Origami is a traditional art of folding paper, which originated centuries ago in Japan, China, and some European countries. Flat pieces of paper are folded and constructed into interesting paper models without the use of a pair of scissors or glue. Many origami designs have evolved into modern art forms and deviated from the original usage of a piece of square paper. People are now using paper of different shapes and sizes for origami and other Japanese paper folding crafts.
The most popular paper strip origami is probably making lucky stars. The lucky star is also known as a dream star, wishing star, or origami star. It is easy and quick to make. Making these lucky stars can become addictive too. You can even make them while watching TV or while waiting for your friends.
Papers of different colours cut into strips are used to construct lucky stars of different sizes. These colourful little origami creations look stunning when placed in a glass bottle or bowl for display.
This is a great activity for both adults and children who like paper folding. They will be occupied with hours of fun making the lucky stars. The stars, when threaded together like beads, can be made into a necklace, garland, earrings, or a curtain of lucky star beads.
Here are the steps on how to make stars out of paper strips. You will need some colourful origami paper; they are available in some craft stores or Japanese products stores. They are also available online from Amazon or eBay.
However, if you cannot wait to get started on this activity with the kids, you can make your own paper strips by using any A4-sized coloured paper, construction paper, or wrapping paper. You can choose different themes for your lucky stars, like autumn colours or Christmas colours.
Cut the paper into strips. As a beginner, you can start with 1.3 centimetres in width and 30 centimetres in length. The narrower the strip of paper, the smaller the star will be.
Take one end of the paper and tie it into a loose knot. Gently tighten the knot so that it looks like a flat pentagon.
Get hold of the other long end of the strip and wrap it around the pentagon tightly. Align the edge of the strip to the side of the pentagon and fold the strip to the other side.
Keep wrapping around until a short strip remains. Tuck the remaining part of the strip in between layers of the paper on the pentagon to secure the strip and finish off.
Hold the pentagon between your thumb and index finger. With your other hand, push the sides of the pentagon in towards the centre. You might have to use your fingernail to push in the sides if necessary.
When all the sides are pushed in, the pentagon should look like a three-dimensional star.
© 2011 lady rain
About the author
Lady Rain lives in Australia and enjoys writing about travels, paper quilling crafts and historical events.
