How to make a 16-pointed window star
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Window stars are a beautiful way to bring colour, light, and creativity into your home, and this 16-point window star is one of the most striking designs you can make. Using simple folds and translucent kite paper, you’ll create a delicate geometric star that glows beautifully when displayed in a sunny window. Whether you’re decorating for a new season, celebrating a festival, or simply enjoying a relaxing craft project, this step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process, making it easy for beginners and experienced paper crafters alike.
What Is a Window Star?
Window stars are decorative paper stars made from folded pieces of translucent kite paper. Originating from European paper-folding traditions and popular in Waldorf education, they transform sunlight into colourful patterns and are often displayed in windows throughout the changing seasons.
What You Need:
- Translucent kite paperPaper
- cutter or scissorsRuler
- Pencil (optional)
- Glue stick or clear-drying paper glue
- Flat work surface
Glue
How to assemble the 16-pointed star:
Take one square sheet of kite paper and take 2,5cm off and cut it off to have a rectangular sheet.
You can give the leftover piece of kite paper to your youngest child to make their own star! (Whatever way they want!)
Cut 16 rectangular pieces of kite paper.
Step 1:
First, fold it to the centre point of the sheet, longways up to form a crease and then unfold.
Step 2:
Fold one corner to the centre crease, then fold the remaining corners as shown in the picture.
Step 3:
Once more fold the top star points to the centre line as shown in this picture
Step 4:
Put a bit of glue to keep them in place.
Step 5:
Make the eight sheets this way, and then stick the window star together.
Step 6:
Stick the unfolded side of the first star point to the second and continue until all the remaining pieces are glued together.
When you have an 8-pointed star completed, stick one star point halfway between each of the 8 points star, as shown in the picture.
And that’s it, you have a 16-point star!
How to stick the stars to a window?
You can use glue dots in each point star, or double-sided tape or a little ball of blue tac in each star point.
Stick it to a window that has direct sunlight (east or west) for these beautiful stars to glow!
If you have a window near your nature table, that is a lovely place to stick them to!
Tips:
- Cut all paper strips accurately.
- Fold carefully for crisp edges.
- Keep your folds consistent.
- Work on a clean, dry surface.
- Lay out the pieces before glueing.
