3D Paper Stars
Big impact with big, big joy!
The Set Up
This is one of those processes that looks impressive but is actually very doable once you know the rhythm. You’ll need paper bags or lunch bags, glue, scissors, a hole punch and string for hanging. We usually use 7 bags per star. Thicker paper bags hold their shape best and give you that crisp, sculptural finish.
Stack the bags neatly with all the openings facing the same direction. Point the folded flap at the bottom of each bag upwards. That flap matters! It’s what gives the star its structure once it opens. So you apply the glue to the flap and then in a line upwards to form an upside down T. Then stick down the next bag with the flat side facing down into the glue, and the flap of the new bag facing upwards again. And so on!
Smudge Tip
For younger artists or thicker bags, split the stack. Glue 3 bags together in one pile and 4 in another, then cut the design into each stack separately. It makes cutting much easier and keeps the shapes cleaner. An adult can always help with this step if needed. once they've all got the same design cut into them, then you can go ahead and glue the two stack together so that all 7 bags are attached and lined up.
The Making
Draw a simple / bold design on the top bag. Curves, points and half circles work beautifully. Avoid anything too tiny because it can be trick to cut out intricate designs. Cut straight through the stack.
Now comes the moment everyone waits for! Hold both ends and gently pull the stack open into a star.
Glue the two outer edges together to secure the shape, or leave them unglued and add a hole punch and string so the star can be folded flat and reused year after year.
Finish with watercolours and metallic paints. Soft washes soak into the paper and give the star depth, or a touch of gold or silver will add just enough sparkle.
Materials
Paper bags or lunch bags. We like 120 gsm paper bags with the following dimensions 295 H x 160 W x 85 D mm gusset.
Glue sticks or liquid / hot glue
Scissors
Hole punch
String or fishing line
Watercolour paints
Metallic paints
Brushes
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3D Paper Stars
Big impact with big, big joy!
Bookmark
Sculpture
The Set Up
This is one of those processes that looks impressive but is actually very doable once you know the rhythm. You’ll need paper bags or lunch bags, glue, scissors, a hole punch and string for hanging. We usually use 7 bags per star. Thicker paper bags hold their shape best and give you that crisp, sculptural finish.
Stack the bags neatly with all the openings facing the same direction. Point the folded flap at the bottom of each bag upwards. That flap matters! It’s what gives the star its structure once it opens. So you apply the glue to the flap and then in a line upwards to form an upside down T. Then stick down the next bag with the flat side facing down into the glue, and the flap of the new bag facing upwards again. And so on!
Smudge Tip
For younger artists or thicker bags, split the stack. Glue 3 bags together in one pile and 4 in another, then cut the design into each stack separately. It makes cutting much easier and keeps the shapes cleaner. An adult can always help with this step if needed. once they've all got the same design cut into them, then you can go ahead and glue the two stack together so that all 7 bags are attached and lined up.
The Making
Draw a simple / bold design on the top bag. Curves, points and half circles work beautifully. Avoid anything too tiny because it can be trick to cut out intricate designs. Cut straight through the stack.
Now comes the moment everyone waits for! Hold both ends and gently pull the stack open into a star.
Glue the two outer edges together to secure the shape, or leave them unglued and add a hole punch and string so the star can be folded flat and reused year after year.
Finish with watercolours and metallic paints. Soft washes soak into the paper and give the star depth, or a touch of gold or silver will add just enough sparkle.
Materials
Paper bags or lunch bags. We like 120 gsm paper bags with the following dimensions 295 H x 160 W x 85 D mm gusset.
Glue sticks or liquid / hot glue
Scissors
Hole punch
String or fishing line
Watercolour paints
Metallic paints
Brushes
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
