Craft a galaxy of pretty paper stars using your favorite
shades of washi tape. These stars are simply satisfying to create all on their
own, but you can also use them as decorations, gift toppers, or ornaments. Keep
it simple with a single star or string together a whole constellation! Prefer
to make your stars out of pretty paper? You can fold these paper stars out of
any paper you please by using a ratio of 1:12.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Paper (standard 8.5" x 11")
Washi tape
Glitter tape (thin masking-tape style)
Scissors
Glue
Small hole punch
Twine or ribbon
ARTIST’S TIP
Standard printer or copy paper is perfect for this project.
For easy folding, thin paper works best, as the tape adds extra bulk.
STEP 1
Apply one strip of standard-width (5/8") washi tape
along the length of the paper. Apply a second slim-width (¼") strip of
washi tape next to it so that the two strips of tape are aligned without gaps
or overlapping. Cut out the strip. Repeat for as many stars as you wish to
make.
STEP 2
Starting at one end, with the tape-covered side facing away
from you, fold the top right corner down to meet the left edge of the strip,
creating a triangle shape.
STEP 3
Using the first triangle as a guide, continue folding the
strip back and forth in a triangular pattern, making sure that the edges align
with each fold.
STEP 4
Once the entire strip is folded, it’s time to assemble the
star. The slim strip of tape will be the outside edge of the star. To create
the star shape, apply glue to the first five inside folds and press each together.
Allow to dry.
STEP 5
From the fifth point, count two triangles (one square), and
cut off the excess paper. Overlap the two ends to finish the star shape. Make
sure that the end with the slim tape strip along the edge is positioned on top.
Glue into place, and allow to dry.
STEP 6
To transform the star into a shooting star, make a sparkly
tail! Apply three strips of glitter tape to paper, approximately 5” long each.
Cut out the tape strips, angling the edges. Then create a fringe by making long
cuts from the bottom edge up to about ½" from the top edge.
STEP 7
Punch a hole in the top of each glitter strip. String onto a
piece of twine or ribbon; secure with a note. Then punch a hole in the top and
bottom of the star. String onto the twine above the glitter tape strips and, if
desired, tie a second knot on top of the star.
MAKE IT A GARLAND
The only thing prettier than one shooting star is a whole
string of them! Determine how long you’d like your garland to be. Cut a
corresponding length of thin ribbon or pretty twine. Attach shooting stars at
evenly spaced intervals, approximately 4 to 6 inches apart.
Can't wait to see your galaxy of folded paper stars!
