Lovely handmade crafts

Let's make our own shimenawa! A collection of stylish ideas you can create with paper and artificial flowers

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I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Shimenawa to decorate your front entrance for the New Year.

Ready-made ones are lovely, but wouldn’t you like to try making one yourself? In this article, we introduce a variety of DIY shimenawa ideas using artificial flowers, different kinds of paper, yarn, craft tape, and more.

There are plenty of ideas that suit not only Japanese-style homes but also Western-style interiors.

We’ve gathered a wide range of variations, so please use them as inspiration.

Why not prepare for the New Year by making your own original shimenawa with simple materials and have fun in the process?

Let's make a shimenawa by hand! A stylish collection of ideas you can create with paper and artificial flowers (31–40)

Fluffy shimenawa wreath made from yarn

Shimenawa are commonly made from dried stalks of rice or wheat known as rice straw, but this shimenawa is crafted from an unusual material: yarn.

You can buy yarn not only at craft stores but also at 100-yen shops.

Twist several strands of yarn together to form the base.

You can use a single color or combine multiple colors—the ways to arrange it are endless.

Add your favorite decorations, such as artificial flowers or tassels, and your lovely shimenawa is complete! How about welcoming the New Year this year with a one-of-a-kind shimenawa?

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Pastel-colored shimenawa decoration

Traditional New Year’s shimenawa decorations are lovely, but if you want to make one in soft, neutral tones that blends with your interior—this is a must-see! What’s more, you’ll be amazed that this decoration can be made for just 500 yen.

Prepare your favorite artificial flowers and ornaments, cut only the parts you need, and start decorating.

It’s easier to keep things balanced if you place the larger items first along a diagonal.

Secure everything firmly with a hot glue gun, and you’re done.

The best part of crafting by hand is enjoying your own personal touch.

Welcome the New Year with your favorite shimenawa and make it a wonderful one!

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Mini shimenawa made with paper cord and pom-poms

@n.annlee321
If it's a yarn darning needle, the tip is rounded, so it's safe even for children ☺️#tiktok classroom Life with children New Year
♬ Nerd Strut (Instrumental) – Gen Hoshino

Recommended for those who can’t display a large New Year’s decoration but still want to enjoy the New Year mood! This one is not only easy to make, but its mini size means you can put it anywhere.

Take six pieces of paper cord (also sold at 100-yen shops) and cut each to 30 cm.

Group them into two sets of three, twist each set, then twist the two sets together into one.

Form it into a loop and shape it—this creates the base of your shimenawa.

Next, make 5–6 pom-poms into flowers and attach them to the base to finish.

Feel free to make and attach as many pom-pom flowers as you like.

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Shimenawa made with kitchen paper and origami

[New Year/Winter Craft] Easy Shimenawa (sacred rope) made with paper towels and origami: How to make it

Shimenawa made with kitchen paper and origami

This is a simple shimenawa craft using kitchen paper and origami—easy to make with familiar materials.

First, crumple four sheets of kitchen paper into balls and then open them up to soften the paper.

Glue two sheets together at the ends to make a long strip, and do the same with the other two.

Twist each long strip tightly to make two thin ropes.

Tie them together at the middle with string, then twist the two ropes together.

Once it’s twisted firmly like a rope, form it into a circle to create the base ring of the shimenawa.

Finally, add decorations made from red and gold origami to instantly give it a festive New Year feel.

It’s perfect for displaying at home, or in childcare and eldercare settings—give it a try!

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Swag-style shimenawa decoration

Easy Swag-Style Shimenawa Decoration / How-To / Make a Store-Bought Shimenawa Look Luxurious #shorts #shimenawa #handmade

Swag-style shimenawa decoration

This is a swag-style shimenawa that’s easy to make and looks impressive, using a store-bought shimenawa and readily available branches.

First, take two pine stems for kadomatsu and separate them into a long central piece and shorter surrounding pieces, using the long one as the base.

Layer hiba cedar (Himuro sugi) on top and arrange it so it integrates as one piece.

Cut sawara cypress (Kojaku hiba) into short lengths and layer it over the Himuro sugi to add depth and volume.

Bind the stems firmly at the base with jute twine to shape it, then attach the shimenawa to the knot with a hot glue gun.

Now you have a natural yet festive swag-style shimenawa.

You can express your own style by adjusting how the branches overlap and their lengths, making it simple yet original.

Display it indoors or at your entrance to instantly elevate the New Year atmosphere with this handmade decoration.

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Let's make a shimenawa by hand! A stylish collection of ideas you can create with paper and artificial flowers (41–50)

A shimenawa wreath with cute translucency made using Decolap

[Easy 🎍 Craft] Cute translucent shimenawa decoration 🌈 #easy #cute #craft @maa_chiiku_asobi

A shimenawa wreath with cute translucency made using Decolap

This is a shimenawa wreath made with sheer materials that give it a light, cute feel.

The method is very simple: first layer bubble wrap over decorative wrap, then roll it up tightly from one end to form a single rope.

Make two of these, then repeatedly twist to the right while bringing the strand to the left to braid it into the shape of a shimenawa.

Once the shape is formed, secure it firmly with cable ties and trim any excess to complete the base.

Finally, add your preferred decorations to enhance the look and create an original shimenawa.

The key point is how the transparency of the bubble wrap overlaps with the color of the decorative wrap, letting light pass through and sparkle.

It’s an easy project that still looks great, so it’s highly recommended.

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Simple lemongrass shimenawa

[This Year, I’m Finally Trying Handmade] Lemongrass Shimenawa / Simple Ver.

Simple lemongrass shimenawa

Lemongrass is known for its pleasant, lemon-like fragrance.

A shimenawa made with lemongrass makes a perfect New Year’s decoration for Western-style homes, too! Because lemongrass can easily cause cuts, it’s recommended to wear work gloves while crafting.

Take two bundles of lemongrass and braid them a bit tightly, then gradually shape them into a rounded form like a traditional shimenawa.

Secure the point where the ends of the loop cross with wire, and trim the remaining leaves to even the length.

Add dried flowers or other decorations around the wired section as you like, and it’s complete!

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