Lovely handmade crafts

Handmade ideas for Tanabata decorations: from classic ornaments to creative variations

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
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!

On July 7, we hang tanzaku strips and Tanabata decorations on bamboo, right?

Streamers, net ornaments, and paper lanterns are the classics, aren’t they?

There are many other kinds of decorations too, and each one has its own meaning.

In this article, we’ll share some ideas for Tanabata decorations.

Along with the classics, there are arranged twists on the standards and cute decorations inspired by foods, so feel free to use these as references and try making them.

Most of these ideas can be made with origami, so it’s also a great activity to do with your children!

Handmade ideas for Tanabata decorations: from classic ornaments to creative variations (11–20)

Bamboo leaves made with origami

[Tanabata Origami] Easy Bamboo Leaf Folding with Audio Guide ☆ Origami Bamboo Leaves Tutorial – July Summer Decoration

Bamboo leaves made with origami

Here’s how to make bamboo leaves out of origami.

For Tanabata, you often decorate with bamboo, and if you look closely at the leaves, you’ll notice they’re bundled in groups of about three.

Let’s fold the origami so that three leaves are joined together.

Attach the finished bamboo leaves to a bamboo stem made from origami or construction paper.

You can also link the leaves together and secure them with cellophane tape or masking tape.

Then you’ll have a lovely wreath.

Try attaching them to paper chains or adding them to Tanabata hanging decorations.

With a bit of creativity, you can expand the range of your projects.

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paper garment

[Tanabata] Let's Make Decorations #1: Paper Kimono (Kamigoromo) Tanabata

paper garment

In Kyoto, there was a tradition in which children made paper garments to pray for improvement in their sewing and displayed them during the Tanabata season.

These paper garments were called “Tanabata-san,” and there was even a saying that if you kept one in your dresser, your kimono collection would grow.

This time, let’s make such a paper garment using origami paper and washi tape.

Fold the left and right sides of a square sheet of origami inward to make a rectangle, then open the top corners outward to form a V-shaped collar.

Once the kimono portion is complete, stick on washi tape as an obi belt, trim the hem to balance the shape, and you’re done.

Finish it so it can be hung by threading a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) or similar through it.

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net ornament

How to Make a Tanabata Decoration: Casting Net (Toami) [Papercraft] Origami | Step-by-Step Folding with a Slow, Clear Voice Guide | Hanging Ornament ~ paper craft wall hanging

net ornament

On Tanabata, we attach decorations made from tanzaku strips and origami to bamboo branches.

Each decoration has its own meaning and carries a wish.

The net decoration represents the nets used by fishermen.

It is said to embody wishes for bountiful catches, good harvests, and not lacking food.

Take two sheets of flower paper or tissue paper in different colors, stack them, and fold them together.

Make cuts in the folded piece, open it up, thread a string through the center, and it’s done.

Using soft flower paper or tissue paper helps to express the look of a net.

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Tanabata decoration streamers garland

[Elderly Recreation] Easy Tanabata Streamer Garland Decoration

Tanabata decoration streamers garland

This is a recommended streamer garland for Tanabata decorations on July 7th.

Let’s connect multiple streamers—one of the traditional Tanabata ornaments—and arrange them as a room decoration! Make the streamers by cutting slits into tissue paper.

For the stars, fold washi-pattern origami paper, cut out star shapes, and crease them to create a three-dimensional finish.

Combine these two parts to make several streamers.

You can also vary the chiyogami patterns and streamer colors for a colorful look! It will work not only as room decor but also as decorations for Tanabata events.

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star ornament

Origami [Star Decorations] How to Make: Stylish 3D design♪ Perfect for Tanabata or Christmas ◇ Origami Christmas decorations “stars” kirigami easy tutorial

Introducing star ornaments perfect for Christmas decorations and Tanabata displays! They may look complicated at first glance, but the steps are surprisingly simple.

Fold a sheet of origami paper into a triangle three times, then cut along the template lines.

When you open it up, lift the second layer, curl it toward the center, and glue it down to create a 3D effect.

Make one more identical piece and glue the backs together to finish.

Using double-sided origami paper or colored copy paper will make it look even prettier, so give it a try!

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sensu binding

Tanabata Decorations with Origami! How to Make Simple, Fancy Chains [2 Picks]

sensu binding

Even when made with colorful origami, a fan garland looks lovely.

When included among Tanabata decorations, it creates a grand and luxurious atmosphere.

It might seem difficult to make, but the process is actually simple.

Fold a sheet of origami paper into an accordion, then fold it in half and glue the inner sides together.

You’ll get a fan-shaped piece.

Make several more in different colors using the same steps.

Finally, glue the fan shapes together so their orientations alternate up and down, and you’re done.

By varying how you join the fan-shaped pieces, you can create a single straight garland or a circular design.

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Handmade ideas for Tanabata decorations: from classic ornaments to creative variations (21–30)

double heart binding

[Origami] Tanabata Decorations ♡ Double Heart Chain ♡

double heart binding

There’s a legend that on the night of Tanabata, Hikoboshi and Orihime can meet only once a year.

Many of you have probably heard it at least once.

Gazing at the stars on Tanabata, you can almost feel the romantic atmosphere of Hikoboshi and Orihime.

Let’s add heart-shaped decorations to the bamboo leaves as well.

The key is to use two strips of origami paper of different colors and lengths.

By varying the lengths of the strips, you’ll create a garland where a small heart sits inside a larger heart.

Changing the colors makes it even cuter.

You’ll connect several hearts in a chain—try arranging them by changing the colors or patterns of the origami.

It’s a perfect craft for Tanabata decorations.

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