Super Paper Stars

How to Make Paper Origami Stars

---

Earlier this month I was invited by one of my favorite former colleagues, Mandy Balek-Stephens, to teach a paper art workshop for sophomore and junior Schuler Scholars at Milwaukee’s Golda Meir School. The groups learned how to create origami stars to use as holiday decorations or gifts for their families. It was a fun challenge and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with these super stars!

---

How to Use

Paper stars can be ornaments, garland, or added to a chopstick to make a magic wand! I tied mine to all of my holiday gifts. They are also great New Year’s Eve or 4th of July decorations. Happy Holidays!

---

What You’ll Learn

This activity is appropriate for all ages but it’s a good idea to collaborate with an adult if the children are younger than 8–10. Younger children can paint and decorate while the supervisor does the folding.

Some of the steps can be tricky so it’s a great lesson in patience and persistence. The first attempt might not turn out as planned, but keep trying and they/you will easily be able to retain and recall the steps. Your house will be filled with dozens of stars in no time!

Precision and craftsmanship are also important aspects of this activity. Each fold matters when practicing origami. Because the process does not require an adhesive, it helps to ensure the folds are as accurate as possible so it can magically come together in the end.

---

Materials

Start with a square piece of paper. The sheet will shrink in size by the time you finish so I recommend starting with a sheet about 8.5 x 8.5”, which is easily cut from standard letter size.

Use papers that are relatively thin – basic printer, newsprint, wrapping paper, construction, recycled book pages, magazines, etc. Feel free to fold and then paint, paint then fold, add glitter, or use markers or crayons. My students created abstract paintings with watercolors and then completed the steps.

TIP ~ The process is easier if one side of the paper is colored and the other is blank. You’ll know which side to put down on the table and what to have facing up.

• Paper cut into a square
• Watercolor, Markers, Crayons (optional)
• Scissors
• Glitter (if you’re feeling adventurous)
• Chopsticks and glue or double-sided tape (for wands)
• Needle and thread (for ornaments/garland)

---

Click below for the FREE step-by-step PDF instructions.

---

Watch the Full 7 Minute Paper Folding Tutorial

---

Finishing Touches

Star Wands

Wrap double sided tape around the flat end of a wooden chopstick, open a flap of the star slightly, insert and press together.

Ornaments

Thread a needle and insert the needle into the decorative side of the star. It’s easier from this side and you won’t accidentally punch an extra hole.

---

Best of Luck

Please tag me on Instagram if you try this activity. I can’t wait to see what you create!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

---

Shop Julie’s Available Paper Works

---