Last Minute Accordion Folded Paper Star Ornaments

Each Christmas season I kind of/sort of challenge myself to make a paper ornament in a style or technique I haven't previously tried. This year's is one I'm sure I must have made in elementary school, but rather than red and green construction paper decorated with way too much glitter, I used wrapping paper scraps saved from last Christmas to see if I could make a few ornaments that lean more toward elegant than kitsch. 

 

 

 

What set me on this path was coming across folded stars on Instagram by Ida (@casa_bronco). Her post led me to these Stories where you can follow along to see exactly how she made the ones pictured below if you are signed into IG. You might also want to follow along with the couple's IG posts if you are curious to see what life is like in Scandinavia... such as simple things that bring joy during winter days and long, dark evenings.

Ida cut up an old book that was ready to be discarded to make her stars, and I used this kraft wrapping paper that handles easily and is stamped with gold foil snowflakes, reindeer, and trees. As I've said on this blog about a million times over the years, I do love a bit of shine! I went with gold and black hanging cords and ribbons.

 

 

Instructions:

 

1. Cut a rectangle of paper that is twice as long as the width. 

 

2. Accordion fold even pleats that run across the width of the rectangle. If there is a bit of excess paper at the end, cut it off. You'll want the fold at each end of the rectangle to look like a little tent.

3. Fold the pleated rectangle in half, pinching the fold firmly.

 

4. Cut a length of ornament cord or twine, wrap it around the fold line a couple of times and tie a knot on one of the sides.

 

5. Cut both ends of the pleated rectangle at an angle, doing each side one at a time. Match the angle of the second cut to the first.

 

Alternative: Rather than cutting the ends of the pleats at an angle, this video short shows how to add a fold to create extra dimension. 

6. Fold the halves together and glue with a permanent glue stick (my all-time favorite). Press firmly and allow the glue to set for a few minutes.

 

7. Again using the glue stick, apply glue to the outermost folds and bring them together to adhere. You now have a circular/star shape.

 

8. Clip off excess ornament cord or twine.

 

9. Cut another length of ornament cord or twine for a hanging loop. To make the loop, punch a hole in the back of the star in one of the glued folds. (I used my 1/8" hole punch.) Thread the cord/twine through the hole and tie the ends to create a loop. 

Alternative: Thread cord/twine through a large-eye needle. Push the needle through the back of one of the glued folds. Draw the cord/twine through the hole and tie a loop. 

 

If you're a visual learner, here's a very nice accordion folded star video.

 

Another idea for easy paper ornaments that are fun for all ages to make this festive season would be these folded paper snowflakes.

Warmest wishes to you for very happy holidays!  

 

 

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