Looking for a simple and inexpensive Christmas decoration you can make at home? This DIY 3D paper star is a fun holiday craft that requires only a few basic supplies and can be made with scrapbook paper, cardstock, or patterned paper.
These handmade stars look beautiful on a Christmas tree, hanging from the ceiling, displayed on a mantel, or added to a holiday wreath. They’re also a great Christmas craft for kids and students, making this project a fun classroom activity during the holiday season.
The best part? You only need two square pieces of paper to create a dimensional 8-point Christmas star.
If you prefer following along visually, you can also watch the video tutorial here: Watch the DIY 3D Star Tutorial on YouTube
DIY 3D Paper Star Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 square pieces of paper
- Scissors Glue or double-sided tape
- Pencil
- (Optional) Ruler
- (Optional) String, ribbon, or a wooden stick for hanging or displaying
Paper tip: Cardstock or scrapbook paper works especially well because it is sturdy enough to hold the star’s shape. You can also experiment with Christmas-themed patterns, solid colors, polka dots, stripes, or metallic paper.
For a classroom craft, you can let students choose their own paper designs to make every star unique.
How to Make a DIY 3D Paper Star
Step 1: Start With a Square Piece of Paper
Take one square piece of paper and place it flat on your work surface.
Fold the paper horizontally in half and crease it well. Open it back up.
Next, fold it vertically in half and crease the fold. Open the paper again.
Finally, fold the paper diagonally in both directions, creating two diagonal creases.
When you unfold the paper, you should have several crease lines dividing the square. These creases will serve as guides for shaping your star.
Creating the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal folds first makes the remaining steps much easier. Similar paper-star tutorials use these same folds to establish the guides needed for the star points.
Step 2: Cut Along the Horizontal and Vertical Creases
Look for the horizontal and vertical crease lines—not the diagonal ones.
Using your scissors, carefully cut from each edge toward the center. Stop approximately halfway between the outside edge and the center.
You should make four cuts total: one on each side of the square.
Be careful not to cut all the way to the center. The uncut center area is what keeps the star together.
If you’re making this craft with children, an adult can prepare the cuts ahead of time for younger students, while older children can practice doing the cutting themselves with supervision. This halfway-cut technique is also used in other 3D paper-star instructions.
Step 3: Fold the Paper to Create the Star Points
Now it’s time to turn your flat square into a star!
Starting with one of the cut sections, fold one side inward toward the diagonal crease.
Then fold the other side inward so that the two folded edges meet.
This creates a pointed shape.
Crease the folds firmly so that the point holds its shape.
Repeat the same process on the remaining three sides of the paper.
Once you’ve finished folding all four sections, you should see the shape of a 4-point star beginning to form. Folding the cut sections toward the diagonal creases is the key step that creates the individual star points.
Step 4: Overlap and Glue the Folded Sections
Once all four points are folded, slightly overlap the two folded sides of each point.
Apply a small amount of glue to one side and press the other side over it.
Hold it in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to grab.
Repeat this for all four points.
Try not to use too much glue. A small amount is usually enough, and using too much can make the paper soggy or cause glue to show on the front of the star.
At this stage, you should have a beautiful 4-point 3D star.
Step 5: Make the Second Star
Now take your second square piece of paper.
Repeat Steps 1 through 4:
- Fold horizontally.
- Fold vertically.
- Fold along both diagonals.
- Cut halfway along the horizontal and vertical creases.
- Fold the sections toward the diagonal creases.
- Glue the folded sections together.
You should now have two matching 4-point stars.
You can use the same paper for both halves or mix and match different colors and patterns for a fun two-tone effect.
Step 6: Connect the Two Stars
This is the step that transforms your two 4-point stars into a beautiful 8-point 3D Christmas star.
Place one 4-point star on top of the other.
Important: Don’t line up the points directly on top of each other.
Instead, rotate one star slightly so that its four points sit between the points of the other star. In other words, the points should alternate rather than overlap.
This creates the classic 8-point star shape and gives the finished decoration more dimension.
Apply a small amount of glue to the areas where the two stars meet and carefully press them together. Let the glue dry completely before moving the star.
Other versions of this craft use the same alternating-point technique when joining two four-point stars to create an eight-point decoration.
Step 7: Add a String or Stick
Your DIY 3D paper star is now finished!
If you want to use it as a Christmas tree ornament, attach a piece of string, ribbon, or twine to one of the points.
You can also attach a wooden stick to the back if you want to use the star as a Christmas centerpiece decoration, gift topper, wreath decoration, or holiday display.
For hanging decorations, make sure the string is securely attached before placing the star on the tree.
Easy Ways to Customize Your DIY Christmas Star
Try making your stars with:
- Green and gold cardstock Silver or gold metallic paper Polka-dot scrapbook paper Christmas wrapping paper Kraft paper for a rustic look Double-sided patterned paper Children’s artwork or decorated paper
You can also make stars in different sizes and hang several together to create a festive Christmas display.
For a classroom activity, have each student decorate their own paper before folding it. Once assembled, the stars can be displayed around the classroom or taken home as handmade Christmas decorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points does this DIY paper star have?
The finished decoration has eight points. Each individual half is a four-point star, and the two stars are joined together with their points alternating.
What kind of paper is best for making a 3D paper star?
Medium-weight cardstock, scrapbook paper, and other sturdy decorative papers work well. Very thin paper may not hold the 3D shape as firmly, while extremely thick cardstock can be more difficult to fold.
Can kids make this Christmas paper star?
Yes! This is a great Christmas craft for kids and students. Younger children may need help with cutting and gluing, while older children can complete most of the project independently.
Can I use regular printer paper?
Yes. Regular printer paper can be used, especially if you’re making a practice star. However, cardstock or scrapbook paper will generally create a sturdier finished decoration.
Can I use this 3D star as a Christmas ornament?
Absolutely. Add a piece of string or ribbon to one of the points and hang it on your Christmas tree. You can also make several stars in coordinating colors and hang them together as a festive display.
A Simple Christmas Craft With a Big Impact
This DIY 3D paper star is proof that you don’t need expensive supplies to make beautiful Christmas decorations. With just two pieces of square paper, a pair of scissors, and some glue, you can create a dimensional eight-point star that looks much more complicated than it actually is.
Whether you’re making holiday decorations for your home, looking for a Christmas craft for the classroom, or simply want a fun DIY project to do with your kids, this paper star is an easy project to add to your holiday crafting list.
Make a few in different colors and patterns, add some string, and you’ll have a collection of handmade stars ready to brighten up your Christmas tree or home.
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