3D Folded Paper Stars by Stjernestunder

Helle Holst of Denmark has been a crafter all her life; in fact, she learned to knit before starting school. Her attention turned almost exclusively to paper crafting in 2002, specifically the popular three dimensional stars that are made by interlocking four strips of paper. Helle has taken the basic design to new heights by adding gorgeous colors and durability.

Hearts, prisms, cones, baskets, and a variety of star shapes have joined the list of items she ships all over the western world via her business, Stjernestunder; Helle strives to create a new design each year. The ornaments can be hung on Christmas trees, strung as garlands, given as party favors, and even worn as hair accessories.

These white hearts are pretty wedding decorations and flat-folded prisms add a festive touch to windows.


Sateen ribbon hearts

Helle told me folded stars are a December tradition in Denmark, often made with friends and family, at school meetings, etc. Stars of this type with sixteen points have been popular for more than a hundred years and are known by many names, such as Froebel star, Advent star, and Christmas star. No one is positive where the design first originated, but quite a few places lay claim... you'll also hear it referred to as a Danish, German, Nordic, Polish, or Swedish star, and even closer to home for me, the Pennsylvania German star.

Back in 1998 when Helle's son was eight, he had the idea to sell stars he had made. Setting up shop in front of the local supermarket met with success, and became an annual tradition for the next several years. This led Helle, who was employed in education at the time, to turn her managerial experience, energy, and love of crafting into a home-based business. Stjernestunder, by the way, means Star Moments in Danish.

Sateen ribbon cones

She remains passionate about paper and origami today, and despite having created many perfect items over the years, says there are always new ideas and materials to try.

These hair clip stars are made from thin plastic, but the photo is so pretty, I had to show it too.

Helle folds thousands and thousands of decorations annually and has begun collaborating with others in nearby countries who also work with paper. For instance, she is a merchant for PaperPhine's colorful paper twine and paper jewelry. Below is a display from a trade show that shows packages festooned with a winning combination of Stjernestunder stars and PaperPhine string.

Helle's mother has been assisting her since the business launched, and additional hands help with packing and shipping during the busy season. Despite the many items that are made, Stjernestunder remains home-based - more specifically, dining room-based. Helle says there are cardboard boxes stacked from floor to ceiling and admits her husband is a very patient man!

Spring is when they fold thousands of classic white paper stars in four sizes.

With utmost caution, the stars are taken to an industrial space to be coated with two layers of high gloss furniture paint in deep red, black, or white using a special soft nozzle technique.