Kanzashi Handmade: basic details of the technique, master classes and step by step schemes with photos
Japanese kanzashi technique has recently become popular in the world. Most often it is used to create hair accessories. Especially such decorations are relevant for children of different ages.
But after some time, masters use the technique to create a variety of articles dedicated to different holidays or events. Learning how to make original crafts from ribbons is not difficult.
The concept and history of kansashi
The word "kanzashi" often causes surprise. In fact, it is a type of needlework. It is a technique of creating hair accessories from beautiful flowers, using satin ribbons or silk. This skill originated in Japan in ancient times.
According to legend, the decoration made of ribbons was invented by geisha. They all wore fresh flowers in their hair, which quickly faded. Geisha found a way out of the situation. Priestesses of love began to make beautiful flowers from ribbons and silk.
Such hair accessories could live forever and please with their beauty. And they looked like fresh flowers. A lot of time has passed, and now this skill has spread around the world and gained real popularity. In the technique of kanzashi make:
- hairbands and hairpins, hairpins and headbands;
- bracelets, brooches and key chains;
- bags, boxes and cosmetic bags, volumetric animals, baskets;
- photo frames, Christmas tree ornaments, pictures and panels;
- bouquets for brides and wedding hair ornaments;
- thematic handicrafts for holidays.
Such work can be easily learned to do yourself. This requires time and patience, material and tools for work. If you put a little labor and imagination into such work, you can get an unusual and original thing.
What materials and tools are used for the work of masters of kanzashi
Only synthetic materials are used for making crafts in the style of kanzashi. Such a preference is due to the peculiarities in the course of work. The material must be fired, gluing the ribbons together. Synthetic melts perfectly, unlike natural materials. The materials used are:
- Satin, reps, chiffon, velour or brocade ribbons of various widths. Usually between 0.6 and 8 cm wide;
- felt, leather, foamiran;
- Materials for decorating the handcraft. These are the middle parts and cabochons, rhinestones, beads and half-beads, stamens, wire, threads and many other things;
- Accessories (elastic bands, hairpins, headbands, hairpins, headbands, and so on).
For making crafts in the kanzashi technique, you can't do without special tools:
- Handy sharp scissors and tweezers with curved edges. It is better to have scissors for fabric. And tweezers of this shape will help to hold the edges of the ribbons while gluing.
- You will also need a candle or lighter. Using matches would be inconvenient and could ruin the ribbon.
- A ruler, chalk or fabric marker, the traces of which will disappear over time.
- A needle with different colors of thread.
- Glue or hot gun for needlework.
If the tools need to have any masters of kanzashi, the material used depends on the handicraft being made. Usually a lot of material in the hands of skilled craftsmen who make products for sale or are passionate about this handicraft for a long time.
The subtleties of making kanzashi flowers
It would seem that the masters make a lot of different works of kanzashi, using different petals and techniques. But in the work only 2 basic types of petals are used - sharp and round forms. Therefore, having learned how to make them flawlessly, you can safely create real works of art.
How to make your own round petal kanzashi
- You need to cut squares based on the width of the ribbon. If you take 5 cm, all its sides should be equal to the width of the ribbon.
- The square is folded in half, resulting in a triangle. Next, the corners of the two sides together in the middle of the triangle. If everything is done correctly, then get the top rounded shape.
- Now the resulting side corners are connected by pulling back. All edges align and clamp with tweezers. Cut off the excess horizontally. Working all the edges with fire, gently press them with your fingers.
How to make a sharp kanzashi petal yourself
- A square of ribbon is folded in half, and then repeat the operation.
- Now connect the corners of the resulting triangle so that its corner remains in the middle.
- Melt the fire, sharp corners, and squeeze, gluing them together.
- To make a sharp petal is more accurate and flat, its lower part is trimmed horizontally. Process the edges with fire.
Very beautiful look multi-layered acute petals in the crafts. In this technique is the same as the single petal. But it takes not one square, and 2-5 pcs.
The technique of leaves with wavy edges
- To do this, a rectangular billet make rounded edges of one side.
- It turns out the shape of the dome. Next, the edges of the leaf is held over a candle.
- The edge of the tape is seared. It is stretched, slightly prying with fingers.
- So do the whole length of the sheet. You get a neat wavy edge.
They will complement the flowers. They are very easy to make.
Interesting ideas for exclusive jewelry
In the technique of kanzashi you can come up with and make unusual and exclusive jewelry. The fact is that any handicraft, made by your own hands, will be unique and unrepeatable:
- A hairpin with a chiffon butterfly on a bow of glitter foamir with the addition of fishing line with beads will look original;
- For the lucky owners of long hair, you can make hairpins in the technique of kanzashi. They will help to arrange the hair beautifully, and keep the volume on the head. Hairpins-flowers will add originality to the hairstyle;
- For a young fashionista, you can make a set on a summer theme. Daisy flowers with round petals and a ladybug as a decor on them. A set of a hoop, elastic bands and hairpins will not only be exclusive, but will become a real treasure for any girl;
- A brooch made in the kanzashi technique can be a great addition to a prom dress. In this case, it is necessary to choose delicate light colors, which will emphasize all the attractiveness of the graduate. It is important to remember that a brooch made in this technique must be in harmony with the color type of its owner, taking into account the peculiarities of appearance;
- Keyring for keys, made in the technique of kanzashi, will be able to emphasize the individuality of its owner. People who have original things always draw attention from the outside. When making it, it is important to understand that the keychain can not be too big. So he will create some inconvenience to his owner;
- Kanzashi technique can be useful for making a school set for a girl. It is a tie and 2 hairpins, made in strict colors. At any age it is possible to look attractive and fashionable.
With a little time, material and imagination you can make a lot of interesting exclusive ornaments for any age.
How to make festive kanzashi handicrafts
Handmade crafts in this technique will be a great gift for any holiday. In addition, handmade products in recent years are often given as gifts for celebrations. Such work can be done for the New Year, March 8, May 9, Birthday, Easter, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.
New Year's Toys and Christmas Tree Kanzashi
New Year is the most long-awaited holiday for adults and children. Therefore, crafts in the technique of kanzashi will be just right. Christmas tree decorations from ribbons will be the original decoration for the Christmas tree.
This is not only exclusive things, but also safe items for children. You can make lanterns, decorate balls with satin ribbons, snowflakes.
Also Christmas crafts can be a Christmas tree, items for decorating the apartment and much more. It is easy to make a kanzashi tree.
To do this, the sharp petals are carefully glued to the cone base with a hot gun. Glue the green satin ribbon petals in a circle. As Christmas decorations can be multicolored beads.
Decorative Easter egg and themed kanzashi applique
The symbol of the holiday of Easter is the egg. It means resurrection and new life. Therefore, Easter egg-themed kanzashi Easter crafts will be a strong amulet for the home.
There are many variations on how to make an egg out of ribbons. Using a hot gun, glue the egg blank with thin satin ribbon, decorated with flowers and beads.
For every holiday, you can make original themed ribbon applications with your own hands. A craft for May 9 canzashi can be a St. George's ribbon with flowers. Such a work can be attached near the heart, as a symbol of victory and respect for the soldiers who fought for peace. Or make it as an applique.
If you give your mother or sister a greeting card on March 8 in the technique of kanzashi, the gift will be remembered for a long time. You can make a number eight covered with satin ribbon and decorated with spring flowers. Or simply create a small basket with flowers from ribbons in the form of applique on paper.
How to make a trim with decorative elements of kanzashi
The technique allows you to make not only hair accessories and themed crafts. Petals from satin ribbons with decorations can be trim for certain items. It will give not only exclusivity, but also decorate the house.
Finishing with decorative elements of a kanzashi casket
Handicraft casket kanzashi, will be a decoration of the women's table. In such a box it is convenient to store chains and bracelets, rings and brooches. Ornaments can be jewelry and expensive, as well as simple bijouterie.
For work you will need a base - the box itself, and ribbon with decorations. The sharp petals alternating with the beads will look beautiful on such a casket.
To do this, determine the middle of the casket blank. Then, using a hot gun, glue narrow kanzashi petals in the top and bottom rows.
The middle is lined with large beads. The lid of the casket is glued petals in a circle. Smaller beads can be glued into the petals themselves.
How to decorate a photo frame and panel in the technique of kanzashi
A photo frame, made in the technique of kanzashi, will look spectacular in the interior of the apartment. Almost every home has photos that are placed on the table, hang on the wall.
Such a frame can be decorated with flowers or butterflies from satin ribbons. It is important not to overdo with the decoration of the photo frame. It should look natural.
The panel with its size, content and shape more often matches and complements the surroundings. Kanzashi panel is more like a kind of paintings, which can decorate the interior of any house.
The panel made in the technique of kanzashi, will complement the interior solutions and emphasize the warmth of the house. Such a handicraft will require a thoughtful plot, a stock of materials, a lot of time and patience.
Having invented kanzashi to make flowers as hair ornaments, Japanese craftswomen have no idea that their art can conquer the world. To learn how to create crafts in this technique is not difficult. It is important to have imagination and patience.