[Children’s Day] Let’s make a handmade samurai helmet! A collection of fun, easy crafting ideas
As Children’s Day approaches, you naturally want to prepare a cool helmet to celebrate your child’s growth.Store-bought ones are lovely, but handmade pieces have a special warmth.From items made with familiar materials like origami and felt to projects that follow more authentic crafting methods, there are actually many ways to make a kabuto by hand!Some are meant for display, while others can actually be worn—there’s a wide range of finishes.In this article, we’ll introduce handmade kabuto ideas that make use of various materials and techniques.There are also projects you can try together with your child, so be sure to use them as inspiration!
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[Children’s Day] Let’s make a handmade samurai helmet! A collection of fun ideas (31–40)
Mizuhiki Kabuto (paper cord samurai helmet)
If you’re looking for a stylish decoration for Children’s Day, we recommend a mizuhiki kabuto (samurai helmet) that showcases the elegance of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
It will look great as an entryway or room accent, and will also complement a set of May dolls beautifully.
You can display a piece made by an artisan, or try making one yourself using mizuhiki materials available at craft stores.
Choosing or crafting a piece while thinking of your child’s growth will make Children’s Day an even more memorable occasion.
Paper band kabuto (samurai helmet)
Let’s make a tasteful samurai helmet (kabuto) using paper bands.
Paper bands are strips made of paper.
By weaving these strips together, you can create a kabuto.
You can use strips of the same color, but switching colors partway through adds a stylish touch.
You can make a three-dimensional, hat-shaped kabuto, or create a flat version to hang on a wall—both are great options.
The weaving process can be a bit challenging, but involve your child here and there as you work, and craft it while wishing for your child’s happiness and growth.
Kabuto-themed money envelope
How about making a samurai-helmet-style pochibukuro (small gift envelope) to hold a Children’s Day allowance or a message of support? You can easily make one with a single sheet of origami! Choosing a traditional Japanese-patterned paper enhances the helmet vibe, so it’s recommended.
As you fold the helmet shape, you’ll also create the envelope portion.
The opening where you insert the contents is designed to tuck into the helmet’s tip, making it simple to put things inside.
It’s cute just to display, too—so give it a try!
Tsumami-zaiku kabuto (a samurai helmet made with the tsumami-zaiku pinching technique)
This is a kabuto (samurai helmet) made with tsumami-zaiku, created by pinching and gluing fabric.
Make patterns for each part of the helmet and cover them with black fabric.
Then attach chirimen crepe fabric in a slightly smaller size on top, and frame the edges with gold decorations.
Pinch gold chirimen fabric to make the kuwagata (front crest) parts, and attach them to the base of the helmet to complete a beautifully traditional-looking kabuto.
It may seem difficult, but it only involves two steps—cutting and gluing—so even those who aren’t confident in sewing should find it approachable.
Give it a try to delight your child!
cookie helmet
How about edible cookie samurai helmets? After enjoying them with your eyes, let’s wish for your child’s healthy growth with cookies that also fill the tummy! Once you make the cookie dough, just cut it out with a kabuto-shaped cookie cutter and bake.
If you’re using cutters that separate the kabuto into parts, it’s fun to ice each piece in different colors and make iced cookies! You can also draw the kabuto parts onto a kabuto-shaped cookie and color them in with icing—both work! Celebrate Children’s Day energetically with cookies everyone can enjoy making and eating together!
[Children’s Day] Let’s make a handmade samurai helmet! A collection of fun crafting ideas (41–50)
sponge helmet
You might be wondering what a kabuto (samurai helmet) made from sponge is like.
The sponge used isn’t the kind for cleaning, but a thin, sheet-like sponge.
Cut the sponge into parts and glue them together.
For some parts, you can apply a polyethylene sheet in your preferred color before gluing to add color.
If you assemble the parts first, you can apply the colored sheet afterward.
Combine all the finished parts, add decorative cords, and you’re done! Since you’ll need an adhesive that contains organic solvents to bond the sponge, be sure to wear a respirator and work in a well-ventilated area.
denim kabuto (samurai helmet made of denim)
A kabuto (samurai helmet) crafted from denim fabric that combines a stylish look with durability.
The process is simple—unfolding something folded like origami—but since fabric is thicker than paper, use an iron to press crisp creases.
It’s also important to fold symmetrically left and right; paying close attention here will lead to a more beautiful finish.
Finally, secure the edges with glue, add decorations, and it’s done.
It’s also fun to try fabrics in various colors to see how the overall impression changes.
