Swedish Paper Star
Paper stars appear to have entered the folk tradition of a variety of countries and cultures, spread over wide geographical distances. In Sweden through the winter months most homes have beautiful paper stars in their windows to symbolize the advent. In China origami stars symbolize luck and love, something treasured to give your most loved individual. Across India paper stars are used to decorate homes for the Hindu festival of Diwali, a celebration of light.
I figured with the darkness so many feel in 2020 we all need a little more light and love in our lives! I have made a limited series of these Swedish inspired folksy paper stars as my gift to you. Please see the images below to unpack your star.
As the nights get longer and winter approaches we meet the darkness with celebrations of light, a burst of festivity - and a bright shining star!
Once you have opened your package you will have a folded 5-point star that looks like this!
Carefully open the star. Be mindful that this has been through the mail and might have been hugged a little too long by the mail carrier. Because of that one or more of the pints might not fall open. Don't force it!
Go get a pencil!
Use your pencil inside the star to pop out that fold if it is kinked. Or chopstick or long finger even a magic wand will do!
This is how it should look now!
You will see there is a black piece of funny ribbon poking through two hole. Make sure you ribbon is even on both sides and all of the slack is out of the star.
As you tie the ribbon make sure your inside points line up as well as you can manage. This is handmade and paper after all...be kind to me! XO
Once you have everything lined up and you are pleased tie it in a knot.
And there you have it! Ready to hang!
I hope you enjoy your handmade creation as much as I enjoyed making them. If you didn't get a star...hit up my contacts page and send me your address! I will be making these again soon...they were so much fun to figure out!
These are not for sale, they are a practice of love and appreciation. Every year I always make a hand carved & hand printed card to send out. This gives me the to opportunity to reflect on the year, the people in my life and the appreciation I have for each one of you in the weeks long process. I love tradition!
Stay well & wear your mask so I can see you again!