How To Make Origami Lucky Stars
/Learn how to fold these easy origami lucky stars from a single strip of paper. These cute little 3D stars are also known as wishing stars or puffy stars.
Arrange them in a glass jar and display them on a shelf, give away to a friend or string them together as a garland.
Follow the step-by-step photo tutorial below. A fun and simple paper star origami project for kids and adults alike.
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This post was originally shared in 2019 but has since been updated.
Origami Lucky Star.
Want to know how to make a tiny paper star? I’ve got a quick origami tutorial to share with you today that will show you exactly how to fold them.
These sweet origami stars (also known as puffy stars or wishing stars) are easy, fun and addictive to fold. Before you know it you’ll have a pile of tiny stars ready to be popped into a jar and displayed.
Use them to decorate a gift, as a party decoration for New Year (they make a fantastic mini garland), in a vase or jar or even as a bracelet. My favourite things to do with them are to string them up as a garland and wrap them around my mini Christmas tree. You could also use them as cupcake toppers by attaching a little star to the end of a cocktail stick.
DIY Paper Stars.
Origami lucky stars (sometimes known as wishing stars) are supposed to bring you luck as you fold them and even more luck if you give them away. Fold a hundred of them and give them away to a friend and that lucky person gets to make a wish. Either way, they make a lovely gift when arranged in a jar or bowl.
Origami Star Paper Strips.
Each star is made from a strip of paper about 10 inches by 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch. You can make them different sizes by changing the thickness of the strip.
The thicker the strip the larger the stars. The paper strips could be 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, or 3/4 inch and still work.
The stars in this tutorial were made using scrapbook paper cut into 12 inches by 1/2-inch strips. You can use whatever paper you have on hand as long as it’s lightweight (thin) and not cardstock. I’ve used magazines and even gift wrap in the past.
Don’t want to cut the strips yourself? You can buy origami lucky star paper strips already cut to size.
Supplies:
Origami Paper Star Strips / Wrapping Paper
You can make these stars from any paper you have on hand - simple printer paper, sheet music, or old magazines. I made these ones using scrapbook paper which can be a little bit thick but still works.
You can buy pre-cut Origami Paper Star Strips or use paper strips cut from your favourite patterned paper cut into strips measuring 1/2 inch by 12 inches.
This project is part of my Easy Origami Projects PDF eBook. You can find it in the shop along with the rest of my printables and templates.
How To Make Origami Paper Stars:
1. Start by taking one end of your paper strip and looping it around.
2. Push the short end through the loop to form a knot and pull gently.
Be careful not to pull it too tight and rip the paper.
3. Press flat to make a pentagon shape.
4. Tuck the short end of the paper strip into the knot.
If the end is too long and doesn’t fit you can either trim it with a pair of scissors or carefully shuffle the knot closer to the end of the strip.
5. Wrap the long end around each side of your pentagon to make a diagonal fold. It should naturally follow in the right direction.
Top tip:
Wrap the strip and knot as neatly and tightly as possible to help make your puffy star even and sturdy.
6. Keep going until you have a small tailpiece left.
7. Tuck the end of the strip of paper securely into the knot.
8. It’s now time to inflate your star and make the points. Pinch in the sides of the pentagon by taking the points of the star between your thumb and forefinger and squeezing.
9. Rotate and repeat for each point to make your star puff up. To make a sharper corner you can use your fingernail to push in the edges.
This part can take a little practice but stick with it and you should be able to get a star to puff out perfectly.
10. Repeat until you have enough stars to fill a jar or string up as a garland.
Making these lucky paper stars can be quite addictive. It’s a great way to keep your hands busy while you’re watching the telly. They make a fantastic Christmas craft for the whole family and are lovely holiday decorations when used to decorate a tree.
Now that you’ve mastered these cute origami stars why not have a go at these 3D easy origami stars.
Happy crafting!
Want more paper stars crafts? Check out some of our favourites below or find more fun crafts for the Holidays here:
No time to make these Origami Puffy Stars? Pin the image below so you can come back to it later!
