Handmade ideas for Koinobori: easy projects using everyday materials
On Children’s Day, you can’t help but want to put up carp streamers, right?Ready-made ones are lovely, but handmade koi nobori full of originality have a special, one-of-a-kind feel.If you use familiar materials like origami or recyclables, the process of making them quickly turns into a fun event in itself!In this article, we’ll share plenty of ideas for handmade carp streamers.You’ll find lots of creations that shine with unique ingenuity.There are many projects you can tackle together with your child, so be sure to use this as a reference!
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Handmade ideas for carp streamers: Easy projects using everyday materials (21–30)
Photo props koi-nobori (carp streamers)NEW!
These carp streamer photo props are perfect for taking pictures at birthday parties and other celebrations.
It’s a clever idea that turns the pole usually used outdoors for carp streamers into a handheld stick.
Let’s fold the carp streamer and a pinwheel with origami.
The folding isn’t complicated, so it should be easy for kids to try.
For the eyes of the carp streamer, using eye stickers gives it a unique texture and is highly recommended.
When everyone gathers in May, having handmade photo props will likely spark even more lively conversations.
Flower KoinoboriNEW!
Isn’t the time when carp streamers are raised also a warm season, when we have more chances to see flowers and leaves? This flower-themed carp streamer is perfect for this season, when you can sense the arrival of May through nature.
Fill the gaps in a wooden carp streamer ornament with stretch-type clay.
Then insert flowers into the clay.
Real flowers are beautiful, but using artificial ones lets you enjoy a fresh look for as long as you like.
Carp streamers sold at 100-yen shops are perfectly fine, so preparation should be easy.
Many children love playing with clay, so they’re likely to stay focused on the craft.
Wobbly carp streamer made from paper platesNEW!
This swaying paper-plate carp streamer ornament is perfect for a Children’s Day craft.
It’s very easy to make, so even small children can enjoy giving it a try.
Fold a paper plate in half and cut straight across the end that will be the head.
For the tail fin, first cut straight across, then trim it into a triangle—this makes it simple.
If your child is cutting with scissors, it’s helpful to draw guide lines with a pencil.
Decorate the cut edges with washi tape, and make the scales and eyes with round stickers.
Using sparkly stickers makes it look more festive and even cuter.
Have fun making it together with your child!
Made with paper cores
Let’s make a carp streamer (koinobori) using a paper tube.
Cut colored paper to the width of the tube and attach it around the tube with double-sided tape.
Gently flatten it from the top and make slits where the tail fin will be.
Stick on a round sticker for the eye.
Make several more “scales” by layering round stickers of different sizes, then cutting them in half.
Attach the scales, punch holes at the top and bottom of the head side, thread a chopstick to serve as the pole, and pin on a pinwheel to finish.
If you leave a little play in the pin, the pinwheel will spin properly!
Made with origami
Let’s make cute mini-sized koi-nobori (carp streamers) out of origami! For paper, we recommend traditional Japanese patterns that match the koi-nobori vibe.
Fold the paper into the shape of a carp streamer, then attach it to a thin, rolled paper stick—and you’re done! You can make the koi-nobori as a rounded, tube-shaped 3D form or keep it flat.
For the eyes, you can cut them from black origami or simply draw them on with a pen.
Feel free to customize by combining 3–4 koi-nobori to match the stick’s length, adding a windsock streamer, and arranging them however you like.
paper cup koinobori
Here’s an idea for making a carp streamer (koinobori) using paper cups.
Paper cups are a common craft material, right? You can get them at 100-yen shops; they’re easy to use and work for all kinds of projects.
If you turn a paper cup on its side… doesn’t it look like the shape of a koinobori? Draw or paste on scales, a tail fin, and eyes with colored paper, then stick it onto a bamboo skewer.
Use different cup sizes to make the black carp (magoi) and the red carp (higoi).
Attach an origami pinwheel to the tip of the skewer, and try using a paper cup as the base as well.
Koinobori made from a paper roll
Would you like to make a cute koi-shaped streamer that gently sways, using a toilet paper roll, to decorate your wall? Press down on the top of the paper roll to create a crease, then start applying origami paper.
Cut it slightly larger than the front surface, and fold any excess over to the back.
Next, attach the koi’s eyes and scales made by cutting colored paper.
In the same way, make the black carp, the child carp streamers, and the windsock, changing their sizes and colors.
Finally, tie everything together with twine, and you’re done.
Koinobori Tapestry
Recommended for those who love a natural vibe! Here are some ideas for a koi-nobori tapestry.
A tapestry is a decorative wall hanging primarily made of fabric.
It features woven paintings, patterns, or landscapes and is used as interior decor.
Another great point is that you can display it repeatedly for events! In recent years, more DIY materials have become available at 100-yen shops, so feel free to choose supplies that match your preferred style.
Made with felt and chirimen (crepe fabric)
How about making a warm, charming carp streamer using felt and chirimen crepe fabric? Roll a piece of felt into a tube, decorate it with patterned chirimen, and add felt eyes to complete the carp shape.
Attach the finished carp streamer to a bamboo skewer using wire, and you’re done! When assembling the parts, fabric-to-fabric pieces work well with fabric glue or a hot glue gun, and for combining different materials, a hot glue gun is recommended.
Handprint carp streamer
Family handprints transform into carp streamers! Here are some ideas for handprint koinobori.
Crafts that use handprints are wonderful because they preserve your child’s growth and memories in a tangible way.
Since each person’s handprint has a unique shape, your finished piece will convey both warmth and a sense of connection.
If not only the children but also their parents make handprints together, you’ll create a wonderful family-made artwork! For the ink when taking handprints, feel free to use your preferred materials, such as stamp pads or paints.