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

Flower ball made with a circular craft punch

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Candy-like Origami Kusudama | A small, cute flower ball made with a round craft punch | Origami Flower Ball | AyaWangPaper#diy#papercraft#origamitutorialOrigami Kusudama

2:23 AM – Sharo

Making flower balls using origami paper and a circular craft punch is a perfect idea for senior recreation.

With simple steps, you can create lots of brightly colored petals and combine them to form a three-dimensional kusudama.

Handwork helps stimulate the brain, and the finished piece looks gorgeous and gives a strong sense of accomplishment.

Working together as a group encourages conversation and makes for an enjoyable time, which is another appeal.

It’s easy for beginners to try, so it’s highly recommended.

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kojifumi

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Mini mini kusudama made with 4 cm origami paper

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

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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streamer-style kusudama

Kusudama, streamers, and string decorations made with origami (with audio commentary) — How to make origami Kusudama, streamers, and string decorations

Here’s an introduction to a streamer-style kusudama with a charming, temari-like roundness.

When making a kusudama out of origami, there are some models that require very fine folds.

Many have complex folding methods, so some older adults might find making origami kusudama challenging.

But if you cut the origami and assemble the kusudama parts by gluing them, it may be easier for some to try.

Once your kusudama is complete, make streamers from string or origami and decorate it.

Using patterned or printed origami for the kusudama and streamers creates pieces with different moods depending on the paper you choose.

It’s also recommended as a Tanabata decoration.

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Nakajima Junko

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Sonobe-style kusudama

Origami Kusudama (Sonobe) – 12 pieces

Here is a kusudama made using the Sonobe-style unit, devised by Japanese modular origami artist Mitsunobu Sonobe.

First, modular origami is a technique in which you fold multiple identical paper parts and assemble them to create geometric works.

Since the parts are all folded in the same way, once you learn it, the folding itself should be easy.

The assembly, however, requires some tips and may feel challenging for some older adults.

Please have those around them offer support tailored to their needs and try making it together.

By changing the number of parts and how you combine them, you can create works other than kusudama as well, so why not give it a try?

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Nakajima Junko

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A kusudama made from a single sheet of origami

Easy kusudama made from a single sheet of origami paper

Kusudama made from origami look beautiful because of their colors and shapes.

However, they often use many sheets of paper and require complex folds.

So here, we’ll introduce a kusudama you can make from a single sheet of origami paper—something many older adults can enjoy trying.

First, fold and unfold the paper to create crease lines, then begin shaping along those creases.

These creases will form the kusudama’s geometric structure.

Like making an origami paper balloon, you’ll inflate it by blowing air into it to form the kusudama.

After inflating, gently prod along the fold lines with your fingers or a bamboo skewer to refine the shape.

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Nakajima Junko

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Sakura Kusudama

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

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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Bubble Kusudama

[Unit Origami] Bubble Kusudama ♡

Here’s an idea for a three-dimensional craft called the “Bubble Kusudama,” loved for its round and soft form.

It’s a vibrant 3D piece made by assembling many parts.

Although it involves a lot of fine work, you can enjoy it without strain by taking your time and proceeding carefully step by step.

Moving your hands provides finger exercise and helps maintain concentration.

The finished kusudama has a light, airy look, as if bubbles have gathered together, and it will brighten up your room as a decoration.

Changing the color of the origami gives it a completely different feel, so try making several in your favorite colors.

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