The following tutorial shows how to create a folded paper star that was used in my Fourth of July mantel. The final star is raised, 3-dimensional, with 5 points.
Supplies:
Rectangle of Paper (ratio like 8.5 X 11 in but can be smaller or larger) The small stars in the above 4th of July mantel were a single sheet of 8.5 X 11 inch paper cut in half. Thick/Cardstock Paper*
Scissors
Folding steps:
- Fold paper in half
I know this is a doozy of a step. You can never be to careful folding in half… - Take the left hand corner and fold it over to middle of the opposite side (halfway between 1 & 2)
Honestly, just eyeball the halfway mark. You didn’t see a ruler recommended in supplies did you? - Take the point you just lined up halfway and fold it back on itself making a nice sharp crease from the point down
Fold’er? I barely even knew’er! - Take the right hand corner that has just been hanging out till now and fold it as far over as it can go.
We are just wrapping the paper around itself in this step. Giving it a nice paper hug. - Take that same point and fold it back on itself just like you did on step 3
For added fun, I crease the hell out of everything when I am done.
Cutting:
Here is where the magic happens! Depending on how steep or shallow you cut the star will come out with fat or sharp points.
- Makes a fat almost round star
- Normal American Flag 5 pointed star. (try to make the angles match)
- Pointy Christmas Star
Voila, unfold and re-crease the points make a 3 dimensional point.
Notes:
For good dimensional quality a thicker paper like a medium weight cardstock work the best because it holds its shape. Also making nice sharp creases makes the final folds look the best.
Love this – I used to know how to do these but had forgotten! My kids would love them! #WAYWOW
It is so easy and once you do it a few times it comes right back.
These look fun to make!!!!
I love these stars Brianna! I can see so many ways that I can use them for the 4th! Thanks for giving such great instructions.
Brianna, I love these stars! I have seen something similar but I couldn’t get them quite right. But your tutorial is perfect, I think even I can follow this!
I wonder what would happen if you painted them, or modge-podged a thin patterned paper over the top and then put layers of acrylic varnish over them. I wonder if they would be sturdy enough to use as year round decor? I’m gonna have to try this, buying these stars is expensive, but with your tutorial I think I might be able to create my own! Yippee!
Okay, it looks easy enough! But it could be because your instructions are so well done. :) I’ll have to try it and see. Thanks for sharing. Great stars!
I swear this is super easy!
I used to love making things with my mom forever ago, totally forgot about them, thanks for sharing and your tutorial is perfect! #WayWow
I love resurrecting older crafts! I have so many memories of crafting with my mom and great grandmother. I always think of them when sewing and making.
Looks so nice! Thanks for sharing #WAYWOW
Thanks for sharing your tutorial, you make it look so easy! Love the 3 dimensional look, and great for Patriotic Holiday’s.
I love the dimensional look! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann!
I am going to try these – not for the 4th as I would be late and I am Irish – Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.
I’ve always wondered how to make 3d stars now I know. I will give it a go sometime maybe not for the 4th but for christmas
Stars really work well for all kinds of holidays. Plus they just make fun decorations for parties, present toppers, and home decor. Please let me know how it goes and if you have any questions about any of the steps.
this is a great site to make stars but i keep on messing up. On the 7 time i did it. So i was really happy.
It took me awhile to figure out how to fold it correctly every time. If you have any suggestions on making it clearer please let me know.
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it’s good for me, thank ya!
All I was left with was folded and cut paper there was no visual on how to fold the paper to make it 3d
Well you just kinda have to look at the main photo and pop each piece out. There is not a real good way to photograph that, sorry!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful project–I am excited to be featuring it today! The new link party is up today, so link up anything you have been posting about! And we will be featuring FROZEN TREATS next week, so if you have any FROZEN TREATS–please share them and we will be happy to feature them! Can’t wait to see what you have to share! http://www.dosmallthingswithlove.com/2013/06/happy-hour-friday-628.html
Thank you so much for featuring me in patriotic ideas! I made sure to pin it on Pinterest!
Thanks for coming over to see my Angry Birds Cake. Sorry your son threw a fit over them. If I was closer, I would just have to make him one.
Whoops! I’m from Western North Carolina and when we say someone “threw a fit” over something, it just means they thought it was awesome! :) I never thought about how anyone else would read that. Hilarious.
I’ve gotta try this! This would look super cute with red, white and blue colored cardstock. Pinned! I will be doing this soon.
Thanks for the pin. I had some cardstock with small stars in blue I thought might be cute for the 4th as well. The stripes could be awesome and probably a lot easier to fold.
Thanks for this excellent tutorial on making these stars!
Thanks so much! Glad you found it readable/understandable.