[For Seniors] Introducing May-themed Origami!

Origami Calendar

How to Fold an Origami Calendar [May / Clover Edition]

May is a warm and refreshing season, isn’t it? In parks and fields, you can often find plenty of clovers and white clover in bloom.

Here’s a calendar that evokes those May landscapes.

Let’s make a clover-shaped calendar using a commercially available craft kit.

By folding the printed calendar sheet, you can create a calendar in the shape of a clover.

The folding steps are mostly simple, so it should be easy for older adults to enjoy as well.

Sit in a chair and try making it while chatting with the people around you.

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Nakajima Junko

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Standing Kintarō

Origami 3D Kintaro

Kintaro, the folk tale character, has a strong image of power, which makes him perfect for the Children’s Day theme of wishing for growth.

This piece is about recreating Kintaro with origami, paying attention to creases and the shapes of each part to build a three-dimensional figure.

Use skin-toned origami paper for the base, and be mindful of the angles of the folds so it can stand on its own.

Then add decoration: use red origami for the body parts based on a triangle, and black origami for the face part shaped like a square pouch.

Since the body and face are made separately, it’s important to keep an eye on the size balance as you work.

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kappamaki

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Colorful windmill

Have fun crafting with an origami pinwheel! A simple and colorful way to make one (How to DIY a Simple and Colorful Origami Pinwheel: A Fun Paper Craft)

Let me introduce a spinning pinwheel that’s perfect for the refreshing winds of May.

We’ll make the pinwheel’s blades using two sheets of origami paper.

It’s recommended that one sheet have a pattern or design.

Glue the two sheets together at the center, draw lines between opposite corners, and make small cuts along those lines.

Place a square piece of origami at the center, then glue down the cut corner sections to form the blades.

Wrap a bamboo skewer with washi-pattern origami to make the stick, and attach the pinwheel.

Some older adults may remember making pinwheels when they were children.

Talking about memories of playing with pinwheels as kids might spark a lively conversation.

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Mini carnation arrangement

[Mother’s Day] Mini Paper Carnation Arrangement with Message Card ♪ / DIY Mother’s Day Gift Idea: Paper Carnation Arrangement

Here’s a mini carnation arrangement you can make with construction paper.

First, cut small squares from the paper and fold each one into a triangle three times.

Trim the edges to neaten it, then unfold to reveal a flower shape.

Use a bamboo skewer or toothpick to gently curl the petals for a more natural look.

Thread craft wire through the center and secure it with a pearl bead.

Gather the petals toward the center and glue them in place.

Layer a few flowers to add more dimension.

Decorate with a ribbon, and place the stem into a paper-cup vase for a perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Why not make one to show your appreciation?

Koinobori wall decoration made with craft bands

How to make an easy carp streamer decoration using origami and craft bands – crafting – handmade

How about making a wall decoration packed with the charm of May using origami and craft bands? First, prepare a craft band and attach double-sided tape to the end.

Shape it into a ring, then wrap thread around it as if drawing a line through the center.

Also wrap thread so that it hangs down on the left and right.

Using your favorite origami paper, make carp streamers (koinobori), streamers, pinwheels, samurai helmets (kabuto), and a banner flag, then use double-sided tape to attach them to the threads.

Secure them from the back with glue so they don’t fall off.

Add embellishments with pearl stickers, adjust the ring shape, and you’re done.

Although there are some fine tasks, using your fingertips can help prevent cognitive decline, so this is also recommended as occupational therapy or recreation in senior care facilities.

a bouquet of tulips

Standing Bouquet! How to Make Cute Tulips with Origami – Standing Bouquets: Crafting Adorable Mini Tulips from Paper! / Tutorial

In spring, you sometimes see tulips blooming in park flowerbeds or along the roadside.

Older adults who go out for a walk may feel the arrival of spring when they see the blooming tulips.

So for a May craft, let’s make tulips, the flowers that herald spring.

We’ll fold them with origami so they have a three-dimensional finish.

Using patterned or transparent origami paper gives them an even lovelier look.

Attach wire for the stem and add leaves to complete the flower.

Bundle several tulips together to make a bouquet.

Having a beautiful bouquet of tulips you made yourself can give you a real sense of accomplishment.

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Nakajima Junko

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3D tulip wreath

[Craft Idea] Let's make a cute 3D spring tulip wreath with origami! Spring Origami Tulip Wreath (April wall decoration, senior recreation, day service, occupational therapy, childcare, origami craft, easy 3D, DIY)

Let’s make a three-dimensional tulip with origami.

There are many ways to make origami tulips, right? We’ll cut out tulip shapes, then assemble them by gluing the pieces together.

Use thick paper or construction paper to create a wreath.

Attach tulips with leaves and stems to the wreath.

If you let seniors place the tulips where they like, they’ll enjoy the crafting process even more.

They’re sure to be happy with the cute tulip creation.

They can also take it home and display it.

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