[For Seniors] Introducing May-themed Origami!
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.
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[For Seniors] Introducing May-Themed Origami! (21–30)
Papercut Hydrangea
Let’s try making a hydrangea artwork using the kirie (paper-cutting) technique, in which you cut out shapes from a single sheet of paper.
We’ll fold origami, cut it out, and create hydrangeas.
You’ll skillfully use your hands, moving the scissors while holding the origami, which also helps stimulate the brain.
Kirie is also said to boost concentration and imagination as you focus on creating.
You’ll likely feel a sense of accomplishment from making a beautiful hydrangea piece yourself.
One of kirie’s charms is that the design changes depending on how you cut and fold.
Besides hydrangeas, enjoy making a variety of designs and have a wonderful time.
Hydrangea kusudama
Hydrangeas, with their round, gentle shapes and calm colors, bring a sense of comfort and healing to the heart.
They have a soft, friendly impression that makes them well-liked by older adults, too.
This time, I’ll introduce a hydrangea kusudama.
Its volume gives it a strong presence.
Display it in your room to fully enjoy the rainy season.
All you need is origami paper, so it’s an easy craft to try.
There are many small steps, but since you repeat the same actions often, it becomes simple once you get used to it.
It will surely make a delightful gift for someone special!
Hydrangea decoration
Here’s how to make a hydrangea decoration with origami.
First, prepare origami paper in the color you want for your hydrangeas.
Cut it into small squares, then fold it vertically, horizontally, and diagonally to make crease lines.
Fold it small, make a few cuts, and when you open it up, it will form the shape of a flower.
Attach eight flowers to a round piece of origami paper, and your hydrangea is complete.
Use green origami paper to make leaves, and create a frame in any color you like to decorate it.
It’s fun to think about where to place each flower, isn’t it? Adding little raindrops as accents really brings out the rainy season mood.
Give it a try!
Hydrangea Snail
Here’s a cute and playful hydrangea snail made with origami.
Both the hydrangea and the snail are easy to fold, and you can mix and match them however you like.
First, make the snail out of origami paper.
Cut out the eye parts to give it a sweet expression.
For the hydrangea, fold a small square of origami and round off the top and bottom edges with scissors.
When you open it up, you’ll have an adorable flower.
Attach the hydrangea flower to the snail’s back, and it’s done.
You can change the snail’s expression with the eyes and create your own unique hydrangea snail by varying how you place the flowers.
Since there are no difficult steps, it’s also recommended for activities in senior care facilities.
Gift box with hydrangeas
Let us introduce a gift box adorned with hydrangeas—visually striking and exciting to open.
You’ll fold the box by marking guide lines on origami paper as you go.
There are some fine steps, but by imagining the finished form while you work, you’ll engage your planning skills—your executive function—which can help stimulate the brain.
After making a hydrangea using origami in the same color as the box and gluing it on, the project is complete.
Adding decorations like pearls will make it look even more elegant.
Put a small gift inside and present it—your recipient is sure to be delighted.
Hydrangea decoration
When we think of the rainy season, hydrangeas come to mind, don’t they? Many people find their hearts soothed just by gazing at their colorful blooms.
This time, we’ll introduce a hydrangea decoration that brightens up the rainy season.
First, prepare your favorite origami paper and fold it in half.
Draw a circle with a pencil, then tear along the line by hand to cut it out.
Paste two sheets of origami onto construction paper, then layer the torn pieces of origami on top.
There are no difficult steps, so it’s a craft that seniors can enjoy with ease—highly recommended.
Finally, sprinkle on beads or stickers, and in no time you’ll have a lovely hydrangea decoration finished.
Colorful hydrangea flower wreath
Let me introduce a hydrangea flower wreath made from origami.
All you need is glue, so it’s easy to prepare.
Once you’ve picked your favorite origami paper, attach a marker piece and keep folding while flipping the paper front and back.
It involves fine work with your fingertips, but that helps stimulate your brain.
Attach the finished flowers to each other and shape them into a wreath.
Be careful not to let them shift until the glue dries.
You can enjoy making them in sizes from small to large, and layering them makes the result even more beautiful.
Give it a try!