How to Make a 3D Star Using String
Real stars are not angular shapes, but three-dimensional spheres that change color. Based on satellite imagery and knowledge of our sun, scientists believe that the color of a particular star is determined by its age, temperature and gaseous contents. The closest star to Earth, the sun, appears yellow-red because it's burning hydrogen gas and reaching temperatures over 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use this information to make a realistic model of a star using colored string -- just match the color of the string to the age and temperature of the star you are making. Blue stars are hot and vibrant, while red stars are getting bigger, cooling down and nearing the end.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Round balloon
- String, various colors
- Scissors
- Glue
- Glitter
- Food coloring
- Bowl
- Tape
- Pin
- Hook
Instructions
-
-
1
Inflate a balloon to the size of the star model you are building; the size of the balloon determines the size of the star. Do not inflate the balloon completely if you desire a small star.
-
2
Fill a bowl with glue. Add glitter and food coloring to the paste. Stir until all ingredients have been well incorporated.
-
-
3
Cut a 3-foot length of string. Submerge the string in the glue. Pull the string out, using your fingers to push the excess glue off of the string. The string should be tacky but not dripping wet.
-
4
Wrap the string around the balloon to form the shape of the star. String can be shaped into spirals to represent swirling gases, or trailed across the balloon's surface in a random pattern.
-
5
Use different colored string and glue mixtures to achieve a more colorful model. Combine colors such as white and blue or red and yellow for realism.
-
6
Repeat Steps 3 through 7 until the balloon is completely covered or the desired shape is achieved. Make sure that each individual string is connected to another so that they form a single network of strings. Add short lengths of string to bridge any gaps in the pattern.
-
7
Dry the string star for 48 hours. Hang the balloon to avoid uneven drying. Tie a string to the tail of the balloon, and tape the string to the ceiling.
-
8
Pop the balloon with a pin. Remove the balloon remnants from the interior of the string star carefully.
-
9
Hang the string star with a length of string or a hook.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Try adding paint, food coloring, glitter or essential oils to the string as well as the glue.
Thread plastic pony beads onto the string to add color to your project.
Use light or medium weight cotton string for this project, not nylon. Cotton absorbs glue better.
Balloon remnants pose a choking hazard, particularly for young children and pets. Make sure to remove all traces of the balloon and dispose of them in a trash can immediately.
Although harmless to most people, balloons can pose a serious hazard to individuals with a latex allergy. Before performing this activity with a group check to be sure that none of your participants has an allergy. Also, discuss the nature of the activity with management if conducting this craft in a public place.
Use caution when inflating the balloon. Do not inhale while holding the balloon to your mouth. Do not walk, run or jump while inflating the balloon.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
