[For Seniors] July-Themed Origami: A Collection of Fun Ideas

An ornament of a morning glory and a watering can

[Summer Craft] Morning Glory and Watering Can Ornament

Here’s a recommended idea for a summer craft to make at a day service center: “Morning Glories and a Watering Can” ornaments.

Create the morning glories using double-sided origami paper and washi (thin calligraphy paper) for a colorful yet gentle finish.

For the pot, edge a paper cup with paper cord and add paper-straw supports to give it a three-dimensional look.

The watering can uses a kitchen paper or toilet paper roll for the body, with a paper straw inserted as the spout.

Since all the materials are paper, it’s safe to make.

The finished piece is a cheerful work that also makes a delightful summer interior decoration.

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swim ring

[Summer Origami] How to fold a swim ring with voice commentary ☆ How to make a float with origami / Tatsukuri

We get more chances to go to the pool or the beach in summer, don’t we? Watching people bob around in the water with floaties under the blazing sun makes you feel cool just looking at them.

So let’s make a swim ring out of origami.

The size of the ring will change depending on the size of the paper you use.

If you make it in a larger size, you can even create a base for a wreath shaped like a swim ring.

Make the parts of the ring using both the colored side and the white side of the paper.

Some parts require fine folds, but since you’ll be making several identical pieces, it becomes easy once you learn the steps.

Insert the parts into each other to complete the swim ring.

If you add origami animals or children to the ring, it will turn out super cute.

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Nakajima Junko

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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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Nakajima Junko

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shaved ice

Shaved ice topped with syrups like strawberry, melon, or Blue Hawaii.

Shaved ice on a hot day is something special, isn’t it? In senior care facilities, older adults may also enjoy shaved ice during summer festivals or as a snack.

Here’s an origami shaved ice craft that perfectly fits the summer vibe.

Since there are few small folds and the steps are simple, many seniors should find it approachable.

After folding the shaved ice with origami, use pens to color it as if you’re pouring your favorite syrup.

You can also customize the cup part that holds the shaved ice by drawing patterns or adding stickers.

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Nakajima Junko

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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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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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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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