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Twinkle, Twinkle, Paper Star: A Night of Origami

DIY Paper Stars: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Festive Decorations

Add a touch of handmade elegance to your holidays and celebrations with these beautiful folded paper stars! I stumbled upon instructions for these stars in an old magazine, The Workbasket. The original directions were quite confusing, and the illustrations weren’t much help. But don’t worry, I’ve simplified the process to make it easy for you to create stunning paper stars that will impress your friends and family. These stars are perfect for decorating your Christmas tree, adorning gifts, or adding a festive touch to your New Year’s Eve party.

Five white folded paper stars. These handmade decorations add a festive touch to any occasion.

What You’ll Need to Make Your Own Paper Stars

  • Paper (cardstock or decorative paper works best)
  • Scissors or a Fiskars Rotary Paper Trimmer (recommended for precise cuts)
  • Ruler (if using scissors)
  • A little patience and a willingness to experiment!

Note: In the following instructions, I’ll use different colored paper strips (red and white) to help you easily distinguish them during the folding process.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Folding Paper Stars

Follow these detailed steps to create your own beautiful paper stars:

Step 1: Cut the Paper Strips

Using scissors or a paper cutter, carefully cut the paper into four strips. Each strip should measure approximately ½ inch in width and 14 inches in length. Accuracy is key to achieving a well-formed star, so take your time with this step.

Step 2: Fold the Strips in Half

Take each of the four paper strips and fold them in half, creating a crease in the center. This will make the strips easier to work with in the subsequent steps.

Step 3: Interweave the Strips

This is where the magic begins! Thread the strips through each other as shown in the image below. The goal is to create a woven square at the center of the strips. Make sure the folded ends of the strips are aligned.

Strips of folded red and white paper are glued and fastened together to create an art piece. This is the foundation for your paper star.

Step 4: Tighten the Weave

Gently pull the ends of the strips to tighten the woven square. This will create a more secure base for your star and help to define its shape.

Red and pink ribbons are intertwined. Tightening the weave creates a secure base for the star.

Step 5: Fold the Strips Backwards (Clockwise)

Lift one of the top four strips backward across the strip below. Working in a clockwise direction, fold the other three top strips backward across the strips below. This creates a layered effect that will eventually form the points of the star.

Two brown strips of paper and two red strips of paper in a basket weave. Folding the strips backwards is crucial for creating the star's points.

Step 6: Lock the Strips Together

Tuck the last strip you folded backward under the first strip to lock all the strips together. This secures the interwoven structure and prevents the star from unraveling.

A person is holding red and pink strips of paper. Locking the strips ensures the star stays together.

Step 7: Fold a Triangle

Fold one strip underneath at a 90-degree angle, creating a triangle. This is the first step in forming one of the star’s points. Ensure the fold is crisp and precise.

A white and pink paper craft being made. Creating the triangle is the first step in forming a star point.

Step 8: Loop and Crease

Loop the folded strip forward and around, then pass it under the square directly below the triangle shape you just created. Pull the strip taught and crease it to make a sharp edge, creating another triangle on top of the one below. This adds dimension and definition to the star point.

Four strips of brown and red paper weaved together in a basket weave. Looping and creasing adds dimension to the star's points.

Step 9: Repeat Clockwise

Working clockwise, skip the next strip and repeat step 8 for the next strip. Continue repeating this process until you have created a total of four points on one side of the star.

Pink and red ribbons are spread across a black surface. Repeating the process creates multiple points on one side of the star.
Pink and red ribbons criss cross on a black surface.

Step 10: Repeat on the Other Side

Turn the piece over and repeat steps 7 through 9 to create points on the other side of the star. After this step, you should have a total of eight points.

Two brown strips of paper interlaced with two red strips of paper. Repeating on the other side creates a symmetrical star.

Step 11: Prepare to Form the Final Points

Find the four strips on top. Pick up the strip pointing towards you and push it back, holding it away from you. This prepares the strip for the final point formation.

Woman wearing ring and tying pink ribbon. Preparing the strips is essential for forming the final points.

Step 12: Loop, Flip, and Tuck

With your other hand, take the top strip pointing to the right and loop it under and flip it a quarter turn to the side. Turn it a quarter turn again as shown. Pass the strip under the square below. Pull the strip to fashion a point. This creates the final, distinct points of the star.

Step 13: Complete the Final Points

Working in a clockwise fashion, repeat steps 11 and 12 until you have four points facing you. The last strip will be passed under the first point you made.

Bonus Tip: Make a Bow!

If you want to create a bow for a present instead of a full star, stop here! Simply cut the ends of the strips off as close to the points as possible.

A wrapped up christmas gift.

Step 14: Flip and Repeat

Flip the star over and repeat steps 11 through 13 to create the final points on the other side.

Step 15: Trim the Ends

Cut the ends of the strips off as close to the points as possible. This gives the star a clean, finished look.

A white folded paper star. Trimming the ends gives the star a polished appearance.

Attach thread or monofilament to the star for hanging. Now you have a beautiful, handmade paper star to decorate your home or give as a gift!

Paper star with multiple points on top of flat surface. These paper stars are perfect for adding a festive touch to any space.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you encounter any difficulties along the way, please feel free to ask questions in the comments below. I’ll do my best to guide you through the process or modify the instructions as needed. Happy crafting!

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