Paper origami stars are super versatile and fun! Beginners can start with easy star patterns, while long paper strips make cute puffy stars for jars or room decor. For a challenge, try ninja stars that can double as boomerangs. And during the holidays, use larger paper stars for tree ornaments or festive decorations. Whatever the occasion, here’s the best origami star tutorials I’ve found for you, so let’s get started!
Origami Paper for Stars
First things first—pick the right paper for what you’re making. Think about the colors or theme you’re going for. If you’re making mini origami stars in a jar, you’ll want long, thin strips of paper, which you can cut yourself or buy in different colors and patterns. For something more festive, like Christmas stars, go for shiny, foil, or textured paper. And if you’re feeling playful, fun animal prints can add a unique flair.
Before you get started, pick the right origami star paper for you and cut it to size if needed. Some projects also need glue or tape, so have those on hand too!
Lucky Origami Stars
Lucky stars, also known as Origami Puffy Stars or Fortune Stars, are small, colorful paper creations believed to bring good luck, positivity, and lasting love. They can be given as mini origami stars in a jar that make meaningful gifts, symbolizing well-wishes or good vibes.
For these lucky paper stars, you’ll need paper strips instead of square paper. You can use any paper like notebook or printer paper, and just cut it into long strips. The folding is simple and so satisfying; you can even make them while watching a movie. These little stars may be small, but they really do shine in many ways!
- Origami Puffy Star with Paper Strips, 3 sizes at Paper Kawaii
- A close-up tutorial of the same pattern at Easy Origami and Crafts
- A bigger version at DIY Kids Craft
- And A HUGE version at Stationary Pal
Easy Origami Stars With a Single Sheet
Traditional origami uses a single sheet of square paper, so here are a few simple star origami projects with just that. These are some of the easiest origami stars to make out there and a great way to introduce kids to the world of origami.
- Simple Origami Star at KIDS crafts
- Another easy Origami Star design at cozyandwarm
- This 5–Pointed Star at Easy Origami
- BONUS! 5-Pointed Star with a Single Cut at The Craft Studio by Kiran
Even though some might not consider this true origami, I include it because it’s popular and can make a useful 3d paper star.
Ninja Origami Stars
Ninja Shuriken Origami, Ninja Origami Stars, or Ninja Throwing Stars, are super popular in the origami world, with some even making Naruto-inspired models! These projects are modular, meaning you fold multiple pieces to create the star. Since ninja stars are traditionally thrown, origami enthusiasts have made boomerang versions that come back when tossed. Below you’ll find both ninja star and boomerang projects, with the more challenging ones at the end.
- The Basic Ninja Star at TheCrazy Tutorials
- 3-pointed Ninja Star at Hello Paper Origami
- 8-Pointed Double Ninja Star at Rob’s World
- “Transforming” Ninja Star with 8 modules at Craft N Toyz
- Easy Ninja Star Boomerang at flyingpapers
- 4-pointed Ninja Star Boomerang at Just Origami Magic
- A Challenge: Origami Shuriken at TLT Lab Hacks
- A Challenge: Paper Kunai Shuriken at PPO
Decorative Origami Stars
Origami stars add charm to any space, whether as holiday tree ornaments, gift wrapping accents, or party favors. They’re also great for decorating a kid’s room! For larger star decor, use bigger paper like wrapping paper or glue sheets together. Although the models below are advertised as Christmas stars, these projects can brighten up any occasion! For more paper star ornaments, hop on to my Christmas Origami page.
- An 8-point Origami Paper Star at Happy Origami
- A 4-point Northern Star Origami at DIYwithME
- 3D multi-layered 5-point star at Origami Library
- Easy modular 3D 6-point lantern-style star at ORE-DIY Crafts
- Modular 3d lantern-style Origami Star at ORE-DIY Crafts
Twinkle Twinkle Paper Stars…
Origami stars are such a fun and creative way to use paper, whether you’re making them for good luck, as a decoration, or just for the joy of folding. There’s an origami star that will suit what you’re looking for, from the simple, easy ones to the more intricate ninja stars. So grab some paper, get folding, and let your creativity shine!