EDIT 12-13-2015 :: I just learned these are also part of Danish culture, where they are called julestjerne (Christmas star). Thanks for that info, Yvette. Also, if you would rather have written instructions instead watching a video, Yvette shared a link to a good written tutorial. http://www.sunscholars.com/2013/01/how-to-fold-danish-paper-star.html
German Stars, also called, Moravian Stars, have long fascinated me. I had planned to make some a while back with my SIL Jennifer, but when our star making morning fell through, I forgot about them. Then, a couple of weeks ago, with a little time on my hands, I gave them a try. I cut my own strips out of wrapping paper, followed a wonderful tutorial I found at With A Grateful Prayer and A Thankful Heart, and made my first star. Exciting beyond belief! HOWEVER, the wrapping paper did not work well for me… it was hard to cut, too thin, and you could see the back of the paper. So, I went on Etsy, typed in German Star Strips, and found a wonderful selection. I wound up buying strips that were 3/4″ wide, and they made stars that were 3 1/2″ when finished.
I considered writing up the directions here, but honestly, I could not do better than the 2 part video tutorial found at With A Grateful Prayer and A Thankful Heart. You can find Part 1 HERE and Part 2 HERE. Lorraine is a won.der.ful teacher, and her tutorial is easy to follow and well done. So, let me send you over to her to learn how to make them 🙂 Here’s my first go-around making them, following her instructions:
I call these my “Candy Cane Stars”. I made a few other sets, too. I made 6 of each, and added metallic embroidery floss for hanging them on a tree. Here are my “Eloquent Stars”… nice and shiny
my “Pastel Stars”
and my “Rainbow Stars”.
I also made a bunch of “Pure White Stars” to add to my Snowflake windows.
I will caution you, they are very addicting! If you feel like you are all thumbs the first time you make one, not to worry. Before you know it, you’ll be able to fold them with your eyes closed. I made all the stars, except the white ones, as gifts. I plan to make more for myself in various colorways, and use them throughout the year in my seasonal decorating. Give them a try. Tons of fun 🙂
These are so pretty. I’ve wanted to make them for a while too. I watched both videos and think I could pull this off! I just ordered a bunch of strips on Etsy. Can’t wait to get started. I’ve never commented before but I love your blog. I get so many of my craft ideas and inspiration from your site. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Can’t wait to start folding!!! ((hugs))
Darcy
Thank you, Darcy. I just ordered more! I showed Pixie and Fairy how to make them yesterday. Fairy wants to make some for her friends for Christmas. They needed help with the final 3-D step, but they'll get good at that, too. Hope you have fun making them 🙂
These are so cool, I did them for an ornament exchange club last year. I was thrilled to note that we used the same tutorial – she was wonderful, and I checked out a number of sites. I had first seen them in Lancaster Co. PA at the Landis Valley Museum and bought my first strips there. Bought lots more online and went at it! I did glitter mine after dipping in the wax, they are stunning… Love your website – the Hedgehog Lady!
I bought some parchment paper strips. I thought those would be beautiful to wax and put glitter on. Hopefully will get some stars folded in the evenings and dip this weekend. (With the million other things I want to do, too!) Such a fun time of year.
…that I’m going to pull out the kit that I bought last year and try making some of these beautiful stars! Thanks so much for the reminder/inspiration and the link to the tutorial! I love red and white, I think I’ll start with them!
xoxo
~ joey ~
We have all made so many of these. Michelle took supplies with her last night to work on in the waiting room of Pixie and Fairy's dance studio. Michelle wound up teaching several of the girls how to make them! They truly are fun. We are hoping to get parafin this weekend and try dipping some. Have fun!
It was so beautiful. I have tried it many a times but didn’t made one. It looks very easy to made but it was not actually easy. But after seeing such beautiful colors, I would again try this.
maison a vendre
I was so disappointed to find that this was merely a link to a video tutorial, and not a written one. I live in a rural area with very slow broadband speeds; videos are impossible to watch. I’m still searching for a written tutorial about these Moravian stars.
Ess, try this one: http://www.sunscholars.com/2013/01/how-to-fold-danish-paper-star.html
that also Polish traditional christmas tree stars.
I didn’t know that but not surprising. It is amazing how quickly ideas spread and the origins often become hard to trace! ~Kimara~
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I have made these stars since I was a child! We used to sell them in the neighborhood for .25 to make money for Xmas. Now I am 68 and still make them. Just for old time sake.
A wonderful tradition.