This DIY paper star lantern is inspired by Mexican Tin Star lanterns. Don’t you wish matel working is as easy as folding paper?
Today, it is! We will be making this rusty “metal” star lantern made out of paper!
( Some of the helpful resources are affiliate links. Full disclosure here. )
This paper star lantern is made with my favorite super versatile 8.5×11 110lb card stock , which I have used to make this birch forest shadow box
And some watercolor paintings too!
IMPORTANT: only use good quality LED lights near paper. Follow basic safety practices and do not leave lights on unattended.
Materials and tools:
- sturdy 110lb index card stock such as these will work beautifully, not too heavy to cut yet hold its shape nicely.
- micro LED Warm White String Lights are light weight and very bright, perfect for this lantern.
- to cut the designs, use a Silhouette Portrait / Cameo or an X-acto knife, you can also use a star hand punch to cut out the stars!
- clear Bead Cord or fishing line to hang the lanterns
- glue
- free templates which you can download at the end
Step 1: print and cut
Print one each of page 1, 2, and 3, and nine of page 4. If you want a white star, that’s all for the printing. If you want a rusty “metal” star, print the rust texture (included in the downloads ) onto the back side of page 4.
Cut along blue lines, and score along orange lines.
Step 2: make the star tips.
Here’s a really helpful trick when gluing: fold the piece along the score line in the middle, and press down the glue dotted tab. This is much easier than trying to glue while holding its 3D form!
Also glue the triangles cut from page 4 to all the triangle shapes on page 1-3. If you are making a white star, skip this.
Step 3: glue them together
Page 1, 2 and 3 of the template will form the polyhedron ( aka. a solid figure with many flat faces ) , and page 4 gives the pointed tips of the star.
Make the polyhedron first, then glue on all but one of the star tips. See why in the next step–>
Step 4: leave opening to add lights.
The reason we leave one of the tips not glued is because we need a “doorway” to take lights in and out. So we only glue one side of the tab, like in photo below.
The opening is big enough for LED string lights or tea lights.
Step 5: finishing touches
To close the star, poke 2 small holes and thread a piece of clear fishing line or bead cord through. Tie a knot to close the star.
See how cool the shadows are? =)
This star can sit on a table, or if you want to hang it, just tie some fishing line through the openings on one of the star tips.
Here are the free designs for you to download!
Unzip with Stuffit Expander. If you have trouble downloading, it might be a browser issue, just ask friends to download and email to you!
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You may also like:
Cherry blossoms in moonlight: how to paint on black paper
Make magical Dandelion lanterns
Wish you lots of beautiful days and starry nights! =)
This is so beautiful! You are very talented. I’d love to try it out myself. We are moving into a new house soon and I need some cute and fun decorations. I’ll have to put this one on my list and try it out when we move.
These were all over Europe last December and I coveted them. I wonder if I am crafty enough to make them…
Ananda, this is INCREDIBLE! Seriously, so so so good! Fantastic job!
your right
That is adorable, and I had no idea it wasn’t metal until I read on. Great job!
That is amazing. You make it look so easy. So love this project
This is so great! I love this! Thank you so much for sharing!!
I love the ambient light from paper stars. This is a great design and your instructions are stellar. I will have to try this!
This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
I love the star lantern. I may have to see if I have the patience to make one.
This is just the coolest diy I’ve seen in a long time! Love it! How have I never seen your beautiful blog before??
Another quicker tip for the last point closure on the DIY star: glue some magnets (small lightweight ones) to each flap , so that the point can be easily opened and closed when you need to change batteries or l.e.d. bulb, etc.
Also, those battery operated fairy light strands…I’ve seen those for $2 each on ebay with free shipping. It comes directly from China. I actually just ordered one 🙂
Thank you. I have wanted a star template for several years, but had not found one until now.
I love the ambient light from paper stars. This is a great design and your instructions are stellar. I will have to try this!
These were all over Europe last December and I coveted them. I wonder if I am crafty enough to make them… 😀
i can’t download the template, I’ve asked my friends to help but it doesn’t work. do i have to wait for it to be sent to me email or?
yes there should be an email with the downloads, check junk folder! =)
Lovely Ideas! Thank You for sharing! <3
Petra Bertling
I love the ambient light from paper stars. This is a great design and your instructions are stellar. I will have to try this!…
This is amazing!!! I LOVE these stars and have always wanted one! And to be able to MAKE one, and affordably! HOORAY! Two questions, though: 1.) How did you score the paper before folding? I know that heavy card stock doesn’t fold “cleanly.” 2.) Glue that works best for the paper? THANK YOU!
hi kris, you can score the paper using a ruler and a craft knife, just don’t cut through! elmer’s or any craft glue will work! =)
What a gorgeous project! Unfortunately I am unable to attempt it as the download link doesn’t work on either firefox or chrome. Is there something I need to do beforehand or is the project no longer available?
hi chelly, did you click on the link in the email we sent? and could you give more details on what happened? it is being downloaded by others as of today.
Beautiful star! I would love to use this pattern but the link won’t open. Is there another way I can get the pattern?
hi cindy, are you referring to the links in the download emails automatically sent to you?
Hi,
I’ve just discovered your site and love your downloads – but I can’t access them! Every time I click on the link it just reloads the page. It’s happened for two calendars and this lantern, in both Firefox and Chrome.
Would really love to get them!
Kelly.
hi kelly, please let me know if you did not get our download in your inbox or junk folder! =)
Hi Ananda,
It’s working now. The pop-up wasn’t appearing for me last week. Thankyou!
Kelly.
would love to make this, thank you for sharing but I am unable to get to the download. Nothing in email, and the link just sits there on a blank page.
Thanks
hi heidi, maybe try email the post to a friend? it is working as i checked it yesterday. i am also creating a subscriber page this month with all the downloads. you will be able to get a password to the page in a few weeks! 🙂