[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 (31–40)
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.
crab
Here’s an introduction to crab origami that evokes the feeling of the summer sea.
Many older adults may have gone to the beach with family or friends during summer vacation.
This crab origami is sure to bring back those happy memories.
When you think of crabs, you think of their claws—these claws are made from a single sheet of origami paper together with the body.
Many people imagine crabs as red, but don’t feel limited to red; try making them with orange or blue origami paper as well.
With the variety of colors and patterns available in origami paper, you can create uniquely expressive pieces.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)
Let’s make a rhinoceros beetle—often seen as the king of insects—out of origami.
It’s a cute, rounded beetle made up of a horn and a body.
The wings have slits like a real rhinoceros beetle, making it look more realistic.
You can also use another sheet of origami to make the legs and glue them to the body.
You’ll have a beetle that looks like it could start moving at any moment.
Older adults creating this beetle might even be reminded of summer days spent with their children or grandchildren.
box of watermelons
Watermelon is one of the iconic foods of summer, isn’t it? Many older adults likely have memories of eating watermelon in the summer.
So this time, we’ll introduce an origami project with a watermelon theme: a watermelon box.
We’ll make the flesh part and the rind part with origami.
By separating them, the flesh becomes the lid and the rind becomes the container.
When finished, you’ll have a triangular watermelon box, just like the slice you hold when you eat it.
It can serve as a little trinket box, and if you put some candy inside and give it to your grandchild, they’ll probably be delighted.
hibiscus
Hibiscus under the hot summer sun.
Wouldn’t it be perfect for an August origami project? Here’s a hibiscus origami craft that almost makes you hear a cheerful “Aloha!” The hibiscus is known for its large, fluttering petals.
You can express this by adding long, narrow creases to the origami when folding the petal sections.
Since it uses a lot of finger movement, it’s also great for brain training and finger dexterity.
Cut the tip of the origami into a curved, petal-like shape.
Create the stamens and pistil in the center, as well as the leaves and stem, attach them to the petals, and you’re done.
It’s a lovely, three-dimensional hibiscus piece.
[For Seniors] July-Themed Origami: A Collection of Fun Ideas (41–50)
Handmade uchiwa (Japanese handheld fan)
There may be days in August when you find yourself fanning with an uchiwa.
Ready-made ones are fine, but how about spending summer with a handmade fan? Take three sheets of origami paper, fold them accordion-style, and glue them together in a row.
Attach chopsticks to the left and right ends and secure them with cellophane tape.
When you hold the chopsticks and spread it open, it becomes a fan.
For a fun variation, use red origami paper and stick on strips of white and green origami.
Draw black dots on the red paper and fold it accordion-style.
Then, assemble it the same way to complete a watermelon-themed uchiwa.
boat
For August indoor decorations and wall displays, you might choose an ocean theme.
In that case, let’s try making ships that sail across the vast sea using origami.
You can fold simple ships with easy steps, such as folding a triangular-cut piece of origami paper just once or using designs with few complex folds.
Try using double-sided colored or patterned paper, draw windows and other details on the folded ships with a pen, or add your favorite stickers.
With a bit of creativity, you’ll end up with even more charming ships.
Make and display various ships out of origami, and you’ll have lively, fun summer ocean decorations.