Easy Step by Step 3D Star Tutorial & Template • Craving Some Creativity

Create a beautiful 3D paper star in under 15 minutes with this easy, family-friendly tutorial. Includes step-by-step instructions and two free printable star templates in multiple sizes. A perfect, easy craft for a Christmas tree topper, garland, or holiday crafts.

Templates showing how to make a 3D star for christmas crafts or tree topper.

Table of Contents

I love a good family-friendly paper craft, especially during the holidays. After searching for the perfect tree topper, I ended up making my own 3D paper star, and it quickly became one of my favorite decorations that year. These stars are easy, elegant, and versatile enough for ornaments, hanging garlands, or simple mantle décor.

If you enjoy handmade holiday projects, you might also love my Christmas mantel decorating ideas, rustic Christmas gift tags, or DIY Christmas tea towels. With the right paper patterns or colors, you can even adapt these stars for other celebrations-think red, white, and blue for July 4th or metallics for New Year's.

Supplies & Materials List

Heavy Weight Card Stock
Template (links below)
Pencil
Scissors
Ruler
String
Tissue Paper
Decorating Materials – spray paint, mod podge, stamps, glitter, scrapbook paper, or other desired materials.
Hole Punch (this one is my favorite and doesn’t hurt your hands)
Paper Protector (optional). I use this to avoid finger smudges while working with layers and inks.
Dry Adhesive – Glue strips or Glue dots (don’t use wet glue!)
Fabric or Paper Stiffener (Optional) The paper can also stiffen with Spray Starch.

Stamping supplies including ink, stamps, ink distresser, and dimensional glitter glue.

Free DIY 3D Paper Star Templates

There are two templates to choose from depending on your preference. Check out our free printable 3d star templates below that all start with a piece of square paper.

Two kinds of 3-D star templates with examples and links to template

Click on the links below to download the free files to make your own 3D paper star projects. You’ll find directions for larger stars and smaller stars.

Which star template should you choose?

The Full Front 3-D star Template (left) is easier to assemble. However, you’ll only have the option of decorating the whole side at one time. You will need two templates to make a full star (front and back).
The Individual Arm 3-D Star Template (right) is what I chose to make my tree topper because it is larger and more and more sculptural. Each arm is stamped individually. You will need 5 arms for each star.

How to make a 3D Paper Star

Tracing a star template on a sheet of paper.

Step 1. Cut out the templates.

For a double-sided full front star you’ll need two templates. For a single arm star, you will need 5 arms. If you want to minimize paper usage, you can trace additional shapes lightly with a pencil.

Wooden decorative paper stamp with modern floral design.

Step 2. Decorate the paper.

Fold before painting or adding dimensional elements to avoid cracking.

I used a script stamp first in brown and then rubbed a bit of the same ink around the edges for a distressed look. I then layered a flourish stamp in red, folded the arms, and traced the flourish in this very fine dimensional glitter glue.

2 kinds of 3-D star templates with examples and links to template

Step 3. Fold both the center lines and tabs as directed.

Gently score lines by using a scoring tool or ruler and a craft knife on the folds. Burnish the edges once folded, (run your fingernail across them), to create crisp fold lines that will help make the 3D paper star points.

Tip: If using the individual arm template, shape the arm and stick the tabs to the appropriate side firmly. Shape each individual arm before assembling the full star.

Woman holding glue dots to prepare to use them to adhere paper tabs.

Step 4. Add adhesive to all tabs.

If you’re using the individual arm template, shape the arm and stick the tabs to the appropriate side firmly so that each individual arm is shaped before assembling the full star. If you plan to hang your star, punch a hole as directed in the FAQs under “How to Hang a Star?”

Woman holding 3d star template showing where to put the adhesive on the tabs.

Step 5. Attach glue tabs to put together.

Stuff the arms with tissue paper or cotton fluff to increase strength. Above shows a closeup of how the individual arm template works. The adhesive flap gets pinched/pressed under the next arm in the 3D star.

Closeup of a stamped and decorated 3d paper star.

Step 6. Spray with a paper stiffener.

This is optional and do test that the product you use is compatible with the materials you used.

How To Hang this Star Ornament

As a regular ornament:

Punch a hole in the top tip and thread ribbon through before adding adhesive to either template. Or tape the thread inside the top arm and fold around it so that the thread comes through the tip opening at the very top.

As a tree topper:

To attach the star from the center back, punch two holes in the back. Thread stiff ribbon or string through the holes and tie to the top of the tree. Another popular idea is to insert a small rod from the bottom (inside corner of arms) to the top tip and clip the rod to the treetop with a few strong clips similar to a hair clip.

More Easy DIY Christmas craft ideas

Tips & Storing

Paper weight matters: Thin paper will collapse; use at least heavy cardstock.
Adhesive tip: Glue dots or tape strips work best - wet glue may warp paper.
Storing: There is not a good way to flatten the individual arm type so I store wrapped in tissue paper in a well fitting box. You can flatten the full fronts if you only printed and folded one side.
Reuse your template: Print once and reuse many times for future projects.
Lighted Stars: If your star is hollowed, consider placing a battery-operated fairy light inside for a glowing effect.

FAQs

What paper should I use to make a 3D paper star?

You can use any lightweight colored or patterned paper, such as card stock, origami paper, or scrapbooking paper, to make a 3D paper star. Thicker weighted papers like cardstock or mixed media paper is best for the individual arm template or large stars.

Can I use glue for a 3D paper star?

I recommend using glue dots or permanent double-sided tape for making DIY 3D stars for best results. Press firmly together. Using wet glue may cause the project to stretch and buckle, which would be unsightly and won’t create a lasting seal.

How to make a 3D paper star garland?

To make a 3D paper star garland, fold and assemble multiple 3D paper stars, then string them together with a thread or ribbon, leaving spaces in between each star.

How to string paper stars?

To string paper stars, thread a needle with a string or ribbon, then carefully pierce through the top of each star, leaving enough space between each star to create your desired arrangement.

How many templates do I need for a star?

Red and white 3D paper star tree topper on top of Christmas tree with gold ribbon garland.

Our finished 3D paper patterned star looked radiant upon our tree. Happy Holidays!

Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

More Christmas Crafts and Projects

PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!