Khanyi Mlaba
Make your own 3D paper star as seen in our December 2019 issue by following these instructions. It looks gorgeous hung in a window or above a mantelpiece and it’s a fun craft project to do on the holidays.
Related to ‘make a 3D paper star’: Make your own Christmas crackers
YOU WILL NEED:
- 5 sheets of cardstock (we used A3 for a big star)
- Template
- Printer (or have the templates printed at a local printing shop)
- Scissors
- Glue gun (or any strong glue)
- Ruler
- Pen
- Pretty ribbon
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:
STEP 1: Print out a template on each sheet of A3 paper.
STEP 2: Cut them out, carefully cutting the small indents as well.
STEP 3: With the printed side facing up, use a ruler and a pen to score along the folding lines. This will make folding much easier.
STEP 4: Fold along the lines.
STEP 5: Glue each side together, making a pyramid or cone shape. Each of these will be a point on the star.
STEP 6: Repeat for all five.
STEP 7: Fold the remaining two tabs on each point outwards. This will make it easier to connect the points together.
STEP 8: Glue one tab to the inside of another point. Flip it over and do the same on the other side.
STEP 9: Repeat this until you get to the last point. This one is a bit tricky. Glue it as above and then press firmly from the inside.
STEP 10: Leave one tab unglued at the back. This is optional, but if you want to put a battery-powered tealight candle inside the star later on, you can use this opening.
STEP 11: Use the open gap to glue the end of a long piece of ribbon inside. The side with the opening can sit at the back so it’s not seen.
OTHER IDEAS
1. Use a star-shaped punch to cut stars into each template before you fold it together.
2. Make lots of different-sized stars and hang them together in a cluster using fishing wire.
3. Get the kids involved by having them decorate the paper before folding into shape. Glitter glue, paint and stamps are all fun and festive.
4. Wrap the star in fairy lights before hanging it up.
5. Use it as a topper for your tree.
