Crafts from kanzashi flowers. How to learn to make kanzashi for beginners

29.07.202027.05.2017

Kazanshi - this unusual name with a Japanese accent hides an interesting female hobby with a simple technique. Try yourself in a new hobby and decorate your world with spectacular satin flowers!

Women always strive to look stylish. Accessories decorated with flowers can be a bright addition to the look. We recommend that you create an unfading flower using the kanzashi technique with your own hands. For beginners, this type of creativity may seem incomprehensible and complicated, but believe me, everything is much simpler than you think. In the list of women's hobbies, Kazansha occupies one of the leading places; moreover, men are increasingly choosing this hobby for themselves!

A little history of beautiful needlework

Historically, the birthplace of this art form, like origami, is Japan, and it appeared around 1700. Japanese women were not allowed to wear necklaces or bracelets, so they decorated their hairstyles on a special scale.

Kanzashi (or kanzashi) were combs, sticks or hairpins decorated with flowers made of silk. Looking at kanzashi, one could judge the character and even the social status of a woman, because luxurious jewelry often cost even more than a kimono.

Kanzashi varied in color and shape depending on the time of year. The products were created by famous craftsmen. The manufacturing technology of those times was different from the modern one - craftsmen used rice glue, each silk square piece was folded and a petal was formed, they, in turn, were collected on a thread and glued to the base. Thus, entire bouquets were collected and decorated with combs or hairpins.

Kanzashi and modernity

In our time, this Japanese technique has not lost its importance and has become popular in European countries. Needlewomen create flowers in the kanzashi style and decorate hair accessories and brooches with them. These accessories are especially popular among brides, because kanzashi flowers can be used to tastefully decorate wedding paraphernalia.

Young mothers will also be interested in this type of creativity - their little princesses will be happy to wear all kinds of bright elastic bands, headbands, and hair clips.

Mastering the satin ribbon kazansha technique is not that difficult, but you will have to be patient and persistent, as this is quite painstaking work that requires attention, accuracy and perseverance. If you have already tried, or, the work will not seem difficult to you.

Starter kit for a beginner kanzashi master

So, the materials needed to get started:

satin ribbons (for beginners, preferably 5 cm wide);
beads or buttons (for the centers of flowers), a lighter or a candle (but be careful - the candle can smoke the ribbon);
sharp scissors, needle and sewing thread;
glue (we recommend choosing a colorless one, “Moment Crystal” is ideal);
tweezers.

You can use a wide variety of accessories and materials: organza, tulle, rhinestones, sequins, etc.

Where to start: basic operating principles

For convenience, immediately cut the ribbons into identical squares and singe them so that the satin does not fray during the process (more experienced needlewomen use a soldering iron; it cuts the ribbon evenly and simultaneously singes the edges). In the original, in the kanzashi technique, there are only two types of petals - sharp and round. But modern craftswomen have come up with many modifications of petal shapes, which allows them to diversify their work and make them even more interesting.

Step-by-step technique creating kanzashi is as follows:

Cut the satin ribbons into squares.
Fold each square into a petal, singeing the ends and joints with a lighter.
Gather the petals onto a strong thread.
Glue the resulting blank to the base - it can be a felt circle or a cardboard circle covered with satin to match the flower.
Glue or sew on the center of the flower (for example, a button).
Add decor if necessary (for example, rhinestones or lace);
attach the finished kanzashi flower to the base (hairpin, brooch, headband, etc.).
Wait for the glue to dry completely and, if necessary, straighten the petals.

A short video tutorial:

So, you are already familiar with the basic principles of working in the kanzashi technique, so it’s time to act! But from these luxurious flowers you can create crafts and kanzashi paintings with your own hands, which will become an interior decoration or an unforgettable gift loved ones!

Pleasure with benefit: the benefits of a new hobby

This simple type of needlework will also be interesting for children - crafts in the kanzashi style can be created together with the kids, making figurines out of them. For example, from basic sharp petals you will get christmas tree, you just need to glue them onto a conical cardboard base in rows. But be careful, small children must work under adult supervision!

If you don’t have enough imagination and experience, then you can get ideas for inspiration for creating kanzashi from master classes. Of course, you won’t be able to exactly repeat the work of another master, but as practice shows, after looking at the beautiful flowers of craftswomen, you will certainly begin to create your own You will develop your own style and handwriting.

Sunflowers using the kanzashi technique

Flowers in the Kanzashi style are becoming increasingly popular, so once you gain experience, it makes sense to give it a try.

You can sell your work on a variety of online platforms dedicated to handicrafts, as well as directly at fairs, which are often organized in many cities. Yes, participation in such events is often not free, but there you can not only sell your work, but also meet other artists and exchange experiences. A sea of positive emotions is guaranteed to you!

As you can see, it's not that complicated! The main thing is to start, and then you won’t be able to stop! Unfading flowers will bloom in your hands, and the kanzashi technique will become your favorite form of creativity!

From theory to practice: master classes

If you have carefully read this publication and now want to consolidate your knowledge in practice, proceed to master classes on making crafts with your own hands. Even more MK on Kanzashi is waiting for you.

You may have already seen amazing hair and clothing decorations made from silk flowers. This beauty has a name - KANZASHI TSUMAMI.

Hairpins and combs are traditionally used in Japanese hairstyles, but nowadays jewelry using the Kanzashi technique has gained its popularity far beyond Japan. The so-called “kanzashkas” now serve not only as hair decorations, they are used to make brooches, use them as interior decoration, etc.

Candlesticks using Kanzashi technique

Box using Kanzashi technique

If you figure out how to do Kanzashi, it becomes clear that it is not at all difficult.

Materials and tools

In order to make products using the Kanzashi technique, you will need the following materials and equipment:

You can cut fabric or ribbons with scissors or with a soldering iron. To do this, we need a surface on which to cut. It could be an old unnecessary kitchen board, but I preferred ordinary wall tiles (left over after renovation), the soldering iron does not burn them and they are easier to clean. Some petals can be burned with a candle or lighter.

It is better to use glue that is thick and transparent so that it does not leave marks after drying. I opted for “Moment-gel”: transparent, does not flow, adheres well.

Many people advise using tweezers when rolling petals.
I use tweezers when burning fabric over a candle.

satin ribbons of any size, optimally 5 cm and 2.5 cm, but you can take any fabric: silk, satin, organza, etc.
ruler
pencil or chalk for marking even squares
scissors (any kind, as long as they are sharp)
lighter and candle or soldering iron (if you know how to use it)
Moment-gel glue or hot glue gun
tweezers (preferably long)
long and thin needle
strong thread (for example, monofilament)
beads, sequins and all sorts of beautiful little things

I think over time you will decide for yourself how and what is more convenient for you to work.

Types of Kanzashi petals

The Kanzashi technique is as follows: many small even squares of fabric are folded in a certain way and assembled into a flower. The petals themselves are sewn or glued together.

No matter how strange it may sound, there are only 2 types of kanzashi petals: round and narrow, and the rest is up to your imagination.

Using this flower as an example, we will learn how to fold narrow and round petals:

Narrow kanzashi petal - master class

We use the same materials and tools as listed above.

Using a soldering iron or scissors, cut into even squares. I have a satin ribbon 5 cm wide, which means the squares are 5 by 5 cm. Their number depends on the size of the flower that you will collect. There are 7 yellow and 5 green.

It is often recommended to roll the leaves using tweezers. To be honest, I find it more comfortable with my fingers, but this is what you prefer.

Fold it into an even triangle. The fold itself is at the top.

We apply the right corner of the triangle to the left.

And fold it again in the same way, from right to left. Align the folds.

Trim the ends of the fabric evenly:

And we burn it a little over a candle, fastening the edges at the same time. This is done like this: holding the edges with tweezers, quickly move the petal over the flame.

It is better to burn at the very bottom of the fire, then the fabric will melt and not burn.

We also cut off the lower edges and melt them. Here you can not glue them together, but simply melt the fabric so that it does not crumble.

Here's what we got:

Rear view

Using the same principle, we roll up the remaining green leaves.

For clarity, watch a video master class on narrow Kanzashi petals:

Front view

Round kanzashi petal - master class

We fold the yellow square into a triangle.

Now we collect the side edges in the middle, towards the bottom corner. The folds are made from the top and sides.

We pull the side corners back and check that the edges are folded evenly.

We also cut off the ends and melt them.

We also trim the bottom edge evenly and melt it.

Only here the edges must be burned and be sure to be glued together.
While the fabric is warm, I simply pinch the edges with my fingers.

This is what we got. From this side, drip a little glue inward and glue the sheet together.

Rear view

Front view

These are the blanks we got. Here you can clearly see where the yellow petals stick together.

In the video master class you can watch again how round petals are made, and also learn how to assemble beautiful rubber bands for hair:

How to make kanzashi flowers

Let's start collecting kanzashi flowers. We string the yellow petals onto a needle and thread. I prefer monofilament because it is not visible.

And we tie it into a flower like this:

We cut out circles from cardboard and tape, place a cardboard circle on the tape, and generously coat it with glue.

And, tucking the edges, glue the fabric to the paper. Let the glue dry a little and coat the surface with glue again.

Then we glue the blank to the flower from the back side.

Here it is better to use glue rather than a glue gun. Since our flower is voluminous, it is very difficult to glue it evenly right away. And while the glue dries, you can adjust the leaves to make it even. It’s difficult to do this with a glue gun - the glue hardens very quickly and it’s quite problematic to peel it back off.

Here's what we got:

Apply glue to the tip of the green leaf (here I use a glue gun)

And connect it with the second leaf.

We make two double leaves.

We also lubricate the single leaf with glue and glue it between the two already connected leaves.

In the same way, we glue three leaves to the double one.

This is what the branch should look like:

Apply glue to the tip of the branch

And glue it between the leaves of the flower.

Glue a bead or rhinestone into the center of the flower.

This kanzashi flower can be used to decorate a brooch, a hairpin, or a hair tie. And if you get a little creative, you can create a lot from the 2 simplest kanzashi petals!

From simple to complex

“Ribbon creativity,” in addition to its originality and beauty, also attracts with its diversity, because satin ribbons can be used both to make simple trinkets and to create real masterpieces or objects of art.

For example, here are the most simple options ribbon crafts that even your child can make:

bows or flowers - these can be hair clips, decoration for a hoop, brooches, etc.;
baubles and bracelets;
various decorations for decorating gifts or home interiors - flowers, figurines, animals.

Crafts made from ribbons can also be complex, made using various well-known techniques (“kanzashi”, “artichoke” and others):

entire panels and paintings are embroidered with satin ribbons, and aromatic sachets are made from them;
they are used to decorate Easter eggs and wedding paraphernalia - making bouquets, decorating wine glasses, gift champagne bottles, pillows for rings, etc.;
Using ribbons and soap with your own hands, you can create entire baskets with flowers that will decorate any interior or make an excellent gift.

And these are not all possible crafts made from this material. For inspiration, you can use existing ideas in master classes or come up with something of your own, special.

Satin ribbon rose

Of course, you can start with the simplest thing. To easily make unusual and complex things, you need to understand the basic techniques for creating products from satin ribbons. And the best way to see this is step by step in the master class.

Step by step description

Although tulips, dandelions, hyacinths, primroses, and many other flowers are rolled from ribbons, the most popular flower among craftswomen is the rose. Roses are most often made using the kanzashi technique. For the flower, choose a ribbon of the desired color five centimeters wide. Cut the edge of the tape evenly and melt it with a lighter so that it does not fray. After this, place the ribbon so that its wrong side is facing up.
Fold the upper left corner down (in the pictures of the master class there are arrows and the fold lines are indicated by dotted lines), and fold the lower left corner to the right twice.
Take a needle and thread of the same color as your ribbon. Secure the resulting fold (the thread must be long, because you will then have to sew through the entire tape).
Connect the two layers of ribbon by stitching from the fixed place to the right (there should be about one or two millimeters from the edge) and stop at the edge of the top ribbon.
Fold the long edge of the ribbon to the left (in the direction of the arrow), and then the entire ribbon up to the right at an angle.
Make sure that the right sides match and you have three layers. Sew them together, working upwards from the bottom corner. Then stop, but do not cut the thread, but tuck the ribbon down, as shown by the dotted line in the photo master class.
Then turn it at an angle to the left and stitch again, only to the left along the top edge. Having connected the three layers, turn the ribbon in the direction of the arrow to the right, then at an angle downwards, and continue stitching.
When there are already enough pleats (this will take approximately fifty centimeters of tape), sew stitches along the edge of the last of them, capturing two layers. Trim off the excess material and melt it with fire, but leave the thread.
Tighten the thread and you will get a whole row of petals. Start forming a bud. The first petal must be made from the very beginning of the ribbon, pulling the thread where you secured the two folds. Twist it around these folds and you will have the center of the flower.
Take another needle and thread and pull the bottom edges of the petals together. Then form a second petal, twist it onto the bud and hem it at the bottom in the same way.
Continue on the same principle, adjusting the petals using thread tension. If you get a larger gathering on the bud, then your rose will be larger, looking like a blossom beautiful flower. Or you can do a little tension, and then a delicate bud will come out.
Then twist the thread to the end and hem each petal from below. Carefully secure and trim the thread. Spread your flower.

Depending on how you want to use the rose, its bottom can be sealed with a piece of felt or ribbon, sewn to leaves, attached to a safety pin (for a brooch), a hairpin or hoop, etc. Such a delicate and beautiful product will be an excellent decoration or a gift for spring holidays like March 8th.

Little roses - simple

Ribbon poppy

In the master classes there are other ways to create various colors with your own hands. For example, you can cut from satin ribbon There are many separate details, shaped like leaves and petals. Then burn them, form a flower and glue the elements together, decorating them with beads or sequins.

Ribbon lily - photo MK

Bride's bouquet of ribbons

The made flowers can then be sewn onto fabric or embroidered with satin ribbons directly on the canvas, making various paintings and panels. Using the same technique, it's easy to make many roses for wedding bouquet brides All that remains is to make the base on which the flowers will be attached.

Easter eggs with ribbon decor

Wanting to decorate easter eggs, you can either simply cover the workpiece with fabric and then decorate it with flowers or ribbon bows, or use the “artichoke” technique - folding ribbons different colors in the manner of fish scales and glue them to the surface of the egg.

You can paste over balls in a similar way, and then you will get original ones. Christmas decorations or just interior decorations.

Ribbon basket for a bouquet

To make an unusual basket, take a piece of oval soap and attach safety pins on it in a circle at the top and bottom (their number should be the same, and they should be placed on the soap at a distance of approximately six to eight millimeters from each other - just stick them into the piece of soap ).

Then take a ribbon (not very wide - about one to two centimeters), secure one edge with a pin and braid the walls of the basket as follows: hook the ribbon to the top pin, then lower it down, hook it to the bottom one and lift it up, continuing further until all walls will not be braided.

You will have a long end left at the bottom - you will need it to braid the bottom edge and form the side. Then you will need to move it up to decorate the top edge. Use the remaining ends of the ribbon to create a bow. Use wire to make a basket and a handle and braid it with a ribbon of the same color or make an assembly out of it.

Attach the ends of the handle to the soap and decorate the basket. You can place primroses in it and give it to a friend or mother on March 8, or decorate it in any other way.

Making such beautiful and unusual crafts- a great way to show your imagination and creativity and make nice gifts yourself or loved ones.