[For Seniors] Early-summer-themed wall decorations: Recommended ideas for July

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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Nakajima Junko

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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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Nakajima Junko

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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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Nakajima Junko

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crab

[Origami] How to Make a 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.

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Nakajima Junko

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hibiscus

[Origami] Finger-training 3D 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.

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Nakajima Junko

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Super Easy! Cicada

[Origami] Super Easy! How to Fold a Cicada – Summer Insect, Making a Cicada, Original Creation

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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shaved ice

How to make Origami Shaved Ice

How about some delicious-looking shaved ice you can make from a single sheet of origami paper? To give the shaved ice a cool feel, you can use tie-dyed origami for the body.

First, fold the paper into a triangle in half, then fold it in half again.

If you think from the finished shape, the remaining steps are surprisingly simple.

And partway through, you actually tear the origami—rip, rip—and the torn edge becomes the pointed tip of the shaved ice, which is a clever twist.

Let’s also make a spoon-straw out of origami and stick it in.

Try making shaved ice in a variety of colors.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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