Origami is the art of folding paper into different shapes. One of the most popular origami shapes is the paper star. Paper stars are easy to make and they can be used for a variety of purposes, such as decoration or gift-giving. In this article, we will show you how to make a tiny paper star.
To make a tiny paper star, you will need a square piece of paper. The size of the paper will determine the size of the star. For a small star, you can use a piece of paper that is 3 inches by 3 inches. For a larger star, you can use a piece of paper that is 6 inches by 6 inches.
Once you have your paper, follow these steps to make a tiny paper star:
1. Fold the paper in half diagonally to create a triangle.
2. Fold the triangle in half again to create a smaller triangle.
3. Unfold the triangle and fold the two bottom corners up to meet the top point.
4. Fold the two top corners down to meet the bottom point.
5. Unfold the star and fold the two side points up to meet the center point.
6. Fold the two bottom points down to meet the center point.
7. Your tiny paper star is now complete!
Cutting the Paper
Once you have gathered the necessary materials, let’s get started cutting the paper for the stars. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
1. Determine the Size of Your Stars
The first step is to decide the size of your stars. This will determine the dimensions of the paper squares you’ll need. For standard-sized stars, we recommend using squares of paper that are approximately 6 inches by 6 inches. However, you can adjust the size to create smaller or larger stars as desired.
2. Cut the Paper Squares
Using a sharp craft knife or scissors, carefully cut the paper into squares. Ensure that the cuts are precise and straight for the best results. The number of squares you need will depend on the number of stars you want to make. As a general guideline, one 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper can yield around 4-6 squares, depending on the size you choose.
Cutting Tips:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use a sharp blade | A sharp blade ensures clean cuts and prevents tearing. |
| Use a ruler or cutting mat | This helps achieve accurate and straight cuts. |
| Cut on a stable surface | A stable surface minimizes accidental slips and ensures precision. |
Folding the Base
To begin, take a square piece of paper and fold it in half diagonally, creasing the paper to form a triangle shape. Next, unfold the paper and make another diagonal crease to form an “X” shape.Fold the right corner of the triangle up to the top point, aligning the edge with the center crease. Repeat this step with the left corner.
Take the bottom corner of the triangle and fold it up to the top point, aligning the edge with the center crease. Repeat this step with the other bottom corner.
Flip the paper over and fold the left corner up to the top point, aligning the edge with the center crease. Repeat this step with the right corner.
Flip the paper over again and fold the bottom point up to the top point, aligning the edge with the center crease.
You should now have a pentagon with five triangles and five flaps.
Fold each of the five flaps up to the center point of the pentagon, aligning the edges with the center creases.
You should now have a five-pointed star shape.
| Folding the Base | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle. |
| 2. | Unfold the paper and fold it in half diagonally again to form an “X” shape. |
| 3. | Fold the right corner of the triangle up to the top point, aligning the edge with the center crease. Repeat this step with the left corner. |
| 4. | Take the bottom corner of the triangle and fold it up to the top point, aligning the edge with the center crease. Repeat this step with the other bottom corner. |
| 5. | Flip the paper over and fold the left corner up to the top point, aligning the edge with the center crease. Repeat this step with the right corner. |
| 6. | Flip the paper over again and fold the bottom point up to the top point, aligning the edge with the center crease. |
| 7. | You should now have a pentagon with five triangles and five flaps. |
| 8. | Fold each of the five flaps up to the center point of the pentagon, aligning the edges with the center creases. |
| 9. | You should now have a five-pointed star shape. |
Creating the First Triangle
To create the first triangle, you’ll need two square pieces of origami paper, preferably in different colors for better visual contrast.
Step 1: Begin by folding the first square diagonally, bringing corner A to corner B and pressing down the crease. Unfold the paper.
Step 2: Fold the square in half along the other diagonal, bringing corner C to corner D and pressing down another crease. Unfold the paper and notice that you now have four intersection points marked on the square.
Step 3: Bring all four corners of the square up to meet in the center, forming a smaller square. Your previous creases will guide you.
Step 4: Flip the paper over and repeat step 3 on the other side. You now have a folded shape resembling an eight-pointed star. This is the starting point for your tiny paper star.
| Step | Image | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Fold the square diagonally from corner A to B. |
| 2 |  |
Fold the square along the other diagonal from corner C to D. |
| 3 |  |
Bring all four corners to the center to form a smaller square. |
| 4 |  |
Flip the paper over and repeat step 3 on the other side. |
Connecting the Triangles
Now that you have made your five triangles, it’s time to connect them. This is where the fun begins! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Take two triangles and place them on top of each other, aligning one corner of each triangle with the other.
- Use a small amount of glue or tape to secure the triangles together at the aligned corner.
- Repeat this process for the remaining three triangles, creating a five-pointed star shape.
- Once all five triangles are connected, you can add a small dab of glue or tape to the center of the star to hold it together.
- Allow the glue or tape to dry completely before handling the star.
- Your tiny paper star is now complete! You can use it to decorate your home, classroom, or office.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Align one corner of two triangles and secure with glue or tape. |
| 2 | Repeat for the remaining three triangles. |
| 3 | Add glue or tape to the center to hold the star together. |
| 4 | Allow the glue or tape to dry. |
| 5 | Your tiny paper star is complete! |
Adding Extra Decorations
Tiny paper stars are an easy and festive way to add some sparkle to your home or party. Once you have mastered the basic technique, you can get creative and add your own personal touch. Here are a few ideas for adding extra decorations to your tiny paper stars:
- Glitter: Sprinkle some glitter onto the star before it dries. This will give it a sparkly and festive look.
- Paint: Once the star is dry, you can paint it any color you like. You can also use different colors to create patterns or designs.
- Markers: Use markers to draw patterns or designs on the star. This is a great way to add some personal flair.
- Washi Tape: Washi tape is a decorative tape that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. You can use it to add a border to the star or to create other designs.
- Stickers: Stickers are a fun and easy way to add some extra decoration to your star. You can find stickers in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Buttons: Buttons can be used to add a touch of whimsy to your star. They can be glued or sewn onto the star.
- Beads: Beads can be used to create a variety of different designs on your star. You can string them on a thread or glue them directly to the star.
These are just a few ideas for adding extra decorations to your tiny paper stars. Get creative and have fun with it!
Variations on the Design
Changing the Size
The size of your paper stars can be easily adjusted by altering the dimensions of the squares you use. For smaller stars, use smaller squares; for larger stars, use larger squares.
Using Different Paper Colors and Patterns
Feel free to experiment with different paper colors and patterns to create unique and eye-catching stars. Consider using metallic paper, glitter paper, or patterned origami paper for a touch of elegance.
Creating Two-Toned Stars
For a more vibrant look, use two different colors of paper to create two-toned stars. Simply alternate the colors as you fold the star.
Adding Embellishments
Embellish your paper stars with beads, sequins, or glitter to add a touch of personal flair. You can glue the embellishments onto the star while it’s still flat, or wait until it’s fully assembled.
Creating a 3D Star
To create a more three-dimensional star, gently press the center of the star outwards to form a dome. Secure the dome with a small amount of glue or tape.
Making a Flattenable Star
If you want to be able to store your paper stars flat, use a different folding technique. Instead of folding the points of the star towards the center, fold them outwards to create a flat star shape.
Creating a Puffy Star
For a more puffy star, use thicker paper or fold the paper multiple times before cutting it into squares. The thicker paper will create a more pronounced puffiness.
Making a Garland
Turn your paper stars into a festive garland by connecting them with ribbon or string. Simply loop the ribbon or string through the center of each star and tie them together.
Using Stars as Decorations
Incorporate your paper stars into your home décor by hanging them from the ceiling, using them as table centerpieces, or adorning gift packages.
Materials:
• 1 sheet of origami paper (square)
• Scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Pencil or pen
• Optional: Glue or tape
Instructions:
1. Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle.
2. Unfold the paper and fold in half again diagonally, forming an “X” crease.
3. Fold the bottom right corner up to meet the top point.
4. Fold the bottom left corner up to meet the top point.
5. Fold the right side of the triangle up to meet the left side.
6. Fold the left side of the triangle up to meet the right side.
7. Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point.
8. Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.
9. Fold the right side of the triangle down to meet the left side.
10. Fold the left side of the triangle down to meet the right side.
11. Unfold the last two folds.
12. Fold the bottom corners up to meet the top point.
13. Fold the top corners down to meet the bottom point.
14. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle down to meet the center line.
15. Unfold the last two folds.
16. Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point.
17. Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.
18. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle up to meet the center line.
19. Unfold the last two folds.
20. Fold the top corners down to meet the bottom point.
21. Fold the bottom corners up to meet the top point.
22. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle down to meet the center line.
23. Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point.
24. Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.
25. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle up to meet the center line.
26. Unfold the last two folds.
27. Fold the bottom corners down to meet the top point.
28. Fold the top corners up to meet the bottom point.
29. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle up to meet the center line.
30. Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point.
31. Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.
32. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle down to meet the center line.
33. Unfold the last two folds.
34. Fold the bottom corners up to meet the top point.
35. Fold the top corners down to meet the bottom point.
36. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle down to meet the center line.
37. Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point.
38. Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.
39. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle up to meet the center line.
40. Unfold the last two folds.
41. Fold the bottom corners down to meet the top point.
42. Fold the top corners up to meet the bottom point.
43. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle up to meet the center line.
44. Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point.
45. Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.
46. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle down to meet the center line.
47. Unfold the last two folds.
48. Fold the bottom corners up to meet the top point.
49. Fold the top corners down to meet the bottom point.
50. Fold the left and right sides of the triangle down to meet the center line.
Tips for Success:
10. Be Patient
Making tiny paper stars can be a bit tedious, so it’s important to be patient. If you get frustrated, take a break and come back to it later.
How to Make Tiny Paper Stars
Creating tiny paper stars is a fun and easy way to add a touch of whimsy to your home décor or gift-giving. With just a few simple materials and a few minutes of your time, you can create beautiful and delicate stars that will bring a smile to anyone’s face.
To make tiny paper stars, you will need:
- Paper (any color or pattern will do)
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Glue or tape
Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps to make your stars:
- Cut a square of paper. The size of the square will determine the size of your star.
- Fold the square in half diagonally to create a triangle.
- Fold the triangle in half again along the other diagonal to create a smaller triangle.
- Unfold the triangle and fold the two bottom corners up to meet the top point. Crease the folds well.
- Fold the two side points in to meet the center point. Crease the folds well.
- Flip the star over and repeat steps 4 and 5 on the other side.
- Unfold the star and gently pull on the points to shape it. You can make the star more or less puffy by adjusting how much you pull on the points.
- Glue or tape the star together to secure it.
Your tiny paper stars are now complete! You can use them to decorate your home, add them to gifts, or simply enjoy their beauty.
People Also Ask
How can I make my paper stars more durable?
To make your paper stars more durable, you can use heavier paper or cardstock. You can also laminate your stars with clear contact paper to protect them from moisture and wear.
Can I use different colors and patterns of paper?
Yes, you can use any color or pattern of paper to make your stars. You can even use different colors and patterns on each side of the star to create a unique look.
How can I hang my paper stars?
You can hang your paper stars from the ceiling, walls, or windows using string, ribbon, or wire. You can also use a push pin or tack to attach them to a bulletin board or corkboard.
