[For Seniors] July-Themed Origami: A Collection of Fun Ideas
July is the season for fun events like Tanabata and fireworks festivals.
Many people also think of flowers that bloom gloriously in July, such as sunflowers and Chinese lantern plants (hozuki).
As we age, our sensitivity to temperature tends to dull, making it harder to feel the heat.
Since July leads us into the height of summer, why not try some origami activities indoors where it’s cool? Creating pieces that are perfect for July is a fun way to feel the season.
Let’s keep those fingers moving and make it a helpful activity for dementia prevention, too!
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[For Seniors] July-Themed Origami: A Collection of Fun Ideas (11–20)
Super Easy! Cicada
When it comes to classic summer insects, many people probably think of cicadas.
Their buzzing also accentuates the heat of summer.
That’s why folding a cicada in origami in July can immediately evoke a sense of summer, even for older adults.
Let’s try a simple cicada origami.
Even with a design that has few complicated steps, using the fingertips helps stimulate the brain.
By making fine folds around the abdomen, you can create a realistic cicada shape.
As you fold cicada origami together, you might find yourselves chatting with seniors about memorable summer stories from the past.
Origami yukata
Let’s fold and make a yukata and an obi out of origami—perfect for adding a touch of color and flair to Tanabata decorations.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper and make crisp creases as you fold.
It’s fun to choose the color of the paper while imagining what color the yukata should be.
At the end, you’ll use scissors—be careful not to cut in the wrong place.
The obi is made by folding the paper in half; the method is simple, so it’s easy and recommended.
Choose the color of the obi to match the color of the yukata.
Using patterned origami paper can add a nice design effect.
Making wind chimes
Here are some wind chime craft ideas to make your indoor summer time more enjoyable.
Prepare origami paper and string.
Fold the origami paper in half twice to make a square, draw a 7 cm diameter circle with a compass, and cut it out with scissors.
You should have four circular pieces; fold each one in half with the patterned side inside.
Stack the four folded pieces and glue them together, then trim about 1 cm from the bottom—this will be the outer part of the wind chime.
From another sheet of origami, make a rectangular strip (tanzaku) and attach a thread to it.
Glue the other end of the thread to the center of the outer part, then glue the outer part’s edges together to finish.
windsock garland
In July, many senior care facilities hold Tanabata events and activities, don’t they? Here’s a perfect decor idea for indoor Tanabata celebrations: a streamer garland.
Let’s make star shapes out of origami to evoke the Milky Way of Tanabata.
You’ll fold the paper first, then cut it to create the shapes.
Using fluffy tissue paper, you’ll make the weaving threads.
Incidentally, the streamers are said to represent the weaving threads of Orihime.
Because of this, streamers are imbued with wishes for improvement in weaving skills and for warding off evil.
Why not try making them with older adults while sprinkling in a bit of Tanabata trivia? It’s a fun activity that moves the hands and broadens knowledge at the same time.
How to fold an origami morning glory
Morning glories made by folding origami are a classic, senior-friendly craft that engages the hands while letting you enjoy colors and shapes.
Using purple or blue origami paper, you simply fold and open to create a softly rounded, spring-like form.
For the finishing touch, cut white origami paper into a star shape and paste it in the center to highlight the morning glory look.
The completed flowers can be displayed in a row on the wall or used as hanging decorations, offering plenty of ways to enjoy them.
This seasonal recreation lets you fold, look at, and decorate with a nostalgic summer flower.
Morning glory wreath
Here’s an idea for a seasonal, handmade decoration for older adults that captures the colors of summer: a Morning Glory Wreath.
Make the wreath base by connecting strips of brown origami paper into a circle, then add morning glory flowers and buds using pink and blue origami paper.
Cut leaves and vines from green origami paper and paste them on while checking the overall balance to finish.
This all-paper project is easy to start, and it’s fun to play with color schemes and shapes, giving a sense of accomplishment with each completed piece.
Display it in a room to spread a summery atmosphere—an uplifting decoration that brightens the mood every time you see it.
A heartwarming craft that cherishes the spirit of the season.
[For Seniors] July-Themed Origami: A Collection of Fun Ideas (21–30)
Simple paper-cutting: Morning glory
We’d like to introduce a seasonal craft for seniors that can be enjoyed with origami and scissors: Easy Morning Glory Kirigami.
Fold the origami paper and cut it into petal shapes.
By also cutting out a small hole in the center, you’ll create the airy look characteristic of morning glories, resulting in a cool, refreshing appearance.
The sequence of folding, cutting, and unfolding naturally encourages fine motor movements of the fingers and also stimulates the brain.
Make several in different colors, add leaves and vines, and paste them onto construction paper to create a summery wall decoration.
It’s a simple yet satisfying activity that lets you enjoy the season at a comfortable pace.