[Childcare] A Collection of Origami Ideas for Hinamatsuri: Let’s Make Them with Kids!
As the Hinamatsuri season approaches, nursery schools and kindergartens have more opportunities to enjoy making crafts with origami.
In addition to the Emperor and Empress dolls, there are many motifs you can create with origami, such as lanterns, diamond-shaped rice cakes, and peach blossoms.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of origami ideas perfect for Hinamatsuri.
We’ve collected projects suited to various ages and stages of development—from simple steps to more intricate ones that require a bit of fine work.
Be sure to use them in your childcare setting and enjoy Hinamatsuri!
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[Childcare] Hinamatsuri origami ideas: Let’s make them with kids! (21–30)
Standing Sanpō tray with Hina-arare (Girls’ Day rice crackers)
We’d like to introduce a three-legged sanpō tray filled with hina-arare, perfect for the Doll’s Festival (Hinamatsuri).
You will need one sheet of black origami paper and pieces of pink, yellow, yellow-green, white, etc., cut to 1/16 size.
Hina-arare, traditionally eaten during Hinamatsuri, carries wishes for children’s health, growth, and happiness.
Through this craft, it’s also nice to learn about the origins and meanings of Hinamatsuri and hina-arare! Its simple, easy-to-follow instructions are part of the appeal.
When making hina-arare out of origami, try arranging it so that the colored sides face outward.
Right Minister · Left MinisterNEW!
Here we introduce how to make the Right Minister and Left Minister with origami.
All you need is a single sheet of origami paper.
Fold the paper into a triangle, then fold it in half again to make crease lines.
Make a slit where the creases overlap to form the face area.
After that, repeat the steps of folding and unfolding to shape the kimono.
Even without intricate detailing, you can evoke a traditional Japanese outfit just with the creases.
Using washi-patterned origami paper enhances the Hinamatsuri atmosphere even more.
Make two using the same method, and you’ll have the Right Minister and Left Minister.
Changing the colors and patterns creates contrast and makes them look better when displayed side by side.
Give it a try!
cherry blossomNEW!
An easy craft to include for Hinamatsuri or spring projects is making “cherry blossoms” with origami.
All you need is one sheet of pink origami paper and scissors.
Start with the white side facing up, fold along the steps, and use the creases as guides to fold inward.
Aligning the corners helps the shape come together and gets it ready to cut.
Then simply use the scissors to shape the petals.
When you unfold the cut paper, the cherry blossom shape appears, giving children a sense of accomplishment.
Changing the way you cut alters the flower’s expression, which adds to the fun of making it.
It’s a great event-friendly idea that lets you enjoy the feeling of spring.
Sakura mochiNEW!
Adorable in appearance and popular with children, “sakura mochi” origami is a hit.
Once finished, it looks like a real sweet, making it perfect for pretend play.
Prepare two sheets of origami paper: pink and light green.
For the light green sheet, fold with the white side facing up to create the leaf shape.
By using the creases to tuck the corners inside, you can convey the look of the filling being wrapped.
Adults should help with the finer steps.
For the mochi, use the pink paper; simply fold inward along the creases to form the shape.
Combine it with the leaf, and your sakura mochi is complete.
It’s an easy idea to use in childcare settings, and you can enjoy a Hinamatsuri atmosphere while making it.
Confectionery boxNEW!
An easy craft to include for Hinamatsuri is a “candy box” you can make with a single sheet of origami paper.
To create the right atmosphere, we recommend using Japanese-patterned paper.
Start by placing the white side up and folding it into a triangle.
Open it, refine the shape, and the key is to reveal the pattern by flipping sections as if turning pages.
There are some detailed steps, but the work itself is simple, so proceed while checking each step one by one.
Once the shape is set, carefully open it so the creases don’t come undone.
Adjust it into a box shape and it’s complete.
You can also fill the finished candy box with hina-arare, making it fun to enjoy even after you’ve finished making it.
shellNEW!
One classic motif for Hinamatsuri crafts is the “shell.” It’s an idea that’s easy to use both in childcare settings and at home.
Since it can be made from a single sheet of origami paper, it takes little effort and is great for working on with children.
Place the origami with the white side up, fold it into a triangle, then fold it in half again.
Open it up, and while keeping the center in mind, squash-fold it into a square.
As you trace the creases with your fingers and refine the shape, you’ll get a neat shell.
The finished shell can be used as a background for Hina dolls or as a wall decoration.
By changing the colors and patterns, you can give the same shape a unique look and enjoy comparing the different results.
balloonNEW!
Incorporating “balloons” into Hinamatsuri crafts brings a different kind of fun.
The moment flat origami puffs up is surprising for children and helps spark their interest in the event.
The folding is simple, with many basic steps like folding in half and overlapping corners, so children can make them on their own and feel a sense of accomplishment.
By choosing colors thoughtfully, you can also express the Hinamatsuri vibe.
The finished balloons can be arranged around the Hina dolls or displayed three-dimensionally, expanding the ways to decorate.
It’s recommended when you want to add motion and enjoyment to your usual Hinamatsuri.