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DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Polish Gwiazdy

Yep, I know, they look a lot like paper snowflakes (but notice they have 8 sides, not 6!).  If you try this craft with children under age 8, you'll likely end up doing most of the work!  (age 6 to 8 can likely do a simplistic version with fewer cuts).  Click here for a larger photo of the construction paper star or here for a larger photo of the white paper star.   Close the photo window when done viewing to return to this screen.

Gwiazdy means "stars" in Polish.  This paper cutting craft typically has geometric designs and is from the Kurpie and Lowicz regions of Poland. 

 

Materials:

  • paper
  • pencil
  • scissors
 finished paper craft

finished paper craft

Instructions:

Turn your rectangle into a square:  Fold your paper all the way across to make a triangle with a bit hanging over.  Cut off the bit that's hanging over Step one: turn rectangle into square
Fold your square in half (to make a rectangle) fold one
Then in half again to make a square.  Now fold in half one last time (corner to corner this time) to make a triangle. fold three
Draw a curved line and cut off the top of the triangle. draw line  cut off top
Draw a symmetrical design (same on both sides).  Don't draw any cuts all the way through or you'll end up with confetti instead of a star.

draw pattern
And cut out along the lines you drew. cut out pattern
Unfold and admire your beautiful creation.   unfold to see finished craft
You can make it out of construction paper instead of plain white paper for a bit of variety. or make out of construction paper

 

 

Printable version of these instructions