Paper Stars: How To Make 5 Pointed 3-D

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.

Come on... I'm perfect for Pinning!
Come on… I’m perfect for Pinning! Just hover your mouse.

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* holds its shape well.

Scissors

Folding steps:

  1. Fold paper in half

    I know this is a doozy of a step.  You can never be to careful folding in half...
    I know this is a doozy of a step. You can never be to careful folding in half…
  2. Take the left hand corner and fold it over to middle of the opposite side (halfway between 1 & 2)

    paper-star-step2
    Honestly, just eyeball the halfway mark. You didn’t see a ruler recommended in supplies did you?
  3. 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!
    Fold’er? I barely even knew’er!
  4. 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.
    We are just wrapping the paper around itself in this step. Giving it a nice paper hug.
  5. 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.
    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.

We won't discuss how the waste paper makes me cringe...
We won’t discuss how the waste paper makes me cringe…
  1. Makes a fat almost round star
  2. Normal American Flag 5 pointed star. (try to make the angles match)
  3. 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.paper-stars

34 thoughts on “Paper Stars: How To Make 5 Pointed 3-D”

  1. 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!

    Reply
  2. 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!

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  3. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
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  5. All I was left with was folded and cut paper there was no visual on how to fold the paper to make it 3d

    Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
    • 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.

      Reply

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