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)

Orihime and Hikoboshi

[Easy ✨ Tanabata Decorations] How to Make Orihime and Hikoboshi 🎋 [Dollar-Store Origami] Quick and Easy! Hanging Ornaments & Wall Decorations DIY Origami.

Orihime and Hikoboshi

Regardless of age, many people probably picture Orihime and Hikoboshi when they think of Tanabata.

Room decorations of Orihime and Hikoboshi made from origami are perfect for the festival.

By choosing your favorite designs for each kimono—using chiyogami or gradient origami paper—you’re sure to create one-of-a-kind decorations.

However, to make them neatly, you’ll need to use a compass and scissors, so if small children are doing the craft, adults should assist.

It’s a Tanabata-themed craft that’s fun even just to plan the designs.

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Hoshino Takashi

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hydrangea

So easy yet so cute! How to make realistic 3D hydrangeas from origami — wall decoration DIY | How to Make Realistic Paper Hydrangeas / Tutorial

hydrangea

As Tanabata approaches, let’s make hydrangeas as one of the festival decorations.

Prepare eight 5 cm × 5 cm sheets of origami for the hydrangea and a sheet of green origami for the leaves.

The hydrangea follows the same steps as the classic origami “trick boat” up to a point.

Once you have two boats facing up and down, squash each of their corners into squares.

Then, using tweezers or similar, tuck the left and right corners of each petal to the back to create a rounded look.

Make the other seven in the same way, overlap their corners to form a circle, and glue the last one in the center to finish.

Cut the green origami into leaf shapes, add veins by creasing, and then attach them to the hydrangea.

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wastebasket

[Tanabata] Let's Make Decorations #4: Wastebasket (Kuzukago) Tanabata

wastebasket

The Tanabata decoration called the “wastebasket” carries the wish to foster thrift, cleanliness, and a respect for not wasting things.

It’s made by putting scraps of paper produced during decoration-making into a basket crafted from origami.

First, take a 15 cm square sheet of origami paper and fold it into a triangle three times.

Then fold the edge with connected creases over to meet the opposite edge.

Cut off the small triangle at the top with scissors, and make slits on the left and right.

Carefully open the origami and shape it so it looks like a bag.

Finally, put the paper scraps inside and twist a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) around the opening to close it, and you’re done.

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watermelon decoration

[Tanabata Decorations] Easy Origami!! Watermelon Ornament [Preschool Craft] [July]

watermelon decoration

Let’s make a watermelon Tanabata decoration to wish for a good harvest.

Cut a red sheet of origami paper in half, then attach thin strips of green origami along the edge to represent the rind.

Draw seeds with a black pen, accordion-fold the piece, and tape one side to shape it like a watermelon.

Punch a hole through the taped area, thread a string, and it’s done.

Try using different colors of origami, such as red or yellow.

Children old enough to use scissors should be able to make this with a little support.

Feel free to use it in childcare settings or for parent–child craft time.

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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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