Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, offers a fascinating blend of creativity and precision. Among its many captivating creations, the origami star, also known as a shuriken or ninja star, stands out as a popular and visually striking model. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step tutorial on how to fold a perfect shuriken star, suitable for both beginners and experienced origami enthusiasts.
What You’ll Need
- Two square sheets of paper (origami paper recommended, but any thin paper will work). Using two different colors can create a visually appealing final product. The size of the paper determines the size of the final star. 6×6 inch paper is a good starting point.
- A flat, clean surface to work on.
- Optional: A ruler or bone folder to make crisp creases.
Understanding the Basics
Before we begin, it’s important to understand some fundamental origami folds. We’ll be using the following folds extensively:
- Valley Fold: Folding the paper so that the crease forms a valley.
- Mountain Fold: Folding the paper so that the crease forms a mountain.
- Squash Fold: A more complex fold where you open a pocket and flatten it into a new shape. (We won’t be using a traditional squash fold in this specific model, but it’s good to be aware of it in general origami).
Step-by-Step Instructions
We will be creating two identical modules that will then be combined to form the star. Let’s start with the first module.
Creating the First Module
- Initial Fold: Take your first square sheet of paper. Fold it in half vertically (valley fold), crease well, and unfold. This creates a central crease line.
- Fold to the Center: Fold the top edge of the paper to the center crease (valley fold), crease well.
- Repeat: Fold the bottom edge of the paper to the center crease (valley fold), crease well. You should now have a long, narrow rectangle, like a bookmark.
- Folding Diagonally (Top Right): Fold the top right corner down to meet the bottom edge, creating a diagonal crease. Make sure the edge of the diagonal fold lines up precisely with the bottom edge. This is a crucial step for the final assembly. Crease sharply.
- Folding Diagonally (Bottom Left): Fold the bottom left corner up to meet the top edge, creating a diagonal crease, mirroring the previous fold. Again, ensure the edge aligns perfectly with the top edge. Crease sharply. Your paper should now look like a parallelogram with two diagonal creases pointing in opposite directions.
Creating the Second Module
Repeat steps 1-5 with the second square sheet of paper. It’s important to create the second module identically to the first. Pay close attention to the direction of the diagonal folds. They must be mirror images of each other in the two modules.
Assembling the Shuriken Star
This is where the magic happens! You’ll be interweaving the two modules to form the star.
- Positioning the Modules: Take one module and lay it flat on your work surface with the diagonal folds facing upwards. Take the second module and position it on top of the first, also with the diagonal folds facing upwards. Rotate the second module so that the points of its diagonal folds are facing in the opposite direction from the points of the diagonal folds on the first module. Imagine you are trying to create a plus sign (+) with the two modules.
- Tucking the Flaps: Now, the trick is to tuck the flaps of each module into the pockets created by the diagonal folds of the other module.
- Take the top right flap of the top module and tuck it under the diagonal fold of the bottom module that is closest to it (the bottom left diagonal fold).
- Take the bottom left flap of the top module and tuck it under the diagonal fold of the bottom module that is closest to it (the top right diagonal fold).
- Repeat on the Bottom Module: Now, repeat the tucking process with the flaps of the bottom module.
- Take the top right flap of the bottom module and tuck it under the diagonal fold of the top module that is closest to it (the bottom left diagonal fold).
- Take the bottom left flap of the bottom module and tuck it under the diagonal fold of the top module that is closest to it (the top right diagonal fold).
- Securing the Flaps: As you tuck the flaps in, you’ll notice the star starting to take shape. Ensure that all flaps are tucked in securely and neatly. You might need to gently adjust the folds to make them lie flat.
- Final Adjustments: Once all the flaps are tucked in, press down firmly on the star to flatten it and secure the folds. You can use a ruler or bone folder to reinforce the creases for a sharper, more defined look.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Shuriken Star
- Precision is Key: The accuracy of your folds is crucial for the final outcome. Take your time and make sure each fold is crisp and precise.
- Sharp Creases: Use a ruler or bone folder to create sharp, well-defined creases. This will make the assembly process much easier and result in a cleaner, more professional-looking star.
- Paper Choice: Origami paper is ideal because it’s thin and easy to fold. However, you can use any thin paper, such as printer paper or gift wrapping paper. Avoid using thick paper, as it will be difficult to fold and tuck.
- Color Combinations: Experiment with different color combinations to create visually stunning stars. Using two different colors for the modules can add depth and interest to your origami creation.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Origami takes practice. Keep trying, and you’ll eventually master the art of folding a shuriken star.
- Watch Video Tutorials: If you’re struggling with the written instructions, consider watching video tutorials online. Seeing the process in action can be incredibly helpful. Search for “origami shuriken tutorial” on YouTube.
- Troubleshooting:
- Flaps Not Tucking In Easily: This usually means your diagonal folds are not aligned correctly. Double-check that the edges of your diagonal folds line up precisely with the edges of the paper.
- Star is Bulky or Uneven: This can be caused by using thick paper or not creasing the folds sharply enough. Try using thinner paper and reinforcing the creases.
- Star Falls Apart Easily: Make sure all the flaps are tucked in securely. You can also use a tiny dab of glue to hold the flaps in place, but this is generally not necessary if the folds are done correctly.
Variations and Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic shuriken star, you can explore various variations and advanced techniques to take your origami skills to the next level.
- Eight-Pointed Star: This variation involves creating four modules instead of two, resulting in a more complex and intricate star.
- Color-Changing Star: By using paper with different colors on each side, you can create a star that changes color as you fold it.
- Modular Origami: The shuriken star is a type of modular origami, where multiple identical units are combined to create a larger structure. Explore other modular origami models to expand your repertoire.
- Wet-Folding: This technique involves dampening the paper slightly to make it more pliable and easier to shape. Wet-folding can be used to create softer, more rounded forms. (Not typically used for shuriken stars but a general origami technique).
The History and Significance of the Shuriken
The shuriken, often referred to as a throwing star or ninja star, is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon. It was used by ninjas and samurai as a supplementary weapon, often thrown to distract or disable opponents. While the origami shuriken star is a harmless paper model, it’s interesting to note the historical significance of its namesake.
The shuriken was typically made of sharpened metal and came in various shapes and sizes, including the familiar star shape, as well as needle-like and dart-like forms. The star-shaped shuriken, with its multiple points, was designed to inflict maximum damage upon impact.
Today, the origami shuriken star is enjoyed as a fun and creative craft, appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and the satisfying process of folding it from a simple sheet of paper.
Why Learn Origami?
Origami offers numerous benefits beyond just creating beautiful objects. Here are a few reasons why you should consider learning origami:
- Improves Fine Motor Skills: Folding origami requires precise hand movements, which helps to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Enhances Spatial Reasoning: Origami involves visualizing three-dimensional shapes from two-dimensional paper, which enhances spatial reasoning skills.
- Boosts Concentration and Focus: Following the intricate steps of an origami model requires concentration and focus, which can help to improve these cognitive skills.
- Reduces Stress: The repetitive and meditative nature of origami can be calming and relaxing, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Stimulates Creativity: Origami encourages creativity and experimentation, allowing you to explore different folding techniques and create your own unique designs.
- Provides a Sense of Accomplishment: Completing an origami model can be incredibly satisfying, providing a sense of accomplishment and boosting self-esteem.
- It’s a Fun and Engaging Hobby: Origami is a fun and engaging hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
Conclusion
Folding an origami shuriken star is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With a little practice and patience, you can master this classic origami model and create beautiful stars to share with friends and family. So, grab two sheets of paper and start folding! Embrace the art of origami and discover the endless possibilities of paper folding.