark pink origami for the blossoms.
Fold the paper twice to form a triangle, and continue folding while keeping the creases in mind.
Draw petals with a pencil and cut along the lines with scissors.
If you want to add depth, fold the left and right sides slightly inward.
Make two blossoms using origami in different sizes, attach the stamens, and your cherry blossoms are complete.
Add leaves made from green origami, and your wall decoration is finished.
Three-dimensional dandelion
The dandelion, which blooms with vivid yellow flowers, is a familiar flower even to older adults.
Some people may have made flower crowns with dandelions.
In this article, we introduce dandelion-themed ideas that represent spring.
Cut yellow origami paper into one-quarter width strips lengthwise.
Fold it so it becomes long and narrow, then glue two pieces together and make many small slits.
Be careful not to cut all the way through! Roll it up tightly from one end and secure it with glue to complete the flower.
Make a stem and leaves, and decorate a frame to finish.
It’s a gentle craft that lets you feel the arrival of spring.
Butterfly
One motif that evokes spring is the butterfly—how about making one with origami? Take a sheet of origami paper in your favorite color, cut it in half vertically, and start folding.
You can use the same color for both parts, or create an original look by combining different colors for the top and bottom to make a variety of colorful butterflies.
The accordion folds and the fine step of tying the two parts together with string are great for hand rehabilitation.
Since there are many nerves in the fingertips, moving them also stimulates the brain and can help prevent dementia.
Why not make lots together and brighten up the facility’s walls?
randoseru (Japanese elementary school backpack)
April brings to mind school entrance ceremonies and the sight of cheerful first graders heading to school with shiny new randoseru backpacks.
While red and black used to be the standard colors, these days randoseru come in a wide variety of hues.
For an April origami activity, why not fold a randoseru in your favorite color? Divide one sheet of origami paper into thirds vertically, and proceed to fold each section.
Drawing lines along the crease marks makes it easier to follow.
With some finer steps involved, this project helps build concentration and can be effective for dementia prevention.
It would also make a delightful gift for your grandchild.
rapeseed blossoms
If you make one of spring’s representative flowers, the rapeseed blossom (nanohana), with origami, you can enjoy a spring atmosphere indoors.
By folding the small yellow petals and combining them with green leaves, you’ll have a cute, three-dimensional nanohana.
The steps are simple, making it easy for older adults to try, and it’s also effective for finger dexterity and improving concentration.
We recommend displaying the finished nanohana on a wall or exhibiting it as a spring craft.
Why not enjoy a fun crafting time while feeling the season?