How to Make Paper Stars for Christmas

Paper Christmas stars can add a crafty twist to your holiday decor.

Re-use paper from your recycle bin, wrapping paper, construction paper, scrapbooking paper--even the Sunday funny papers--to create festive and individualized decorations that are not your traditional Christmas stars.

Things You'll Need

• Two 8 1/2-by-11 pieces of paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Clear tape

Instructions

1. 

   Christmas stationary

   Cut two sheets of standard size 8 1/2-by-11-inch paper in half, making four strips of paper 11 inches long by 4 1/4 inches wide.

2. Take two of your strips, overlap the ends a tiny bit and tape. Do the same with the other two strips. You now have two long strips of paper measuring roughly 4 1/4 inches wide by 21 1/2 inches long.

3. 

   Accurate measurements make for a cleaner design.

   Measure and draw a line one inch from the long edge up each each strip of paper.

4. 

   Your paper strips should be lined like notebook paper.

   Draw lines at 1/2 inch intervals across the width of the strip. These will be your cutting and folding lines.

5. 

   One side of your paper strip should look like this.

   Cut a zig zag or jagged edge on one edge of each strip of paper. Start at one corner of your strip and cut at an angle down to the one inch line you marked across the strip of paper. Cut back up to the edge of the strip and continue making a jagged edge across the entire strip. Do this to both strips.

6. 

   Sharply crease the pleats in your paper to give your star a nice shape.

   Pleat the strips of paper by folding the paper on the lines canvassing the width of the paper. Flip the paper over and fold to the next line. Do this across each strip of paper. Be sure your folds are very sharp. You will end with the paper being folded like an accordion.

7. Hold one pleated strip of paper in your hand with the cut points up.

8. Pinch the right edge flap of the pleated paper with your right thumb and index finger. Pinch the left edge flap of the pleated paper with your left thumb and index finger.

9. 

   Each half of your Christmas star should be shaped like this image.

   Keep the center of the paper pressed between your thumbs and bend the outside edges so they fan out. Tape the bottom of your "fan" to keep it together. This is one half of your Christmas star.

10. Repeat steps to create the other half of your Christmas star.

11. Tape together the flat edges of the two halves of your Christmas paper star.

12. 

    Include some non-traditional paper stars in your Christmas decor this year.

    Measure and cut a long strip of scrap paper. Fold the strip in half, matching the short edges. Tape to the back of your Christmas paper star and hang on your Christmas tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach your paper Christmas star to presents rather than traditional bows.

• Decorate paper with glitter, markers or paint prior to pleating the paper.

• If you don't want your pencil marks to show, draw them lightly, pleat your paper, unfold the paper and lay it flat. Erase your pencil marks and refold. Continue as directed.

References

• "Christmas Crafts"; Compiled by Jilly MacLeod; 1991

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese