3D Paper Star • Style 2 • Tutorial
Project Description:
3D Stars are appropriate for so many decorating events. These are shown here with a strong patriotic color scheme directed toward Independence Day celebrations but with different color schemes they could easily be used for Christmas decor (silver and white). How about New Year's Eve (black and gold)? Or any awards celebration in school colors.
This tutorial is for the single color 3D hanging star. This is Star Style 2. It is 5" tall and 1" thick and can also stand up on a shelf.
Purchasing Options:
ndividual star cutting files are available here for 99¢ each.
An All- star package including four 3D Stars (from which a variety of designs can be constructed), the shadow box star and the 3D tree cutting files is available for $3.99 here.
3D Star - Style 2 Tutorial
Supplies Needed:
- Cutting File available here.
- 8.5 x 11" card stock - I used the 65lb Cardstock from Recollections. Each 5" star takes 1 piece.
- Tacky glue
- Ribbon for hanging (Optional)
Parts sizes: (For those importing into Design Space) - in inches
- All pieces grouped 10.77 h x 8.13 w
- Star - 4.935 h x 5.185 w
- Short strip - 10.445 h x 1.505 w
- Longer strip - 10.77 h x 1.505 w
- Also note: svg files have 2 layers. Cut lines on one and dotted fold lines on the other.
Steps for completing the Star:
1. Download the cutting files for your cutting machine. The files are available here.
2. Load the files into your cutting software following the steps for your cutting machine.
3. Prepare and cut the files:.
Helpful Hints:
- For the Silhouette: The SVG files from this site will need to be turned into cutting files. Click here for detailed steps on how to use SVG files on your Silhouette. http://www.3dcuts.com/tutorial-upload-svg-silhouette
- For Cricut Explore: Melody Lane has put together a helpful video on how to import 3dCuts files into Design Space. I recommend you view it here. http://youtu.be/EtY_VaNn1y8 I have also grouped the dotted lines into one group to make it easy to label them as score lines.
4. Glue the tab end (not the hole ends) of the two strips together. Use either glue dots of tacky glue.
5. Fold the double length strip in a mountain-valley-mountain valley or zig-zag fold.
6. Fold all edges tabs in toward the center
7. Glue the star together.
Helpful hints:
I used Aileens tacky glue because it dries slowly enough to allow me time to get the star edges perfectly aligned. I could reposition the edges as the glue got tackier.
Other types of glue may be appropriate. It depends on how quickly you like to work.
I varied my approach. I started by first putting glue on the edge of one star keeping to the outside 1/4".
I started with the middle point, not the end.
I then positioned the folded strip over the star. I carefully matched up the edges.
I flipped it over and held everything in place for a few seconds as the glue took hold.
Once I had the first point in place, I found it easier to add the glue to the tabs on the strip and position the star on top.
I worked point by point.
On the last point, be sure to add glue to the tab to hold the two ends of the strip together, as well as gluing the edge to the star.
Check all edges and reposition things as the glue dries.
Flip the star over and add glue to all the tabs on the reverse side.
Position the second star on top and again work the edges as the glue dries. The advantage of this type of glue is that you have a little time the adjust things. The challenge is keeping your fingers clean!
It helps to use a skinny tool to reach inside and push the tabs down from the inside. I used the spatula for the Silhouette put a many other tools would work as well.
Add a complementary ribbon for hanging. I used hot glue to glue the ribbon back on itself.
The star is finished. Make others from my 3d Stars series to create a display of celebratory stars!
Copyright 2014 • 3DCuts.com • Marji Roy