Text-Only Instructions: Copyright 2024 by Lindy van der Merwe
www.accessorigami.com
Steps: 18
Folding level: Intermediate
For any questions, comments or suggestions, please email accessorigami@gmail.com
Credits and Resources
Various sites have videos and written tutorials that show how to fold this famous model.
The excellent tutorial that finally helped me understand and fold it successfully can be found at the link below:
instructables.com
Paper to be used: 8 squares of similar size; use large paper to practice with at first.
Thicker paper or thin cardstock with a smooth finish is recommended.
Once you have become familiar with how the model works, some shiny or metallic origami paper will also work well and may look really nice.
If duo paper is used, the color that is facing the table when you start folding will be visible on the outside of the finished model.
You can use alternating colors if preferred, make your star from only one color or go to the other extreme and create a multi-colored star, as long as the squares you choose are all the same size.
Description:
Note that there are many Ninja stars around, some using squares and others rectangular paper.
You can check out the following two text-based tutorials at the links below:
MOD9 - MODULAR ORIGAMI - FOUR-SQUARE STAR
and
MOD18 - MODULAR ORIGAMI - FOUR-POINTED NINJA STAR (FROM 2 RECTANGLES)
This eight-pointed model stands out as an action model, though. It is a flat creation that can either be an octagon (eight-sided) shape, wich resembles a ring or a wreath, or in its alternative form, it transforms into a beautiful star-like creation with eight sharp, spiky points, very much resembling the points of what has become known as the Shuriken or Ninja star.
This model is not only impressive as far as looks go; if you get the folds lined up correctly, you will discover the magic of this action model for yourself.
PHASE 1: CREATING THE UNITS:
You will be folding 8 similar units to form your star.
It is recommended that you fold all 8 pieces before attempting Phase 3, which will explain how to fit the pieces together to form the finished model.
Step 1
Place your square down with its points left and right, top and bottom, or in the diamond orientation.
If you are using two-sided origami paper, place the white side up.
Step 2
Fold the left point over to meet the right point. Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Then, fold the top point down to meet the bottom point. Crease and unfold.
Step 4
Rotate the square so its edges are now left and right, top and bottom.
Step 5
Make a Vertical Fold by bringing the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 6
Next, bring both the top left and right corners diagonally down to meet the vertical crease you created in the previous step.
Crease well and leave folded.
Result: Your figure will look like an arrow that is pointing away from you.
Step 7
Fold the model closed by bringing the left edge over to meet the right edge.
Step 8
Rotate the figure and position it so that the side with the folded corners is on the left. The square should be on the right, with its open side facing you.
Step 9
Using the creases already formed, pick up your model and push the top right side inwards and down so that the right corner disappears between the layers of the paper.
Result: You will end up with an elongated diamond-shaped figure or a parallelogram.
Step 10
Make sure that the unit is positioned with its pointy triangle on the left, with its open side facing you, while the right side will have two "legs" that are able to split apart from one another.
PHASE 2: FOLD MORE SIMILAR UNITS
Repeat steps 1 to 10 7 more times so you have 8 similarly shaped units to work with.
Make sure you follow the instructions for all the squares precisely since all units should be alike in order for the modular pieces to fit.
Explanation:
Think of each unit as being divided into two parts:
The pockets with their sharp points should be on the left, and the "legs" of all the units should be on the right.
Also turn all the units so their open sides are facing you.
PHASE 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR MODEL
Step 11
Take your first two pieces and place them side by side as described above, with the legs to the right.
Step 12
Take the piece on the right and insert the left side of it into the two legs on the left piece.
Make sure that the right piece is completely lined up and pushed all the way into the left piece's legs.
However, the right piece should not be sticking out of the top of the left piece. If it is, pull the right piece down some until it isn't anymore.
Step 13
Notice how your left piece has two sharp tips at the end of its legs.
You need to fold and tuck these tips into the right piece's opening at the top. (This should be the pocket where the right piece's legs are.)
The folds will be quite tiny, so make sure they are accurate and really well-creased.
Step 14
Repeat the previous step with a third unit, inserting it from the right, making sure the new unit is positioned correctly within the legs of the previous unit.
Make sure to slide the unit in all the way, but not past the top edge of the model.
Step 15
As you did before in Step 13 above, fold over the small points that are sticking out so they disappear into the pocket of the next unit.
Step 16
Repeat the Process for All Pieces, each time turning the assembly to the left, so you have the last unit in front of you.
Remember that each old right piece becomes your new left piece.
Step 17
Join units 8 and 1 in exactly the same way as you have been doing with the rest of the modules.
Once you have connected the first and last units, your circle will be securely closed, because the structure loops back on it self to make an octagon shape.
Step 18
Your closed circle or octagon shape will be a flat ring. It will be smooth around its outer edge and have a space at its center.
* To transform your model into an impressive ninja star, you just have to push each of its sides inward.
* To turn it back, you just have to pull each side outward.
So, place your hands on the left and right sides of the model, grasping the sides between your fingers. Pull your hands apart and bring them together again to fascilitate the sliding motion. Your grip should be light enough to allow the paper to move.
It might take you a few tries to make this model move smoothly, so don't give up if you are not successful the first time.
If only some of the units move, you are likely on the right track. Try to make your folds as precise as possible and make sure the tiny points of the units are creased very well.
Remember to not throw your creation at anyone! Enjoy!
Making origami accessible through text-only instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe - June 2024
This text copyright 2024 by accessorigami.com
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