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Are you tired of tutorials that leave you lost between two Chinese words and a jigsaw? Do you just want to make a handmade Chinese umbrella , for fun, decoration or to shine at your next garden party? You've come to the right place.
No need to be a Sunday handyman or a Shaolin monk. We'll explain to you step by step , in simple words (and sometimes a little in bad faith), how to make your own Chinese umbrella , with love, creativity and a good dose of good humor.
But before you get out the scissors and the green tea, let's get one thing straight.
So yes, we could say to ourselves: "Why bother making something that we can order with our eyes closed from our sofa, between two TikTok scrolls, like those famous Chinese Paintings ?
But that's where you're (gently) wrong. Making a Chinese umbrella is more than just a DIY . It's a way:
To escape, without a plane ticket.
To create a unique object (and not mass-produced by machines).
To discover a part of Asian culture.
And frankly, it's super stylish as a decorative object or photo accessory.
Come on, let's get down to business. Get your fingers ready, your good mood, and let's go.
Before you can play the role of a zen craftsman, you'll need to gather a few items. Don't worry, everything can easily be found in a craft store or in your grandmother's drawers.
Thin wooden sticks (like skewers, but a little sturdier).
Rice paper, or washi paper (or failing that, strong tissue paper).
A thicker stick for the handle (like a plant stake).
White glue or hot glue.
Thin string or cotton thread.
A small nail or screw (for the center).
Scissors.
A little patience (if you have some in stock).
Paint or ink for decoration.
Light varnish (optional, but great for durability).
A mini screwdriver (for the more meticulous).
A little green tea on hand (staying on theme).
No need for a 3D printer or an architecture degree. Just your hands, a little space, and the desire to get started.
This is where you lay the foundation. Literally.
Take your wooden sticks (you'll need about 12 to 16, depending on the size of the umbrella—like those used for Umbrellas, Parasols & Chinese Umbrellas ). Arrange them in a circle, spacing them evenly, much like the spokes of a bicycle wheel.
In the center, tie them with your thread or string. Make sure to tighten them well, otherwise your umbrella may flap in the first breeze.
You can reinforce everything with a small dot of glue in the center, so that it holds even in the event of an impromptu dance on the terrace.
Take your thicker stick, drill a small hole in the center of your structure, and insert it. This will act as the handle. Glue it well and let it dry. It's not a ninja umbrella, but a minimum of sturdiness is required.
There you have it. You now have a parasol-shaped structure. Let's continue!
This is the ultimate Zen step. The art of folding, cutting, and precision.
Traditionally, rice paper or washi paper is used because it's lightweight, strong, and slightly translucent. But if you're in a pinch, quality wrapping paper can do the trick. Just avoid binder paper or journal pages (unless you're going for an artistic post-apocalypse look).
Lay your structure flat on the paper. Trace a circle around it, leaving 2 cm extra all around. Cut neatly (we trust you).
Make a notch in the center to pass the handle through.
Apply glue to the ends of the sticks, and gently place the paper on top, as if making a Chinese rug . Press gently so that it adheres well. If necessary, add a small fold between each segment so that the paper fits the curve well.
Finish by folding the excess paper inward around the handle. A dab of glue, a little massage, and voilà!
This is where the magic happens. Because a Chinese umbrella isn't just a paper circle. It's a canvas for your imagination.
If you want to play it purist, take inspiration from Chinese motifs: cherry blossoms, dragons, bamboo, ideograms (be careful what you write, eh).
Use light paint or ink. Avoid watercolors that are too wet, or your paper will turn into pancake batter.
Be modern, be yourself. Make a rainbow umbrella, an inspirational quote, or even a taco pattern. Who's stopping you?
It's your creation. Enjoy. As long as you don't draw a bloody unicorn, anything goes.
You've glued, painted, and assembled. You're proud of your work. There are a few tricks left to do to ensure your umbrella stands the test of time (and withstands gusts of wind).
A light spray varnish can help protect your paper. It's not mandatory, but it's useful if you plan to take the umbrella out into the garden or onto a balcony.
Test on a corner first, to make sure it doesn't warp the whole thing.
So, let's be clear: making a folding umbrella is possible... but that's another story. A dark story of hinges, angle calculations and mini elastics worthy of Chinese dresses , complex and refined. If you're just starting out, it's better to make a fixed umbrella, elegant and solid.
You hang it on the wall, use it for a photoshoot, plant it in a planter… and that's it!
Because making things is good. But knowing what to do with them is even better. Here are some ideas to make the most of your hours of cutting.
Hang it in your living room or bedroom. It's pretty, lightweight, and gives it a very trendy Asian arty look.
Are you a budding photographer or influencer? Your umbrella will be a hit in your photoshoots.
Perfect for a parade, an Asian-inspired costume, or even a rustic wedding.
What if you gave your umbrella to someone? It's poetic, unexpected, and much more memorable than a "I love you, Grandma" mug.
We can see you coming with your glue gun and your head full of ideas. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
The right balance is a paper that's light but strong, a bit like Chinese Clothes : delicate but strong. If you see through it like stained glass, it's too thin. If it feels like you're sticking a mouse pad to it, it's too thick.
Some wet glues warp paper. Always test on a small corner. White school glue is often your best friend.
Patience is your superpower here. Wait for each step to dry thoroughly before moving on. Otherwise, you risk having a grimy umbrella.
Have you successfully made your first umbrella and want more? Here are some ideas for exploring other creative horizons.
Yes, those famous umbrellas you stick in a mojito. You can make them with toothpicks and colored paper. Guaranteed to be a hit with aperitifs.
A luxury version, with fine fabric instead of paper. It's more technical, but super classy.
For high-tech DIY enthusiasts. Add a mini LED string light all around. Click here . Ambiance guaranteed.
Let's not kid ourselves: there are faster, louder, more modern tutorials out there. But nothing can replace the pleasure of making something as poetic as a Chinese umbrella yourself .
Whether you're an artist, curious, or just looking for a zen craft activity, this project ticks all the boxes: creativity, relaxation, beauty, and a touch of exoticism.
And then, between us... do you know many people who make their own umbrellas? There you go. You are unique. And that's the best part.