3D Paper Star • Style 3 • Tutorial

3d Paper Stars by 3dCuts.com, Marji Roy, 3D cutting files in .svg, .dxf, and .pdf formats for use with Silhouette and Cricut cutting machines, paper crafting files

Project Description:

3D Stars are appropriate for decorations at so many events. These are shown here with a decidedly 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 3. It is 8.5" tall and 1/2" thick.

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 3 Tutorial

Supplies Needed:

Cutting File available here.
8.5 x 11" card stock - I used the 65lb Cardstock from Recollections.
Tacky glue
Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
Ribbon for hanging (Optional)

Parts sizes: (For those importing into Design Space) - in inches

All pieces grouped 8.645 h x 5.225 w
Polygon for box - 5.890 h x 5.225w
Star - 2.095 h x 2.205 w
Filler diamond - 4.3023 h x 1.920 w (optional)
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 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. Cut the shapes.

Cut this shape out 5 times.
Cut 2 stars.
This star is constructed by glue 5 diamond shaped boxes together.

5. Fold.

Fold all dotted lines in the same direction.

6. Glue the box together.

Use glue dots on each of the 4 corners and glue the tabs onto the adjoining side.

At this point the box will have all 4 corners glued and an open lid.

Variation: You can add colored panels inside these boxes as an alternative design. Add them at this point if you want a solid star.

7. Glue the lid down.

I switch glue types here and used hot glue. You need to work quickly. I applied glue to the long side first and quickly placed the top. You do need to be accurate in placement. Use Tacky glue if you want more time to adjust.

Curl back the sort end and apply glue to the tabs here. Glue the top down.

8. Assemble the star.

Use hot glue and glue the short edges of the diamond boxes together. It helps to work on a flat surface.

9. Add a center star.

Glue a contrasting star into the center of each side.

Glue the hanger to the tip of one point.

Add ribbon to hang.(optional).

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.

The star is finished. Make others from my 3d Stars series to create a display of celebratory stars!

Variation: Combine 5 diamond boxes from Star 3 with 5 diamond boxes from Star 1 and create a new, more complex design.