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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
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How to Make Lucky Paper Stars Download ArticleExplore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Nicole Bolin
Last Updated: April 18, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Nicole Bolin. Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,522,909 times.
Exquisite little paper stars can be used for decorations, jewelry, craft projects, and gift-giving. They're very easy to make, and they're a fun way to recycle a bit of junk mail into something colorful and decorative. If you want to make your own lucky paper stars, see Step 1 to get started.
Steps
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1 Cut a long, narrow strip of paper about 1 centimeter (0.4 in) wide and as long as whatever page you are cutting.[1]XResearch source
Instead of scissors, you can cut the paper with an Exacto knife.[2]X Expert Source Nicole BolinCrafts & DIY SpecialistExpert Interview
2 Tie a simple knot (of the same kind that you would use to tie your shoes) at one end. Then:[3]XResearch source
Cross the ends of the strips and pull one end through the loop that forms. If you want the color from a particular end of the strip, tie the knot at the other end. Don't twist the paper, just loop it.
Gently tighten the knot, then gently pull the knot without creasing or squeezing the strip of paper.
When all the edges are in contact, press it down and crease. You should have a pentagon with a long end and a short end sticking out.
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3 Fold the short end over, following the edges of the pentagon, so that it does not stick out. If there's a little more than a pentagon width, you can tear it off or fold it under and tuck it in.[4]XResearch source
4 Wrap the long end around and around the pentagon, following the edges and the folds. The result should be a fatter pentagon. Fold so that the color you want faces out, if the two sides of the strip are different.
5 Tuck in the loose end. If there is a little too much, fold it over or tear it off before tucking it in.[5]XResearch source
6 Pinch each corner or push in the edges to puff the star up.[6]XResearch source
7 Use the stars for display.
Make a whole bunch of these and display them in a jar or clear glass.
Display them mixed with confetti or tinsel as part of the party decorations on a table.
Work a needle and thread or string through opposite corners to string them together as a garland or necklace. You could combine them with paper beads or other elements on the same string.
You can put them on a bulletin board but consider the thickness of the corkboard.[7]X Expert Source Nicole BolinCrafts & DIY SpecialistExpert Interview
See that the thumbtacks do not go into the wall through the board.[8]X Expert Source Nicole BolinCrafts & DIY SpecialistExpert Interview
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Question What size does the paper need to be? Community Answer Normally 1cm as width, and 28 cm as length. Printer paper would work for this. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 71 Helpful 276
Question Can I make big lucky stars if I use a bigger paper? Amishu Jhansal Community Answer Yes, just make sure that the ratio stays the same, if you increase width, you must increase length. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 67 Helpful 233
Question Can I use scrapbook paper? HumanBeing Top Answerer Yes, scrapbook paper would be good for this project. If it is on the thicker side, don't cut your strip too narrow or your completed star will be too small to puff out. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 77 Helpful 141
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Tips
Fold the stars loosely, so that it's easier to puff up them up. Thanks Helpful 71 Not Helpful 14
Using a paper cutter is helpful if you'd like nice, straight strips. Use at least a ruler if you can't do a paper cutter though. If you have neither, fold the paper over and cut along the fold with scissors to get the strips as straight as you can. Thanks Helpful 44 Not Helpful 13
You can also buy the paper especially made for this at some stores. Thanks Helpful 38 Not Helpful 15
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Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
I like to use foil for this, but it can rip easily so you have to be careful. But you end up with a shiny silver star, which is pretty cool.
Make sure you don't used regular lined notebook paper because it's too thin and flimsy for this project. Use thick construction paper.
Try not pressing down and creasing the edges when you're making the base. That way, the base is more 3D and easier to pinch.
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Warnings
Take care not to nick yourself with a paper edge. Thanks Helpful 121 Not Helpful 68
Use scissors responsibly. Children should be supervised when cutting paper. Thanks Helpful 123 Not Helpful 71
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Things You'll Need
Paper – magazine and catalog pages you were going to throw out are great, since they're fairly soft, thin paper and provide a wealth of bright colors. You're using narrow enough strips so that most designs will just show up as colors when you're done.
Scissors and a ruler or a paper cutter
A glass, box, or jar (optional) in which to display a collection
Needle and thread or string (optional)
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Co-authored by: Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist This article was co-authored by Nicole Bolin. Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle. This article has been viewed 1,522,909 times. 327 votes - 74% Co-authors: 69Updated: April 18, 2025 Views: 1,522,909 Categories: Featured Articles | Origami In other languages Russian Dutch Chinese Indonesian Czech Japanese
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Reader Success Stories
Nyx G.
Sep 6, 2025
"I plan on making these stars for my girlfriend since she really likes stars, and the directions are really simple and easy, so I'm excited to make them for her."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist 327 votes - 74% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 69Updated: April 18, 2025 Views: 1,522,909
Nyx G.
Sep 6, 2025
"I plan on making these stars for my girlfriend since she really likes stars, and the directions are really simple and easy, so I'm excited to make them for her."..." more
Jane L.
Aug 25, 2025
"Thanks for the tutorial, I loved the simpleness of it." Rated this article:
Annabelle L.
Jan 6, 2018
"Very easy to understand, the article is short so I don't get bored, and I got it on the first try!"
Sasha Water
Aug 19, 2022
"You saved my life. I was thinking about a birthday present for my mum and dad for 3 days."
Leo Wallace
Dec 2, 2022
"I made many of these and they were the perfect anniversary gift for my girlfriend." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Nicole Bolin 
How toMake an Origami Star 
How toMake a Paper Garland 
How toMake a Star Pinata 
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Co-authored by: Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist This article was co-authored by Nicole Bolin. Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle. This article has been viewed 1,522,909 times. 327 votes - 74% Co-authors: 69 Updated: April 18, 2025 Views: 1,522,909 Categories: Featured Articles | Origami In other languages Russian Dutch Chinese Indonesian Czech Japanese 
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1 Cut a long, narrow strip of paper about 1 centimeter (0.4 in) wide and as long as whatever page you are cutting.[1] 
2 Tie a simple knot (of the same kind that you would use to tie your shoes) at one end. Then:[3] 
7 Use the stars for display. 
Community Answer Normally 1cm as width, and 28 cm as length. Printer paper would work for this. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 71 Helpful 276 
Amishu Jhansal Community Answer Yes, just make sure that the ratio stays the same, if you increase width, you must increase length. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 67 Helpful 233 
HumanBeing Top Answerer Yes, scrapbook paper would be good for this project. If it is on the thicker side, don't cut your strip too narrow or your completed star will be too small to puff out. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 77 Helpful 141 