Making 3-D Hanging Stars for a Display

Hanging stars add sparkle to a display. Taking the stars from two to three dimensions adds interest and draws the eye. While 3-D hanging stars can be made in any number of ways using a variety of materials, creating the stars from fabrics makes stars that will not break or crumble when moved or stored. Using fabric for the 3-D stars also adds texture and provides weight so the stars won’t easily blow out of place.

1. • 1
     Design the 3-D hanging stars. Take out your paper and pencil and use your imagination to sketch what you want the 3-D hanging stars to look like. Make a black and white design or use markers to show how you see the finished decorated stars.
   • 2
     Make a paper template of the hanging stars. Draw a star, copy a star illustration or use a cookie cutter star shape to create the pattern you’ll use for cutting out the stars. Cut the star from the paper.
   • 3
     Purchase plain felt for the stars because felt won’t unravel. You can buy it in fabric length or in craft-size rectangles. Felt is especially simple to work with so children can even complete this project.
   • 4
     Layer two pieces of felt. Cut squares from the material an inch larger than the star pattern you plan to create. Center the star template you created on the layered squares. Pin the template on top of the two felt squares.
   • 5
     Cut the 3-D hanging stars from the felt squares using pinking shears. Cut just outside the template pattern. Take out the pins and remove the 3-D hanging star template.
   • 6
     Separate the two sides of the stars. Run a line of fabric glue around the edges of one felt star side, leaving one side of a star point without glue. Top with the other side of the star. Place a book or other weight on the glued stars then let them dry.
   • 7
     Decorate the 3-D hanging stars with glitter, beads and felt cutouts. Add specific names with markers for a special touch or to give as gifts.
   • 8
     Stuff the 3-D stars with cotton batting or fiberfill. Use a thin, but long, blunt ended instrument, such as a pencil, to gently push the batting into the star. First stuff the points of the star. Stuff until the star is fat but not hard. Glue the opening closed and use pins to secure it until the glue dries.
   • 9
     Sew around the outside edges of the stars with an overhand or whip stitch. Use a contrasting thread such as silver or red for a white star. Fasten off the thread. Cut an 8-inch length for each star and knot the ends together. Glue or sew the loops to the top of a point so the 3-D stars can hang.

     
     

     Things You'll Need

     • Markers (optional)
     • Star cookie cutter
     • Scissors
     • Felt
     • Fabric pins
     • Pinking shears
     • Fabric glue
     • Glitter (optional)
     • Beads (optional)
     • Cotton batting or Fiberfill
     • Needle
     • Thread

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Posted in: School Projects

Easy 3-D Planets & Stars Making Activity

Whether it's for a hanging mobile or a child's school project, making 3-D planets and stars is an easy activity that requires only a few supplies, most of which are readily available at craft and hobby-supply retailers. For the best results, print both a star and a circle template to cut around to ensure uniform shapes.

1. Star

   • 1
     Draw two stars on a piece of yellow construction paper. If you are able to print out the shapes beforehand, use them as guides to trace for a more-uniform finished product.
   • 2
     Cut out both shapes carefully.
   • 3
     Erase the lines used to draw the stars.
   • 4
     Cut a slit up the center of one star from the bottom toward the top, stopping midway through the shape.
   • 5
     Cut another slit on the second star, from the top to the bottom, also stopping midway through the shape.
   • 6
     Slide the star with the cut over the bottom over the star with the cut in the top, so that both cuts intersect and allow the shapes to slide neatly over each other.

   Planet

   • 1
     Draw two circles on a piece of white construction paper. If you are able to print a guide, trace it onto the paper; or, you may trace circles around the bottoms of cups.
   • 2
     Retrace the circles on the opposite side of the paper.
   • 3
     Color the planet as desired with markers or crayons.
   • 4
     Cut the circles out carefully, and cut a small slit halfway up the bottom of one circle, and down from the top of the other.
   • 5
     Arrange the circles so that the one with the cut in the top is held below the circle with the cut on the bottom, and gently slide them together.

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Posted in: School Projects