Simple paper stars

I was having all kinds of trouble trying to cut out a cardboard star. I'd practically used a whole cereal packet and it wasn't going well. My daughter watched quietly as I got increasingly frustrated,

'They're all a bit wonky mummy...'

And I had to agree (through slightly clenched teeth) - they weren't great. Where's a star stencil when you need one?

But then I remembered seeing how to make a paper star in an old 70's craft book I found in a charity shop.

So, I dug it out, and everyone had a go at making them, and once we'd got the knack, we were churning out paper stars of all sizes and colours. They're extremely quick and easy....just need to think of something to do with them all now!

simple paper stars

Take a square piece of paper of any size

Fold it in half

Fold it in half again

Keep the folded point towards you and fold again

Still with the point towards you, fold once more.

Now cut off the point on a slant. It's worth experimenting a bit, because the sharper the angle, the pointer the star.

Back to the cardboard one that got us into star mode in the first place...there was just enough cereal packet left, so we stuck a christmas wrapping paper star onto the card and cut around it.
MUCH better!

Easy Paper Houses

If you've got any colouring-in keenies, then these could be just the thing! They look lovely and are really quick and easy to make.

All you need is a sheet of paper, glue or sticky tape and a ruler. I used thickish coloured paper, but whatever you've got will do.

First, fold the sheet of paper in half lengthways.

Open again and fold in both outside edges, so they meet in the middle on the crease line.

Open again, turn, and fold both the top and bottom ends this time - so they measure the same as the lengthways folds you've just done.
I found the best way to do this, was to measure a lengthways one, then hold the ruler as I was folding the top and bottom ends, creasing when the fold was the right measurement.

Without turning, cut tabs along the 3 creases at the top and bottom ends, as far as the crossways folds.

Cut out doors, windows and chimneys if you want, on either of the long sides. Decorate your house when it's flat too.
When you're happy, stick the tabs that form the roof nice and snug with glue or sticky tape then the walls..

...checking it sits properly as you do it.

We had a Richard Scarry moment and drew rooms on the back as well.

From houses to shops....and before we knew it, a small village!