Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Introducing May-themed Origami!

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Origami is a popular recreational activity in senior care facilities.

Finger exercises are effective for stimulating the brain, and displaying completed pieces or feeling a sense of accomplishment adds to the enjoyment.

May is a month filled with events, such as Children’s Day and Mother’s Day.

So this time, we’ll introduce origami with a May theme.

Origami that activates both the fingers and the brain while feeling the season—and offers a sense of achievement—can be considered an ideal recreation for older adults.

By all means, try making May-themed origami together with the older adults around you.

[For Seniors] Introducing origami themed for May! (71–80)

Two simple types of koinobori (carp streamers)

Koinobori wall decorations made of paper (2 types, with voice-over). How to make KOINOBORI paper wall decorations – 2 types.

Two simple types of koinobori (carp streamers)

Let’s try making a three-dimensional, paper-cut carp streamer with scales.

We’ll fold origami or construction paper and make slits as we go.

By changing where you cut with the scissors, you can create a variety of scale designs.

You can either stick the finished scales onto a sheet that becomes the body of the streamer, or stretch the scales themselves to form the body.

With a little ingenuity, you can make two types of carp streamers.

The materials are minimal, so it’s easy to make.

It’s also a project that older adults can enjoy, taking the finished piece home to decorate their own room.

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Ring-decorated carp streamers

[Ring Ornament Craft Idea] Carp streamers made with paper chains! (May wall decorations) (Activities for seniors, occupational therapy, day service, preschool, DIY, origami, creative, easy)

Ring-decorated carp streamers

Here’s an introduction to a project that cleverly uses lots of paper chain loops to represent the scales of a carp streamer.

It’s also a great idea for wall decorations.

Paper chains are often used for party and event decor, right? They’re usually made from strips of origami paper cut into narrow rectangles.

This time, let’s turn those chains into the scales of a koi nobori (carp streamer).

Make an extra-large loop to serve as the tail fin.

Attach the chain “scales” and the big tail fin to a carp face cut from construction paper.

That alone makes a splendid carp streamer, but try making a rotating arrow wheel (yaguruma) and streamers (fukinagashi) to go with it for even more atmosphere.

Seniors making the paper chains will likely enjoy lively conversation with those around them as they work.

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Bouquet of carnations

[Craft Idea] Carnation Bouquet (Mother’s Day in May) (Wall Decorations, Activities for the Elderly, Occupational Therapy OT, Day Service, Childcare) (Origami DIY, Original Creation)

Bouquet of carnations

The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day.

On Mother’s Day, we give carnations to express our everyday gratitude.

Many seniors have probably received or given carnations on Mother’s Day.

Here’s a craft idea that may bring back memories while you make it.

Crumple origami paper to create carnations.

Doing this expresses the frilly petals of a carnation.

For seniors, gripping the origami also provides a bit of hand exercise.

Make the stem and leaves from construction paper, and attach the carnation flower.

Making several carnations into a bouquet to give as a gift to the seniors’ families would be lovely, too.

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Gift Frame

Make it with origami! Easy Carp Streamer–Shaped Gift Frame Tutorial (for Children’s Day).

Gift Frame

Here’s an introduction to a carp-streamer gift frame that can hold photos or sweets.

Fold two sheets of origami using the same steps, layer them, and you’ll create a single frame.

The folding process doesn’t have many complicated parts, so it may be easy for older adults to try.

It also looks lovely if you place patterned origami inside the frame.

Shape the frame itself like a carp streamer and pop in a photo or some treats.

When adding sweets, we recommend using a clear bag.

On Children’s Day, some grandparents may have their grandchildren visit at home.

Putting sweets in the gift frame and giving it to your grandchild is sure to delight them.

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Koinobori made with paper cores

[Craft] Paper Tube Koinobori: Children's Day (Tango no Sekku)

Koinobori made with paper cores

Here’s a cute carp streamer craft using paper tubes.

When you finish a roll of toilet paper or kitchen paper, you’re left with the cardboard core.

These cores are often made of thick paper, and their cylindrical shape is perfect for crafting.

Cover the tube with origami paper in colors like red or blue, then cut the tail fin.

Use round stickers to make eyes and scales and attach them.

You can stick the finished piece on the wall, or take it a step further: punch a hole, insert a disposable chopstick, and it will stand propped up.

It makes a lovely decoration for seniors’ rooms as well.

The shape of the paper tube nicely captures the rounded form of a carp streamer.

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Message Card

[Children’s Day] How to make a message card with Kintaro and carp streamers

Message Card

Let’s try making a message card for Children’s Day.

We especially recommend this Children’s Day message card for seniors who have grandchildren.

Create items that evoke Children’s Day or Tango no Sekku using origami or construction paper and attach them to the card.

For example, you could make carp streamers (koinobori), iris flowers (shobu), or Kintaro.

Besides crafting with origami or construction paper, you can also write a message with a brush or draw a picture.

A handmade card filled with heartfelt care is sure to delight the recipient.

If you like, please use this as inspiration to create a wonderful message card.

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Koinobori made with Japanese-style origami

[Easy] 3D ✨ Carp Streamer Craft 🎏 [100-yen Origami] How to Make Carp-shaped Streamers

Koinobori made with Japanese-style origami

Here is a three-dimensional koi nobori (carp streamer) made from Japanese-style origami paper that you can easily find at 100-yen shops.

You first make the koi nobori’s body flat, then add slits and fold along them to turn it into a three-dimensional shape, which is the fun part.

For the koi nobori’s pole, roll copy paper around a toothpick or skewer.

Apply glue to the slit section of the body and attach the pole there.

The colorful washi patterns are very cute and will brighten the atmosphere when placed in an entryway or living room.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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