Patriotic Stars

Whether celebrating Memorial Day, the 4th of July or your special military hero, these patriotic stars are sure to add to the occasion!  Folded paper German stars are a holiday tradition for many remembering them from childhood but they are super fun made in red, white and blue for patriotic days.

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As America (and other places throughout the world) are just beginning to reopen as the coronavirus curve is flattening, many are looking forward to the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Finally, a chance to get out and enjoy some much needed fun. Caution, care and self-distancing are still a priority but, oh, how nice to leave the confines of home and yard to enjoy some of the things we have greatly missed!

Decorating for Patriotic Holidays

As part of the holiday remembrances and celebrations, many like to decorate to show their patriotism and love of country. Flags, banners and streamers are just a few of the items used to mark these special days.

Patriotic Holidays

Many remember the men and women who gave their all for freedom by observing the American holiday of Memorial Day. Originally it was known as Decoration Day because of the tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves. Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War to remember soldiers who died during that conflict. It became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Here is a list of additional American patriotic days

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
• Washington’s Birthday or President’s (Third Monday in February)
• National Vietnam War Veterans Day (March 29)
• Day Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May) 
• Flag Day (June 14th)
• Independence Day (Fourth of July)
• Patriot Day (September 11th)
• Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (September 17th)
• Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
• Election Day (Tuesday following the first Monday in November)
• Veterans Day (November 11th)
• Pearl Harbor Day (December 7th)
• Bill of Rights Day (December 15th)

Patriotic Stars

So, do you want to make some really cool patriotic stars?

Scroll to bottom for videos!

The stars begin with four strips of paper. The strips are folded and turned, and folded and turned over-and-over to create a 16-pointed three-dimensional star! It might sound complicate but after you make a few you will have it down. My video shows each and every step and goes slowly so it is easy to follow. Pause the video if and when you need and before you know it you will have made a beautiful star!

Decorate with stars

Use you imagination when decorating with the stars you make. Here are just a few suggestions.

• Fill a bowl or small basket to display the stars as a table centerpiece
• Attach a thin string and tie with a knot to make a loop to hang the star.
• Connect stars together with string or thin ribbon to create a garland. Swag across a window, mirror or frame
• Fill a cellophane bag with several stars, tie closed with a ribbon and deliver to a veteran, military person, police officer or firefighter in recognition and gratitude for their service.
• Use the stars to decorate a small tree as I did in the photos shown above.

Supplies needed to make Patriot Stars

You can cut strips of paper yourself using the size guide below. Heavy paper such as construction paper will not work but I have had success with a good quality wrapping paper.

I prefer to purchase the paper strips. The weight, color and quality is great and it is so much easier than cutting my own strips. below are papers I have bought and used for my stars as well as the cellophane bags I use to package and give as gifts:

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Various size stars

If you want to play around and create different size stars you will need to begin with different size paper strips. The chart below will guide you. The thinner the paper strip the smaller the finished star will be. Working with larger strips is easier, especially for beginners.

Paper width and length
1-inch wide x 24-inch long paper strip will make a 4-inch star
3/4-inch wide x 18-inch long paper strip will make a 3-inch star
1/2-inch wide x 12-inch long paper strip will make a 2-inch star
3/8-inch wide x 9-inch long paper strip will make a 1.5-inch star

I have made itty-bitty stars that are maybe 1-inch in size, using paper quilling strips. They are tricky to make but very cute! I suggest making the larger stars first. Complete several bigger stars before attempting the tiny ones requiring greater dexterity.   

Video Tutorial

My video how-to (below) is in two parts. It is a step-by-step video so you can easy follow along and successfully create your stars. I show you every fold and turn so you can work right along with me.

Remember, you can pause the video if you need to, or go back a little until you thoroughly understand each fold and turn. After a few stars you might not even need the video!  Have fun! 

Adding a loop to hang your stars

If you are planning to hang your stars you will need to add a loop. Simply thread a needle with a length of thread in your choice of color and gently push the needle through one of the star points. 

Make a loop and tie a knot. If you prefer, use silver or gold thread for additional sparkle.

     

Making a star garland

Hang the stars individually or connect them together to create a garland. Just string your patriotic stars onto 1/8-inch ribbon cut to your desired length. 

Using a needle with an eye large enough, thread a length of 1/8-inch ribbon. Gently push the needle through one of the star points and guide the ribbon through. 

Add the desired number of stars to make your garland as long as you want. Proudly display your garland as a swag on a window, mirror, frame or mantle.

Patriotic Stars Video Tutorial

Part 1

Part 2

Note:  In my original tutorial post, I suggest waxing the paper stars to make them durable. This is especially important for the stars used outside for holiday decorating. I do not wax the stars made with metallic paper strips because they are lovely as and I will not be using them outside. If you would like to wax the stars you make, I will show you how in this Dipping German Stars in Wax tutorial.

More Patriotic ideas you might like…

Patriotic Peanut Butter Cookie Pizza

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Memorial Day Printables

Brownie Trifle