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 (21–30)

Heart ornament

[Origami] Heart Tanabata Decoration – 1 sheet of origami paper, easy and cute

Heart ornament

On a sheet of origami paper, make creases to divide it into eight equal vertical sections, then cut along the creases with scissors.

Take four of the eight strip-shaped pieces and fold them in half with the white side facing outward.

Take one folded piece and staple it slightly above the crease, then curl both ends outward and bring them back to the crease to form a heart.

Keeping it in that position, layer one long strip on each side, then place another folded strip from below and staple them together.

Curl those outward again to form another heart.

Repeat this process to create a cute garland of connected hearts.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Star Tanabata Decorations

How to Make a Wobbly Origami Star Tanabata Decoration – DIY Paper Tanabata Decorations (for the Star Festival) / Tutorial

Star Tanabata Decorations

Here’s a cute star ornament idea decorated with beads.

Instead of origami paper, you’ll use square memo sheets to make it.

Since memo sheets are the same color on both sides, it helps hide imperfections.

First, fold the memo sheet five times to create the specified shape, trim off the excess, and turn it into a hexagon.

From there, make the creases and form the star parts.

The steps are simple, but the work is delicate, so having tweezers on hand will make folding easier.

Once you’ve made six star pieces using the same process, attach them front-to-back around a thread strung with beads to finish.

Coloring the star sections with a pen will make them look beautiful.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Bamboo grass made with origami

Tanabata ★ Origami [Sasa (bamboo leaves)] How to make Origami Bamboo Grass

Bamboo grass made with origami

On Tanabata, there’s also a custom of attaching paper strips with wishes written on them to decorated bamboo branches.

How about decorating with origami bamboo as well? Take several sheets of green origami paper cut into rectangles and fold them so they gradually become narrower.

When connecting the pieces, the key is to add white areas from the back side of the paper and fold lines to mimic real bamboo nodes.

Also make bamboo leaves and the slender branches that hold the leaves.

To give it a Tanabata feel, you can make stars, Orihime, and Hikoboshi and attach them to the bamboo—it should turn into a cute piece.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

wreath

[Origami] How to Make a Paper Chain [origami] How to make a ring decoration

wreath

Let’s try making a classic handmade indoor decoration: paper chains.

To make a paper chain, you cut origami paper or construction paper into long, thin strips, then loop and glue them together to connect each ring.

Before cutting the strips, first fold the paper to create creases.

When the chain is finished, those creases add a nice accent and make it look more polished.

With just a bit of extra effort, the result turns out even lovelier.

Besides simple rings, you can also enjoy variations like forming hearts or adding stars.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

lantern garland

A summer festival at home! How to make a lantern garland

lantern garland

Getting real lanterns can be costly and bulky, which makes them a hassle.

In times like that, garland-style lanterns are a great option.

Cut lantern shapes out of construction paper or cardstock, thread them together, and you’re done! If you keep them flat, they’re easy to use as wall decorations; or make them a bit three-dimensional and string them across the ceiling.

Using lanterns in various colors and patterns will make the display look lively and festive.

Just a small arrangement on the wall can instantly create a festival mood, so give it a try!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem