How to Fold Origami Lucky Star – Instructions, Meaning and Creative Usages

When I search for origami ideas, the first idea that comes to mind is the paper stars or origami lucky stars. Those 5 pointed puff stars or tiny origami stars are easy and fun to make, but it is far beyond just a folding experience. That little lucky star, in some areas, is also called an origami Chinese star. It symbolizes good luck, courage, and fortune. Let’s learn how to make origami lucky stars step by step.

Moreover, you can write some positive confirmation on the paper strips to brighten someone’s day. Another good usage of origami lucky stars is decoration usage. In the last sections of this instruction, we will have many origami lucky star ideas about how to use them for occasions and holidays.

Materials for Origami Lucky Stars

All you need for your origami lucky stars are origami paper strips, which are sometimes called lucky star paper strips. Origami lucky star strips may differ in length and width, with the common style being around ¼ inches (1cm) and wider strips for bigger stars.

If you plan to cut the paper strips yourself, yes, you can definitely do this, although it is a little bit time-consuming. The most important tip here is to match the right ratio between length and width. The wider your strips are, the longer the star strips should be.

The ratio also depends on the thickness of the paper. The thicker paper should be shorter.

• The first strip below is 80 g of color paper (the same thickness as regular printing paper), 1 cm wide, and 21 cm long.
• The number 2 strip is wider, around 1.2cm, it needs 25cm long.

Another factor is the thickness of the paper. When the paper is thicker, we will need less folding time to reach the perfect puff-shaping thickness. So it should be shorter.

Origami lucky star – step-by-step Instructions

Now, let’s learn how to make the origami lucky star step by step. If you are quite new, we recommend starting with the most basic paper- the solid color paper strip. Once mastered, you can move on to different types of paper strips for unique textures and looks.

Step 1

We will start by creating the Pentagon. This is the foundation of the well shaped origami star which will affect the final appearance.

To to this, we will firstly make a knot at one end of the strip. If you are using patterned strips, leave the ends with better looking as the finishing end.

Fold around 5 times the width of your strip down over the other end to create a loop. Take the tail of the ends and wrap it behind. Take the end of the strip and tuck it through the loop you created previously.

Now, gently pull on both ends of the strip to tighten the knot.

Step 2

Take the end of the strip and tuck it through the loop you created previously.

Now, gently pull on both ends of the strip to tighten the knot.

Step 3

Flatten the pentagon to finish.

Step 4

Fold the tail backward to hide it. This also helps to prevent the knot from breaking.

Step 5

Turn over the strip and make the inner side facing up.

Step 6

Now, we start wrapping the remaining strip over the pentagon.

Fold the strip and bottom line to completely cover the upper right edge. Then flip over the pentagon with the white dashed line (the center line). The strip will go back to the bottom again (picture 3). Fold up again to cover the upper left edge completely. So we are folding one time right and one time left.

Flip over the Pentagon again to let the inner side face up. Repeat this process, one time right edge, one time left edge.

Step 7

Until there is only a short tail unwrapped. Fold it along the edge and then tuck it inside the existing fold of the pentagon. If it is a little bit too long, cut it shorter.

Step 8

The origami star pentagon is ready. Now, let’s shape it. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch one point and slightly press the edges simultaneously to create a basic shape. Once the basic shape is formed, gently squeeze and adjust points for a more defined shape.

Types of origami star paper

While traditional origami works, dedicated origami lucky star paper strips often include colorful designs and patterns. The following are some of the most common and popular origami star papers.

Solid color origami lucky star paper

This is the most common and popular paper strip for origami lucky stars. It can be rainbow or solid color in gradient colors. You can use those stars for the origami star shadow box or wish bottles with gradient colors.

Patterned origami lucky star paper

Pattered origami lucky star paper is possibly the most creative group among all of the paper strips. That star can be shining in appearance.

If you want to enhance your origami lucky star designs, markers or pens are useful for adding personalized touches. Moreover, you can add stickers or glitter to add unique textures to the star.

Essential Tips for perfecting the origami lucky star

1. A precise pentagon forms the base for subsequent folds. This shape serves as the star’s foundation, affecting the final appearance. So make sure your knot is well tightened, and the edges of the pentagon are attached to the remaining strip.
2. When wrapping the strip on the pentagon, ensure it overlaps completely with the edges.
3. Rotate the star to ensure even shaping. Adjust any parts that appear flat. For more volume, pinch with more precision or apply light pressure.

Meaning of Origami Lucky Stars

Origami lucky stars hold a special place in paper folding because they symbolize hope, love, health, and good fortune. We always love to send them as gifts to express our good wishes and dreams. The star represents good luck, while the number of lucky stars can also send messages.

• 100 origami lucky stars represent good luck. You can send them to friends and teachers. If you want to use a jar or bottle as a container, pick times of 100.
• 365 0rigami lucky stars – a hope for everyday happiness to someone you care a lot about.
• 1000 origami lucky stars – forever love for your loved ones. In Chinese culture, sending 1000 origami lucky stars can help to realize the recipient’s dreams.

You can store your lucky star in any container, but the best way is to place it in a box or an origami lucky star jar.

Origami Lucky Star Ideas- About the Usage

Origami lucky stars are not just simple paper crafts. For us, they are a great helper in home decor, gifts, or even shadow boxes. The following are some of our best ideas for using those cute little origami lucky stars.

1. You can string them together just like stringing along with an origami crane. So, it can be used as an element of beautiful garlands.
2. Place those stars in a glass wishing jar, which will serve as a decorative piece on a table or bookshelve. You can also write some handwritten notes or messages.
3. Giant origami lucky stars can be used as ornaments for holidays such as Christmas or New Year. Our shop has broader and longer origami lucky star strips for bigger origami lucky stars.
4. You can also write names and wishes on the surface of finished origami lucky stars, usually larger ones. Or you can use them to keep a shared memory or moments.

You can match the stars in a shadow box and use it as a gift

Or in a larger bottle

In small wishing bottles as decoration for parties and holiday

How to keep the paper Stars

After finishing, you can keep your paper stars in a jar or a box in many ways. The key tip is to store them in a dry, clean environment.

Afterthought

We have guided you through the steps to making your puff origami lucky star. Either make some at home with decorative paper strips or purchase some from us, and you can make a meaningful gift with those stars. Happy folding!