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 (21–30)
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.
Kusudama of a 24-faced polyhedron
Let me introduce a 24-faced kusudama that you can make from a single sheet of origami paper.
Once you have one sheet ready, fold it carefully to create firm creases vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.
If the creases are weak, the model may shift out of alignment as you shape it, so be careful.
At the end, blow into the hole to inflate it like a balloon.
When inflating it into a 24-faced shape, I also recommend inserting a toothpick inside and gently adjusting the form as you go.
Give this jewel-like 24-faced kusudama a try!
wastebasket
Let’s make a wastebasket out of origami that looks like a net you can see through, clearly conveying softness and transparency.
The process is simple: fold the origami paper into a triangle, cut slits, then unfold it to create a net-like appearance.
The impression changes depending on how you shape it as you open it up and which colors you choose.
Since the inside and the far side are visible, it might also be nice to incorporate other decorations that evoke Tanabata.
Transparent star tanzaku
I’ll show you how to make transparent star-shaped tanzaku that feel cool and summery.
Prepare a mechanical pencil, a ruler, a stapler, scissors, a hole punch, transparent origami paper, and twine.
Take one sheet of transparent origami paper, fold it in half into a square, then create a crease from the corner to about halfway across, and unfold it.
Since the paper is slippery, it’s best to press each crease firmly as you fold.
When cutting out the star shape, staple the folded section so it doesn’t shift, draw the cutting lines with a ruler, and cut along them.
Punch holes at the top and bottom of the star, thread the twine through, and connect the star to the tanzaku strip to finish.
diamond-shaped ornament
Here’s an idea for making a diamond-shaped ornament using 7.5 cm origami paper.
After folding the paper into a triangle, make three cuts from the outside at 7 mm intervals.
Follow the shape of the triangular “roof” when cutting, but don’t cut all the way through—leave a small margin at the edge.
Also, alternate the cuts from left and right.
This way, when you unfold it, everything will stay connected as a single decoration.
Once you’ve made the cuts, open the origami, mountain-fold the edges you left, and fold the inner sections downward, layer by layer.
Finish by adding a star ornament at the end.
