Instructions
- Cut two pieces of fabric into long fish shapes (sharp angles won’t let the air flow).
- Paint one side of each piece with fabric paint.
- Once the paint is dry, take one piece of fabric and line the top and bottom edges of its painted side with glue (don’t put glue over the mouth and tail).
What is Japanese koinobori?
Koinobori (鯉のぼり), meaning “carp streamer” in Japanese, are carp-shaped windsocks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Tango no sekku (端午の節句), a traditional calendrical event which is now designated a national holiday: Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi, 子供の日).
Why is koinobori important?
Koinobori, carp windsocks, streamers or banners, decorate the landscape of Japan from April through early May, in honor of the Children’s Day (originally the Boys’ festival) on May 5. In Japanese culture, the carp symbolizes courage and strength because of its ability to swim up a waterfall.
How do you make koinobori paper?
To create a paper koinobori: Measure and cut your paper in half to create two 8 1⁄2” x 5 1⁄2” pieces. Next ink up your koinobori design by flipping your ink pad upside-down and tap it along the face of your stamp. Position your piece of paper horizontally and stamp your design one on the left side of the paper and once on the right.
Can you actually use origami as a chopstick holder?
Origami – a traditional Japanese craft – can be used to make things that you can actually use in your everyday life, such as animals, plants, vehicles, airplanes that you can actually make fly, and boxes. This time, we’ll be teaching you how to make carp streamer (koinobori) origami that you can actually use as a chopstick holder!
Where did the koinobori motifs come from?
This particular project was inspired by the traditional koinobori motifs found in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, not far from my neighborhood . Koinobori , or “carp streamers” are fish-shaped wind socks traditionally flown in Japan on Children’s Day (May 5 th) – a holiday that celebrates the happiness of its little ones.
