For Seniors: Fun, Energetic Ways to Beat the Summer! Origami Idea Roundup

ghost

[Origami] How to Fold a Ghost | Origami Ghost Paper Craft DIY | Halloween

Here’s an introduction to a ghost origami that makes that hot, tingly feeling go “whoosh.” It’s a design of a ghost in a white sheet, with both hands held forward.

You can use the white side of any origami paper even if the paper itself isn’t white.

Of course, folding it with papers of different colors can also make for a fun piece.

After folding, draw in the eyes and mouth.

This is where the individuality of older adults really shines through.

The finished ghosts can be glued onto a wreath or hung as parts of a garland.

Ghost origami is sure to be a hit for Halloween in October.

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pinwheel

[Craft Origami You Can Play With] How to Make a Well-Spinning Pinwheel with Audio Commentary ☆ Origami Windmill Tutorial

On hot summer days, there are things that make you feel cool, aren’t there? The sound of wind chimes, sprinkling water, and tokoroten jelly are just a few.

A pinwheel might be one of those cool-feeling items too, don’t you think? A pinwheel that spins in a light summer breeze or with a gentle puff of air—watching it whirl around somehow makes you feel cooler and more at ease.

Cut slits in four places on a piece of origami paper and fold the corners toward the center.

The key is to bring the corners to the center without making creases—more like folding them over gently.

Fix the pinwheel with a toothpick and attach it to a straw to finish.

It’s the kind of craft that might even bring back memories for older adults of playing with pinwheels when they were young.

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lantern

Simple Origami “Lantern” Folding Method ~How to Make Summer Festival Origami~ [Easy-to-Understand Voice Guide] | Origami Japanese Lantern

In summer, festivals are held, and some senior care facilities host summer festivals as well.

Many older adults enjoy spending time with games and recreational activities featured at these events.

Here is an introduction to making paper lanterns with origami so seniors can feel the fun of summer festivals.

You can make one with a single sheet of origami paper, and the steps aren’t too complicated, so it’s an easy project to try.

Why not make them with papers in various colors? Arrange and display a rainbow of lanterns.

Lanterns that evoke summer festivals can help older adults feel the cheerful atmosphere of the season.

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happi (traditional Japanese festival coat)

[Summer Origami] How to Fold a Happi Coat with Voice Commentary ☆ Origami Happi Coat Tutorial / Tatsukuri

In August, many facilities probably hold summer festivals, don’t they? Here’s an origami happi coat that’s perfect for indoor summer festival decorations and August wall displays.

You’ll fold it using a single sheet of origami paper.

Some steps are a bit complex, but the finished result looks just like a real happi.

Please try folding it with support from those around you, tailored to the needs of older adults.

On the back of the finished happi, write the character for “festival” (祭) with a black pen, or write it on white paper and paste it on.

That will make it look even more authentic.

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Plump Firefly

How to make a chubby origami firefly

Although we don’t see them as often these days, the night skies around July are firefly season.

When today’s seniors were children, they may have seen many more fireflies.

Some might even have fond memories, like catching them with a bamboo broom.

Here, we’ll introduce an origami firefly that’s sure to bring back those nostalgic stories.

You make the firefly and its glowing tail separately, so the glowing part really stands out.

While fireflies usually have long, slender bodies, this design uses a rounded shape to give it a cute look.

Make lots of them to decorate calendars or use as wall decor—highly recommended.

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yukata (summer cotton kimono)

Yukata are one of the iconic sights of summer, and seeing people wearing them evokes a sense of seasonal charm.

They also create a refreshing impression even on hot summer days.

So let’s help seniors feel the spirit of summer by making yukata with origami.

Origami comes in a wide variety of patterns and designs—try using ones unique to origami, such as traditional Japanese motifs or polka dots.

Adding an obi (belt) to the finished yukata will enhance the atmosphere even more.

Choosing the colors for the yukata and the obi is another aspect seniors are likely to enjoy.

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dolphin

We’d like to introduce an origami piece that looks like a dolphin leaping and swimming through the sea.

Start by making crease lines on the paper, then continue folding step by step.

As you go, it gradually takes on the shape of a dolphin, so older adults can enjoy making it as well.

The dolphin’s mouth and tail fin are also made from a single sheet of paper.

Because of that, there are some steps with finer, more detailed folds.

If the older adult is skilled at origami, they’ll likely enjoy the process.

Once finished, you can arrange it in different ways, such as turning it into a wreath or attaching it to a calendar.

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