Designer: Patti Milazzo

My daughter loves origami and these star shaped beads are made with an easy paper folding method and require only minimal tools and supplies. For this bracelet she made several stars and strung them together along with colorful glass beads to make this patriotic themed bracelet.
Instructions:
Note: I recommend using light weight paper to create the stars.
1. Cut paper strips 1/4 inch wide and 10 inches long with a trimmer.

2. Start by tying a know at one end of the paper strip. Pull slowly and carefully. Gradually flatten the shape until you have a perfect little pentagon.

3. Valley fold the short tail end over and tuck in or trim.

4. For the longer tail, also valley fold the strip over and around the pentagon shape. Repeat until the end and tuck in the excess.

5. To puff up the star, hold it with your thumbs and index fingers. Then with one of your thumbnails push in the side. Repeat this with each side of the star to puff it up.

6. Once 10+ stars are made, use a large needle to string together the stars and beads using stretchy beading elastic.
Note: Use a thumbtack to make the holes.
7. Tie the ends once you have the desired length and itís ready to wear.

Tip: For larger stars, increase to 1/2 inch by 12 inches.

Other suggestions:

• Write thoughts or wishes on the stars, then fill jars or other clear containers with them.
• Use them for necklaces, earrings or as a scrapbook accent.