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 (31–40)

Star Garland

Easy stapled paper star decoration (with audio commentary) Paper star decoration

It’s a star garland that’s easy to make yet looks festive and super cute.

All you do is cut construction paper into strips, fold them, and staple them together! Thread a string through to make ornaments, or connect the stars to turn them into a garland.

Star motifs aren’t just for birthdays—they’re great for Christmas, Tanabata, and other events too.

The mood changes depending on the color combinations of the paper, so have fun experimenting and making your own!

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Paper cup lantern

[Daycare/Kindergarten] A roundup of cute Tanabata decoration craft ideas you can make with paper cups

Paper cup lantern

If you’re making crafts for kindergarten or elementary school events, these paper cup lanterns are a great choice.

There are many parts you can customize freely, and you can use a stapler for the joints, which helps shorten the working time.

There aren’t any difficult steps, so they’re perfect as a main event activity, too.

Here’s an easy way to make them: First, cut slits in a paper cup—imagine octopus legs.

Next, decorate it however you like.

Then, staple two finished cups together.

Finally, shape it and thread a string through, and you’re done.

Prepare plenty of decorations like glittery tape, pipe cleaners, shells, and beads, and have fun!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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Watermelon streamers

Watermelon streamers 🍉🎋 #nurseryteacher #kidsart #Julycrafts #Tanabatadecorations #Tanabatacrafts

Watermelon streamers

This streamer is themed around watermelon, a symbol that instantly evokes summer and could be called a quintessential summer tradition.

Its spherical, watermelon-like shape and the design that recalls a sliced piece not only suit Tanabata decorations, but also bring out the feeling of summer itself.

Its cool, wind-chime-like appearance might even help take the edge off the heat.

It’s easy to make, so it’s recommended as a craft for children as well.

With its vivid look, it’s a decoration that sets the scene for the Tanabata season.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Spiral

Spiral decorations made with easy origami: 2 types (with voice commentary) | How to make an easy origami decoration: 2 types

Spiral

A spiral decoration that twirls around and soothes the hearts of those who watch it.

It makes a lovely Tanabata ornament, of course, but it’s also great as a summertime indoor decoration.

The method isn’t complicated, and you can make it with a single sheet of origami paper—give it a try.

Cut one sheet of origami paper into six equal strips, then fold the tips on both ends so that one side becomes a rectangle and the other becomes a triangle.

Apply glue to one strip on the side folded into a triangle and stick another strip onto it; repeat the same steps until all six strips are glued together.

For the side folded into a rectangle, twist as you glue them together to finish.

If you fold both ends into triangles instead of making one end a rectangle, you can create a different shape.

Please give it a try!

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Heart-shaped tanzaku

[One sheet of origami] Easy heart strip 💖 How to make a heart strip #Tanabata #heart #strip #festival #Orihime #Hikoboshi #tanzaku #heart #love #how to fold #origami #paper folding #how to make

Heart-shaped tanzaku

Let’s adorably decorate the essential Tanabata wish tag by adding a heart.

Using a single sheet of origami paper, you’ll make cuts and use reverse folds to finish it in a shape where a heart is placed at the top of the tag.

The key to making it look beautiful is to crease firmly and keep both sides symmetrical.

The heart will be on the front of the origami, while the space for writing your wish is on the back, so it’s recommended to use origami with a white reverse side to make your wish stand out clearly.

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