How to Make Paper 3D Star

Paper folding is a fun and inexpensive hobby that the whole family can participate in. The instructions below will show you how to make a Geman Frobel Star. This three dimensional star can be used for Christmas tree decorations, lanterns to hang from the ceiling, unique additions to wrapped gifts or anything else that you can think of! Experiment with paper of different weights, patterns and colors. Instead of throwing out old newspapers and magazines, turn them into stars.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Four paper strips, each approximately 1/2 an inch wide and 20 inches long
• Scissors

1. Take the four strips of paper and place them together in a stack. Trim both ends into an arrow shape. This will make the weaving parts easier. Next, fold each strip in half. Put the four pieces into a basket weave. First, place one piece horizontally with the arrow pointing to the left. Take the next piece and place vertically with the first piece inside its fold. Arrow should be pointing up. Put the third piece horizontally with the arrow pointing left and the second piece inside its fold. Next, place the fourth piece vertically, arrow pointing down with the third piece inside its fold. Take the ends of the fourth piece and pull them through the first piece so they rest inside the folds of the first piece. Pull the ends so that you have a perfect, woven square. Next, you will need to make one more basket weave on top of the first.

2. Take the top, upward pointing piece and fold over so that its end points downward. Take the top piece on the left and fold over to the right. Take the top piece that is below right and fold it upwards. Take the top, upper right, piece and fold it to the left weaving it underneath and through the fold on the left side. Make sure the paper is pressed and the weave is tight.

3. Take the upper left piece and fold it around the back and to the right , forming a triangle. Next, fold it over to form a second triangle that is a mirror image of the first. Fold the piece over to the left at the crease between the two triangles to form one triangle. Bring the arrow through the upper right fold and pull taut. Fold back so that it sticks up toward you. Turn the star counter clockwise and repeat this process all the way around the star. Turn the star over and repeat process for the pieces on that side. You now should have a star with four strips of paper shooting out of both sides.

4. Take the star and position it so that the pieces that stick out are pointing toward you on one side and away from you on the other side. Take the piece on the right side and fold it into a loop in a counterclockwise direction. Thread the arrow through the fold on the upper left. Pull it all the way through the triangle that forms one of the points of the star. Trim the end off so that it is flush with the star point.

5. Turn the star to counter clockwise and repeat the process in step four. Turn the star over, and repeat with the pieces on that side. You now have a complete three-dimensional star. Next, color it, paint it, glue glitter or sequins on it, or decorate it any way you choose!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the paper strips are of equal length and width. Heavier weights are easier to work with.
• Always give young children safety scissors rather than the regular adult type and avoid injury and damage to your furniture by keeping a close eye.