[For Seniors] Perfect for June: Introducing simple origami projects
June brings more and more hot days.
With the rainy season setting in, many of you may be spending more time indoors.
You might gaze out the window at the adorable hydrangeas glistening in the rain or listen to the chorus of frogs.
There are things you can enjoy only during this time of year, out of the 365 days.
Today, we’re introducing origami ideas for seniors with the theme of “June”!
In addition to the rainy season, June is filled with fun motifs like Father’s Day and June brides.
Feel the changing seasons and give your fingers a gentle workout—why not give it a try?
- [For Seniors] Enjoy June! Introducing Simple, Recommended Wall Decorations
- [For Seniors] Brighten up the rainy season! A collection of origami hydrangea ideas
- For Seniors: Easy June Calendar Craft Ideas
- [For Seniors] Brimming with June’s seasonal charm: A roundup of fun craft ideas
- [Childcare] Perfect for June! Easy origami ideas
- For Seniors: Enjoy the Rainy Season—Event Ideas Perfect for June
- [For Seniors] Enjoy the Arrival of Spring Indoors! Recommended April Origami
- [For Seniors] Easy Sunflower Origami Craft
- Design ideas for birthday message boards for seniors: easy DIY
- [For Seniors] March Origami: Ideas to Brighten Your Room with Seasonal Flowers and Events
- [For Seniors] Introducing May-themed Origami!
- For Seniors: Fun, Energetic Ways to Beat the Summer! Origami Idea Roundup
- [For Seniors] Day service crafts: A roundup of June-themed ideas
[For Seniors] Perfect for June: Introducing Simple Origami Projects (41–50)
Simple mini 3D rose
Great as a treat for yourself or as a gift! Here’s an easy mini 3D rose idea.
Roses are at their best from May to June in spring.
How about arranging beautiful roses into a small bouquet for display? This time, we’ll use origami to make a rose with individual petals.
In the video, we use small cut pieces of origami paper, but if that feels difficult, try adjusting the paper size to make it easier.
Once your rose is finished, wrap it with sparkly, decorative origami paper.
[For Seniors] Perfect for June. Introducing simple origami projects (51–60)
Origami Calendar
Do you know Akira Yoshizawa? He’s famous as Japan’s leading creative origami artist and is also a global figure who truly evolved “origami” into “origami” as an art form.
His works—like his rooster and leopard—are so masterful you’ll find yourself asking, “Is this really origami?” There are many examples online, so I hope you’ll take a look.
Inspired by Yoshizawa—well, not exactly—but how about making a rainy-season themed calendar out of origami? There are easy pieces to fold, like hydrangeas, snails, raindrops, and frogs.
It would be great to make them together while having fun!
hydrangea
When you think of flowers that represent the rainy season, many people probably picture hydrangeas.
You often see hydrangeas in shades like purple and pink, don’t you? If you decorate an indoor wall with hydrangeas, it may remind some older adults of June and the rainy season.
Here, we’ll introduce a simple way to make hydrangeas.
We’ll fold them using smaller-sized origami paper.
If you stick many small hydrangea parts on the wall in a round shape, they can look like real hydrangeas.
Since there aren’t many complicated folds, you’ll be able to make lots of hydrangea pieces.
Of course, with a little creativity—such as attaching them to a backing board or a wreath—you can create wonderful projects.
teru teru bozu (a traditional Japanese handmade doll hung to wish for good weather)
Teru teru bozu are made and hung up to keep the rain away.
Some older adults may even remember making them with their families.
While you can make them with tissues or white cloth, you can also use origami.
Using two sheets of origami paper, you make the head and body parts separately and then put them together.
By making the creases first and then folding into the shapes of the head and body, the creases won’t shift.
The finished teru teru bozu looks neat and tidy.
If you have older adults draw the eyes and mouth, each person’s work will have its own unique character.
wedding dress
June Bride—it’s said that getting married in June brings happiness.
In Japan, the idea of the June Bride spread around the 1960s.
Some older people may have even married in June.
The June Bride is said to be an old European tradition.
Let’s try folding an origami wedding dress that evokes the image of a happy June bride.
With a few clever folding techniques, you can express fluttering drapes in the skirt and a clean neckline.
For the origami paper, colors like pink or blue—reminiscent of hydrangeas, which represent the rainy season—are recommended.
You’ll end up with a dress perfect for a June Bride.
corn
Corn reaches its peak season from around June to September.
For many older adults, corn may also evoke images of summer.
Try incorporating corn-themed crafts into recreational activities for seniors to help them feel the season.
If you use double-sided origami paper in yellow and green, you can make corn wrapped in husks.
The folding steps are simple, making it an easy project for older adults to try.
The finished corn can be displayed on the wall, or attached to a backing sheet and used to create other works.
Give it a try!
melon
Some seniors may enjoy fresh, sweet melons.
It’s said that May, June, and July are when they’re shipped the most.
How about folding a cute, round origami melon in June, when they’re most commonly in season? First, crease the paper and open it, then shape it along the crease lines.
If the folding steps seem difficult for seniors, try supporting them and making it together.
Remembering the steps and using the fingertips engages the brain, so it can be effective as brain training.
Once you finish folding, adding a net-like melon pattern will make it look more realistic.
If you use green origami paper, you can make a watermelon, too.
With a few tweaks, you can enjoy many variations.