Perfect origami ideas for September! A special feature on motifs you’ll want to include in early childhood education
September brings Otsukimi (moon viewing) and Respect for the Aged Day, as the seasons gradually shift from summer to autumn.
Children make great strides during this time, too.
Some teachers may want to incorporate origami into their childcare activities but find it difficult to choose seasonal designs.
So this time, we’re introducing origami ideas perfect for September.
We’ve gathered ideas that match autumn motifs and events, so you can not only enjoy folding origami but also use the creations for crafts and gifts.
Try making them together with the children.
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Perfect Origami Ideas for September! A Special Feature on Motifs to Use in Early Childhood Education (41–50)
Cute 3D cosmos

Let’s make a three-dimensional cosmos—the quintessential autumn flower—using origami.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper and fold it in an accordion (zigzag) pattern.
Be careful to keep the fold widths even.
Use scissors to trim the tip to form the cosmos petals.
Take three petal pieces, fold along the lines, and assemble them to create a 3D cosmos.
Make four of these and glue them together to complete the flower.
It’s also fun to create an autumn scene by making a whole cosmos field—you’ll really feel the season’s atmosphere!
Perfect Origami Ideas for September! A Special Feature on Motifs to Use in Early Childhood Education (51–60)
A rabbit folded from two sheets of origami paper

Rabbits are often depicted together with moon viewing because the white patterns on the moon are said to resemble a rabbit pounding mochi.
Let’s make such a rabbit using two sheets of origami paper.
First, fold the first sheet into a triangle twice, then open the triangle and fold it into a square.
Next, fold down the top single layer in half.
Flip it over and repeat the same steps.
Fold both ears toward the center, then fold the tip of one ear outward to finish the face.
Now take the second sheet of origami, fold it into a triangle in half, and open it.
Fold all four edges inward along the crease to form a diamond shape.
Fold the bottom part up, then fold it slightly back down.
Fold the top part inward as well, then fold everything in half to complete the body.
Finally, glue the face and body together and draw the face to complete your rabbit!
Acorn in origami

Acorns are one of the familiar parts of autumn nature for children—they find them among fallen leaves, collect lots of them, and use them for pretend play.
Let’s try expressing the autumn mood by making acorns with origami.
First, fold the origami paper in half into a square, then open it and fold the bottom edge up toward the crease.
Flip it over, fold it in half, and open it, then fold both sides in toward the crease.
Finally, fold in the four corners to resemble an acorn shape, and you’re done.
Make lots and decorate your room with them!
three-dimensional bagworm

Here’s an autumn-themed bagworm craft that captures the feeling of the season.
Prepare three sheets of origami paper and let’s get started.
For the bagworm’s face, fold one sheet into a triangle to make a crease.
Open it, then fold the corners toward the center line.
Fold again along the creases and flip it over.
Match the corners to shape the bagworm’s face.
For the “mino” (the bag/casing), the key is opening the mouth of the pouch.
If it’s difficult, have an adult help.
Make two of these in the same way, then glue them together to complete the bag/casing.
Finally, glue the casing and the body together to finish.
Draw a face to create your own cute, original bagworm.
Perfect for decorations! How to fold a dragonfly

When it comes to symbols of autumn in Japan, dragonflies come to mind, don’t they? This time, let’s introduce a dragonfly made of origami that’s perfect for autumn crafts.
Prepare two sheets of origami paper, some eyes, and a felt-tip pen, and let’s get started.
For the dragonfly’s body, make creases vertically and horizontally, then fold toward the center line to form a square shape.
When puffing up and shaping parts of the origami, the key is to use your fingertips as you fold.
Next, prepare the remaining sheet of origami to make the wings.
For the sections where you open the paper outward while folding it down, take your time and fold carefully.
Glue the body and wings together, then adjust the body’s shape at the end.
Attach the eyes, and it’s complete.
A little mushroom with arms and legs

In season for autumn! Here’s a fun idea for a little mushroom character with arms and legs.
When you hear “mushroom,” what comes to mind? Nameko, shiitake, king trumpet (eringi), shimeji—there are so many varieties.
Mushrooms, which often appear at home on the dinner table and in school lunches, are ingredients that are in season in autumn! This time, let’s make a mushroom character with arms and legs using origami.
You’ll need one sheet of origami paper in your favorite color, a quarter-sized piece of origami paper, and a pen.
The key step is creating the mushroom’s rounded shape! Give it a try.
Easy Ghost Origami Instructions

Here’s an origami ghost that’s perfect for autumn Halloween.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper and fold it into a triangle.
Then fold the left and right corners in toward the center line.
Tuck the loose, fluttery corner downwards.
Fold the whole piece toward the center line, then fold the tip downward to shape it into a ghost.
If you fold the bottom part of the ghost at an angle, it adds movement and makes a cute ghost.
Once it’s finished, draw a face and stick it on a Halloween bag or wand to enjoy!


