How to make a small Christmas star with 12 points out of paper - instructions & template
Are you looking for simple DIY instructions to make a 12-pointed paper Christmas star - compact, stylish and with a printable template? Then you've come to the right place!
The idea for this small, pretty star (we call it "Glücksmoment - German for "moment of pure joy") came from a dear regular customer. She liked our big giant stars, but had a very practical request: "I'd like a star that fits in a bagpack." No sooner said than done! The result is a 12-pointed paper star, which is not only much easier to handle with its 10 cm size, but also makes a great gift or window decoration.
In these instructions, I'll show you step by step how to make this compact star yourself - including a PDF template to download. With paper, scissors, glue and a little time, you can easily conjure up your own Christmas star. And the best thing is that it not only looks pretty, but also fits perfectly in any bag.
If you're looking for even more inspiration, you'll find plenty of additional tutorials for 3D paper stars - from small table stars to large eye-catching designs you can hang up.
So: fire up the printer, get your materials ready - and off you go :)
Here you'll get the template for instant download or the crafting kit for the star
Decoration ideas for the little Christmas star
Golden Christmas star made of paper with 12 points is hung on the window with both hands as decoration
A delicate paper star with 12 points as a festive window decoration - a real eye-catcher in the winter time
Step-by-step craft instructions: Making a Christmas star with 12 points
Materials needed
- 2 colored papers in red (8.5in x 11in) (weight: 65lb-110lb)
- Glue or double-sided tape
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Bonefolder / awl / ball pen refill etc.
- Cutting mat
1. Print out the PDF template on 2 pages of cardboard. I recommend 230g/m², as this will make it nice and stable. But even copy paper with 90g/m² has sufficient stability to stand on the table.
2. Now it's time for the scissors. You want to cut through all the solid lines.
3. Use an awl and a ruler to pre-fold all the dotted lines (whether long or short dotted) on the star template.
4. Place the first piece of paper in front of you so that the printed side is facing you. Now fold the long dotted lines away from you, i.e. downwards. Fold the short dashed lines upwards, i.e. towards you.
5. With my papercraft templates, there is no puzzling for you as everything is labeled in the correct order. I like to use photo glue pads for my paper models. To do this, stick the adhesive pad onto the flap (look at the photo to see exactly where I stick it).
6. Trim the protruding edges or fold them over.
7. Start with number 1 on part A and glue it together. Then take part B and glue the numbers 2. Then glue the number 3 on part B together with the number 3 on part A, and so on.
8. If you want to hang up the star as a window decoration, pierce a hole in the circle marked at number 35. To do this, use a needle or hole punch and weave a thread through it. You can attach the thread to the inside with an adhesive pad if the hole is too big, as in my case.
9. The last tips are always a bit tricky. That's why I thought of the following: tabs 34, 35 and 36 are simply glued onto the model. I adjusted the size of the tabs so that they are the same size as the star tip. Et voilà! Well done. Bisous.
10. The 12-pointed paper star is not only perfect for a little meditative DIY session, but also makes a stylish Christmas decoration for the table, windowsill or shelf.
