Concertina Paper Star Decoration

Make this idea your own

This pleated decoration looks lovely in a window or above a summer Christmas table. It is a fan-style star rather than a geometric five-point star, and needs no downloaded pattern or cutting machine.

Materials

• 2 matching paper rectangles, each 10 × 20 cm
• Ruler and pencil
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue stick
• 30 cm cotton thread
• 2 paper clips

Step by step

1. Place a rectangle landscape. Starting at a 10 cm end, fold a 1 cm strip across the paper. Turn over and repeat, alternating folds until the whole 20 cm length is pleated. Repeat for the second rectangle.
2. Compress each pleated strip and fold it in half across its length. Trim both exposed ends diagonally to form points; cut only the folded stack ends.
3. Tie the centres of both folded strips together securely with thread, keeping spare thread for hanging.
4. Open the first folded strip into a fan and glue its two inner edges together. Repeat with the second strip.
5. Glue the remaining outer edges of the two fans to one another, forming a complete circle. Hold the joins with clips until dry, then remove clips and hang.

Useful tips

• Crease folds firmly for crisp pleats.
• Try plain cream paper with a burgundy hanging thread; keep the first star small while learning.

Safety and storage

An adult should trim thick folded paper stacks. Supervise scissors and keep hanging thread away from small children. Display indoors, away from flames, heaters and damp windows.

Editorial DIY draft — make a sample before publication.