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