Call them Froebel, Advent, Pennsylvania, Polish, Swedish, Christmas or German stars, they are lovely little ornaments! Hang on your Christmas tree, use to decorate or give as gifts. Packaged stars with an enclosed, personalized card make a lovely gift. My German star video tutorial shows you how to make lovely 3-dimensional stars by weaving and folding paper strips in about forty steps.
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These sweet ornaments are made using nothing more than strips of paper. There is something so rewarding about creating an object of beauty from paper.
Paper decoration
The three-dimensional star is assembled using four paper strips. It takes about forty steps of weaving, folding and turning to produce the points and cones and finish the star.
It might sound confusing, but you can create stars too, following my tutorial video! I show you each and every step right to the very end. Pause the video when needed and before you know it, you will be making lots of pretty stars!
Decorating with German paper stars
Besides using the stars as tree ornaments and embellishing gift packages, I have used them in holiday décor. Here the stars are hung on an evergreen swag on the fireplace mantle.
Paper strips
You can cut you own strips of paper. You will need lengths longer than standard paper (at least 24-inches in length and 3/4-inch wide) requiring a bit of taping the strips together. I have done this using tiny pieces of tape and being sure the edges line up. If there are uneven edges or tape isn’t perfectly pressed down, the strips may get caught in the weaving process.
I prefer to purchase paper strips and provided an Amazon link below for convenience.
Waxing German Stars
Traditionally, paper German stars were used outdoors on evergreen trees. The stars were protected from the elements by dipping them into melted paraffin.
For added sparkle, diamond glitter can be sprinkled on while the wax is still soft. The folded stars are just lovely as they are but if you would like to give them protection for outdoor use, as I did when decorating the porch, follow the how-to by clicking Dipping German Stars in Wax.
Gift of German Star Paper Ornaments
German star paper ornaments make sweet and thoughtful gifts for teachers, neighbors and friends. Package individually or in groups of three, six or however many you’d like.
I like using clear, cellophane bags tied closed with a ribbon bow.
Make stars in different colors and use for different occasions. Here I gave them as a thank-you.
And these burnt orange stars made in the wedding colors, were included with a gift for a bridal shower .
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Link to How-to for Making German Folded Paper Stars
Order your paper (wax and glitter, if using) and follow the video showing you step-by-step, fold-by-fold tutorial.
Click German Star Video Tutorial
Link to How-to for Waxing the German Stars
When your stars are made, you are ready to apply the protective wax. Here is the link: Waxing German Paper Stars
German Star Tutorial & FREE Printable Gift Cards
Download German folded paper star gift card
Add to your packaged gift stars this card. There is a place for the recipients name, a little history about the stars on the inside and suggestions for storage on the back. Simply print it out and attach to the stars.
Your FREE – German Star Card Printable!
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More gift card options
I recently created additional gift cards, giving you lots of options for presenting your lovely stars. Check out German Star Card Bundle for the FREE download.
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I’ve been making these since I was a child. Now I want to gift them to my grandchildren so they may continue this family tradition.
Hello Shelley,
So happy that you stopped by to visit and leave your comment. Making the stars and displaying them is a lovely family tradition. I’m sure your grandchildren will cherish this.
Happy holiday wishes!
Kindly, Lorraine
The Great Dane has been making these for all of our 45 Christmases together. Your tutorial is so clear!…..I think I might even be able to make them!!
I have always loved the looks of these and had a friend that made hundreds of them over the years. It is just wonderful that you have a tutorial and source list. xo Diana
Your stars are delicate and beautiful! I agree that they would be a special gift:@)
Your video for the folded paper German stars was how I found your blog so many years ago. It was so easy to follow. The card is a nice addition to give these as a gift.