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Origami Star Jars

Do you have a TBR pile that you keep adding to? If so, this craft is for you! Using origami stars, you can create yourself a TBR star jar. So grab your list of TBR books and get ready to solve your “what should I read next?” problem!

What You Need:

  • Jar

  • Paper (Whatever color you want.)

  • Scissors or Paper Cutter

  • Pen or Pencil

  • Ruler

  • Patience :)



Step 1: Gather Materials















Step 2: Create a TBR (To Be Read) list















Step 3: Cut your paper into ½ inch strips with the strips being cut along the long edge of the paper. I recommend drawing ½ inch lines to cut along so that all of your strips are the same size.











Step 4: Write your TBR books on your strips with each strip representing one book.













Step 5: Start with your strip of paper with the book title side up. Bring the left end of the paper over and down with it going behind the strip.












Step 6: Bring the bottom end up and through the loop you have created.














Step 7: Continue to pull the end through the loop, also pull the bottom end to tighten the knot. Keep wiggling and pulling the knot tighter, flattening it at the same time.


Note: Spend as much time as needed to make this make the pentagon as neat and tight as possible, this will ensure your origami star turns out well!






Step 8: The end on the left should be much shorter than the end on the right. Fold the excess end over and tuck it under the flap (you can see the flap in the previous step). You do not need to cut excess off, but you can do that if it’s too long. Keep the bottom edge aligned with the pentagon shape you have created.


Step 9: Begin wrapping the pentagon. Fold the strip on top, over to the right. Flip over and continue folding by alternating sides. Do not press down too tightly. You will need some room to pinch the star points at the end.










Step 10: Continue until you only have a small section left.














Step 11: Insert the small remaining section into the triangle pocket on the pentagon. In the picture below, you can see the paper being entered into the triangular pocket.











Step 12: Now it's time to inflate the star! Get your index finger and thumb and pinch in one of the points of the star. Rotate the star and do the same on all the points.


Step 13: You can get different results by pinching more or less at this stage. Remember that your first attempt may not come out as well as expected. Be patient, and keep trying until you are a pro at making origami stars. If you are still having trouble, check out this video for a different take on origami stars.


Put all of your stars in your jar, shake them up, and pick out your next read!


Danielle Carlton, Library Assistant








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