Fold an Origami Star (Shuriken)

You don't have to go to a weapon store to have your very own "ninja star" or a "Shuriken". You can make one or several out of paper as a cheaper and safer alternative. It is also very fun to play with and a good project for you to do with your child. You can also show it off to your friends!

Steps

Making a Square of Paper

  1. Begin with a rectangular piece of paper. Ordinary loose paper or construction paper will do. We will make a square piece of paper from this. If you're already starting with a square piece of origami paper, skip the next two steps.
  2. Fold the diagonal of the square. Fold the top right hand corner diagonally down so the top of the paper lines up with the left side, forming a point at the top right corner.

  3. Remove the extra piece. Cut or carefully tear along the edge so you are left with a square of paper.

Forming the Parts

  1. Fold the square in half. The fold should be parallel to the edges.

  2. Cut the square in half. Cut the square in half into 2 equal parts. Scissors may make this easier.

  3. Repeat. Fold each piece in half vertically again, parallel to the long sides.

  4. Fold the ends. Fold the end diagonally, so the edges line up.

  5. Repeat. Repeat this fold, on each end of each strip, making sure the folds are oriented as shown.

  6. Make the triangle fold. Fold the end on the diagonal again. You should end with a big triangle facing you and two smaller triangles facing away from you.

  7. Repeat. Repeat this same fold on each end of each strip. Make sure the orientations go opposite one another, as shown.

Putting Them Together

  1. Turn over only the piece on the left and arrange the two parts, as shown.

  2. Put the right piece on top of the left piece. There should be a square in the center of each piece that lines up, but if you can't find it yet, don't worry. Just line up the middles.

  3. Fold the uppermost point inwards on the diagonal and tuck the point into the pocket.

  4. Fold the bottom point upwards on the diagonal and tuck the point into the pocket.

  5. Flip the whole thing over.

  6. Fold the right point on the diagonal just as before and tuck it into the pocket.

  7. Fold the left and final point on the diagonal and tuck it into the last pocket. You may have to coax a little to get it tucked in.

  8. Put some tape in the middle of the tucked in middles (optional). This will keep the ninja star from becoming undone.

  9. Enjoy your ninja star.



Tips

  • Make sure you put good strong creases on your ninja star. If you don't, the ninja star will not be bold and look as neat as it would and should be. You can use something with a fine point to straighten the edges, and use a fingernail to make sharper creases.
  • This works best with thicker paper, such as from magazines
  • Make three or more stars at once and stack them so their shapes are almost lined up, but are spaced apart slightly. Grip them between your thumb and index finger and throw all the stars at once from your side to the front, like a frisbee.
  • You can decorate the ninja star using glitter glue markers, glitter pens etc.

Warnings

  • Be careful when throwing the stars. You could even injure yourself.
  • Edges can be sharp, keep away from small children.
  • Do not throw this at people or animals.

Things You'll Need

  • One sheet of 8.5 x 11" paper (aka A4 printing paper) or origami paper (optional but preferred)
  • Scissors (optional)

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References

Quick Summary

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