Technique: Origami/Kirigami (Fold and cut or tear)
Sheets used: A square, any size; it may be best to start with a larger square so you can feel the crease lines more easily. Once you are familiar with the steps, small note squares make nice small star decorations.
Description:
This model is a star with four long, sharp, tapered points. It is smooth on the front with the fold lines visible on the back side of the figure.
It can be left flat, or folded into a more 3D shape if preferred.
Note: A * character denotes the result or outcome of an action in this tutorial.
Instructions
Part 1 - Folding
Step 1
Place a square on a flat surface with its edges on the left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the square diagonally in half, by bringing the top left corner down to meet the bottom right corner.
Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Similarly, fold the square diagonally in half the other way, bringing the top right corner down to meet the bottom left corner.
Crease and unfold.
* You will have two diagonal creases, crossing at the center of the square.
Step 4
Fold the square in half from left to right.
Crease and unfold.
Step 5
Fold the square in half from top to bottom.
Crease and unfold.
* You will have two more crease lines across your square: one vertical and one horizontal.
Step 6
Now fold the top and bottom edges in so they meet along the horizontal center crease.
Crease well and unfold.
Step 7
Lastly, fold the left and right edges in so they meet along the vertical center crease.
Crease well and unfold.
* You will have added two more vertical and two more horizontal crease lines to your square.
Part 2 - Cutting or tearing
Step 8
Explanation
- Your square will be unfolded when making your cuts or tears.
- You will be making four fairly short, straight cuts, following the horizontal and vertical lines you have created in the previous steps.
- Each cut or tear will start at the center of the edge of the square, and will end at the first fold line you encounter.
- In this way, you will only be cutting from each edge halfway towards the center of the square.
- Try to stop exactly where the two lines cross, but a small error will not be the end of the world.
- Once you are sure of the fold where you will cut or tear as well as the starting and end point, fold along that crease back and forth a few times to weaken the paper.
- You can also use a damp cloth, paper towel or cotton wool to wipe lightly along the fold lines in question, but don't overdo it, or the paper will start to disintegrate along the creases in question.
- Pick up the paper and hold it in which ever way is comfortable, as long as you make the cut or tear along the lines indicated.
- Make your cut or tear and remember, it is just paper. You can practice until you get it right.
* Once you have made all four cuts, your square should have a short slit at the center of each side of the square.
Part 3 - Folding
Step 9
Rotate the square so that one of its points is facing you. It will now be in the diamond orientation.
Step 10
The point that is facing you will have a long dipping or valley crease line, dividing it in half.
You now have to fold over the left and right sides of this point to meet exactly along this line.
Start the folds at the pointy end nearest you, making the folds as sharp as possible.
The folding will become a little easier as you move towards the center of the square.
Make sure the edges are straight and really pressed flat.
Step 11
Rotate the square so that the next point is facing you and repeat Step 10 with this point.
Step 12
Rotate and repeat twice more so all four points of the figure are folded into sharp, spiky ends.
Step 13
If you would like to make the star more 3D, flip it over so the smooth or front side is up.
Now, gently squeeze and pinch each arm of the star so the edges will move closer together, forming the flat shape into a more 3D one.
If preferred, glue down the flaps at the back of the star.
You can also glue two stars of the same or a different color back to back, which will also hide the folds at the back of both stars.
Compiled: April 2025
For non-commercial use only.
This text copyright 2025 by accessorigami.com
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