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$ $ $ $ $
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• • • • •
Time
30 mins

On children's day in Japan, large carp kites fly above the homes. This sweet and colourful mini version is a cute way to celebrate and brighten up your own home.
I always loved seeing the giant carp flying high above peoples' homes in Japan during Children's day, so this year I couldn't help but make a colourful mini version to celebrate! Besides, they're too cute to wave around on just one day. I say it's children's day (and flying carp day) every day of the year!

Posted by SquirrellyMinds from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada • Published See SquirrellyMinds's 7 projects »
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  • How to make a mobile. Koinobori   Japanese Flying Carp Diy - Step 1
    Step 1

    In 3-4 colours, cut out several circles of tissue paper, approx 1.5 inches in diameter, then cut them in half to make semi circles. Place a piece of double sided tape all the way around the bottom of your toilet paper roll. Start placing the straight edge of each semi circle on the double sided tape, overlapping slightly so no roll shows underneath Ensure the curved end of the semi circle hangs off the roll so it isn’t attached. This end will be the fish’s tail. Complete all the way around.

  • Step 2

    Leaving a 5cm gap, place another strip of double sided tape around the roll and repeat with the semi circles. The colour order doesn’t matter much, just do what you think looks good. You will have to overlap a fair bit and not all the ends will be taped down. Leave them. The next layer should cover them.

  • Step 3

    Repeat all the way to the top, making sure you finish with the tape and half circles around the very top of the roll. This is the head. At this point if there are any half circles that are still sticking up, use double sided tape to stick them down.

  • Step 4

    Cut out a circle with white paper (approx. 1 inch in diameter) then use a black marker to draw a large circle inside for the eye. Use double sided tape to stick onto the side of the head.

  • How to make a mobile. Koinobori   Japanese Flying Carp Diy - Step 5
    Step 5

    Cut strips of tissue paper using the same colours as your semi circles. At the tail end, carefully place a piece of double sided tape inside, along the bottom of the roll. One by one, stick a long piece of tissue paper to the tape, going all the way around until it’s covered.

  • Step 6

    Trim any ends if necessary so they’re about the same length. Repeat steps 1-6 to make two more carp.

  • Step 7

    Cut three pieces of twine about 7 inches long. Double knot each one onto your dowel, making sure the ends are even.

  • Step 8

    Place a piece of double sided tape inside the roll on the head side, opposite the eye. Starting with the top knotted twine on the dowel, secure the loose ends onto the double sided tape inside the roll. If you plan to swing this koinobori around, use hot glue instead, or place another piece of tape on top the twine.

  • Step 9

    Repeat on the opposite side, just behind the eye.
    Do it all over again for the next two carp.

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Babsi's Bean Burgers
Babsi's Bean Burgers
Omg, so cute Love
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