If you’ve been scrolling for paper Christmas craft decoration ideas that actually look good and don’t take all day—this one’s going straight to the top of your list. This paper star wreath (or origami Christmas star- with a twist, if we’re getting fancy) looks beautifully intricate, but it’s really just made from folded paper triangles that slot neatly together. Think “wow, you made that?!” results… with minimal stress and zero glue mess.
Whether you hang it as a paper Christmas wreath, pop it on the tree, or use it as part of your holiday table decor, it’s one of those simple crafts that feels extra special because you made it. All you’ll need is a few sheets of paper, a little patience, and maybe a Christmas playlist to keep things festive.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make a Christmas star from paper, step by step. Once you’ve made one, you’ll probably end up folding a few more (they’re surprisingly addictive!). So grab your paper, get cozy, and let’s make something beautiful together.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
How to make crafty Christmas paper stars for your home
What you’ll need
This Christmas craft project is great because you don’t really need any special craft supplies!
Grab your:
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Craft glue
Paper or cardstock (we used a lightweight patterned cardstock)
Note: in the completed star, you will be able to see section of both the front side (the “right side”) of the paper as well as the back side (the “wrong side”).
Our paper was patterned green on the front side and white on the back side. Therefore, you can see both white sections and green segments in our completed star. Alternatively, you can use paper that is patterned/coloured on both sides.
Step 1
To make one paper star, you’ll need 4 square pieces of paper, each the same size.
If you don’t have paper that is already square, you’ll need to cut the squares yourself!
The larger the squares you start with, the larger your finished star will be.
We prepared 4 squares each 12 cm x 12 cm (ca. 4 ¾ in. x 4 ¾ in.) and finished with a star that was approximately 18 cm (approx. 7 in.) across.
Step 2
Take one square and use a ruler and pencil to draw a line diagonally through the square, dividing the square in half.
Use the scissors to cut along this line to create 2 identical triangles.
Repeat this step with the other 3 squares so that you have a total of 8 matching triangles
Fold each triangle in half to create a crease, with the wrong side of the paper inwards.
Tip: we sometimes used a ruler to also press along any creases to make sure the fold lines remained clear and easy to find again.
Open triangles again and lay flat on your working surface with the paper wrong side facing upwards.
Step 3:
To make it easier to follow, before you do anything else, take a look at this labelled diagram.
Grab just one triangle for now. Hold Edge A and pull it inwards, so that this edge now meets the midline crease you just created and that Corner 3 now sits a little lower than Edge C.
You will now be able to see half of the wrong side of your paper triangle and some of the right side.
Step 4:
Flip the paper over, so that you can see almost only the right side, with a small tip of wrong side showing.
Now fold this small tip in half wrong sides together, so it becomes an even smaller triangle, like in this diagram.
Then fold this mini triangle over, so that it is laying atop the right side of the paper. It will now look like this.
Step 5:
It’s time to fold the other half of this triangle. Lay the paper flat on your work surface with the right side facing up.
You’re going to repeat Step 3, but this time folding Edge B inwards.
And then repeat Step 4.
This piece of paper will now be folded to look like this.
Step 6:
What about those other 7 triangles you cut out in Step 2? It’s time to fold each of them the exact same way, following Steps 2, 3 and 4.
Tip: Remember at the start, I said that when this Christmas origami star wreath is finished, you’ll be able to see parts of both sides of the craft paper? Well, if you are using paper that is different on the fronts and backs (like we did), make sure that the first edge you fold is the same for every new piece of paper. This way, all 8 finished pieces will look the same. Trust me on this! Just do it! 😅
Step 7:
Are you ready for more folding?!?
Grab the slimmer, pointed tip of your paper.
Now pull it diagonally upwards left, so that this tip meets with the upper left corner of your folded triangle paper and the left edges of the paper match.
The piece of paper will now look an odd shape, like this.
Repeat this fold with each of the remaining 7 triangles.
Great job folding! This fold was a way to mark what you need for the last step.
Aaaand now, you need to open up that last fold and lay the triangles relatively flat on your working surface again. 🤭
Step 08
Hooray! It’s now time to put all of this together to form your Christmas wreath! 🥳
Grab 2 (any 2!) of your origami triangles. Insert the pointed end of 1 triangle into the midline opening of the 2nd triangle. The 2 triangles will now look like they are almost lying across each other at a 90 degree angle (but they aren’t quite!). They should look like this.
Tip: If you’d like to finish this project in a very un-origami way, feel free to add a dot of glue to each triangle to help hold them together.
Repeat this process one by one, inserting another triangle…
… and another one…
… and another one… and keep going…
… until you’re sliding in the last triangle…
Aaaaaand then… YOU’RE FINISHED!!!
I know it times it felt like the steps didn’t make sense or were never going to lead to anything (or am I the only one who felt that way?!?). But it was all worth it in the end, right?!? Reading the wordy instructions is actually more complicated that doing at that folding. But that is why I have included so many photos and detailed steps so you don’t miss a thing!
Even more Christmas crafts & easy projects to sew for the Holidays!
If you’re on a DIY crafty kick and on the lookout for even more Christmas fun projects, I’ve got plenty of creative ideas for you!
🎄Alternative Pretty Paper Stars
🎄Fabric Christmas Ornaments to Make
🎄3D Plush Christmas Trees to Sew
🎄Milk Carton Rudolph the Reindeer Craft
And that’s it—your very own handmade origami paper star wreath! Isn’t it amazing what a few folds of paper can turn into? Whether you make one as a quiet moment of calm or turn it into a family craft night, these little stars bring such a cozy, homemade touch to Christmas. If you loved this project, don’t forget to save or share it so you can make more next year—and maybe even start a new holiday tradition.
