Paper Star Tutorial

So, I've had some request for a Star Tutorial. Although I read a lot of tutorials, I have never created one myself. So I hope this is adequate for your needs and understanding. I also want to thank Ellie for teaching me how to make these.

First you will need a pattern, I have one at the end of this post that you should be able to print. It looks like this:

Next you will need six sheets of paper. I've done these with regular scrapbook paper and also with scrapbook card stock. The card stock is much better and sturdier, but the paper works just fine as well. Choose your paper according to how you want your star to look. If you want them all to be the same, or alternating, or if you don't have enough sheets to have matching, just use coordinating papers.

Next trace your pattern onto the backs to two sheets of your paper

Then I staple three sheets together with one of the patterned sheets on top. The stapling just makes for easier cutting. This way you only have to cut twice; two sets of three sheets of paper. Are you following me so far? 

Now all your paper should be cut and look like this -

Next, use a ruler and pen to "score" your paper following the pattern. Press firmly with your pen as you draw the lines. This will make the folding process go very quickly. Draw your lines just as they are on the pattern, matching up each corner. 

Referring back again to your pattern fold the lines either "In" or "Out". In means toward you and out mean away from you. 

All your sheets should now look like this - 

Starting with your first sheet of paper, glue on the larger inner edge.

Press both sides firmly together

Next glue on top of the two bottoms flaps. Do not press them down yet!

Put your next piece on top and then press down those edges over the top of the next piece. 

Tape these edges to secure them. Three pieces should do it, one on each side. 

With your final sheet of paper, glue the smaller bottom edges and fold them in.

Glue the larger edge just as you did the others. 

Now, you will need two pieces of string about 10 in. long, tie a knot on each end. 

Staple one string to each of the outer pieces.

Flip it over and staple one on the other side of your star. 

Next, open your star carefully, as the glue is still drying, and tie the two ends together. You may have to play with each piece a little to make them fit nicely in the center.

Viola! You are done!

I have seen some people use a hole punch to make little holes all over their star, and then they added Christmas lights to the inside. You can also untie them to fold them flat for easy storage, if they are seasonal. 

The pattern

Click on the picture and then print on heavy paper. (Ignore the little pen mark on the bottom near "out". I was too lazy to fix it)