How To Make A Paper Ninja Star
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How to Make a Paper Ninja Star: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ninja stars, also known as shuriken, are weapons used by ninjas in ancient Japan. These deadly weapons were used for both long-range and close-range attacks. However, today, ninja stars are used mostly for decoration and entertainment. In this article, we will teach you how to make a paper ninja star. It’s a fun and easy craft that you can do with your kids or friends. So, let’s get started!

Materials Needed

Create your own customized paper ninja star with this tutorial
Create your own customized paper ninja star with this tutorial

The first step in making a paper ninja star is to gather all the necessary materials. Here is a list of everything you will need:

  • Two sheets of square paper
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Pencil or pen

The most common paper size used for making paper ninja stars is 6 inches by 6 inches. However, you can use any size of square paper. The paper can be of any color or pattern, depending on your preference. Make sure to use thin paper, as it’s easier to fold.

Once you have gathered all the materials, you’re ready to start making your paper ninja star.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Take one sheet of square paper and fold it in half, diagonally. Crease the paper well and then unfold it.

  2. Fold the paper in half, diagonally, in the opposite direction. Crease the paper well and then unfold it again.

  3. Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically. Crease the paper well and then unfold it.

  4. Fold the four corners of the paper towards the center. Crease the paper well and then unfold it.

  5. Fold the four corners of the paper towards the center, again, but this time, fold them slightly inside the creases made in step 4. Crease the paper well and then unfold it.

  6. Cut along the creases made in step 4, stopping at the center of the paper.

  7. Fold the corners of each piece towards the center, forming two smaller squares. Crease the paper well.

  8. Take the first square and fold the top flap in half, diagonally, so that the top edge meets the center crease. Crease the paper well and then unfold it.

  9. Fold the top flap in half, diagonally, in the opposite direction, so that the top edge meets the center crease. Crease the paper well and then unfold it again.

  10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 with the bottom flap.

  11. Flip the paper over and repeat steps 8 to 10 on the other side.

  12. Repeat steps 8 to 11 with the other square of paper.

Congratulations! You have completed the first two sections of the article. Please proceed with sections 3 and 4.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Continued)

  1. Take one of the squares and slide the flaps of one unit into the pockets of the other unit. You should end up with an eight-pointed star.

  2. Fold the tips of each point towards the center of the star, creasing the paper well. This will create four additional flaps.

  3. Fold the newly created flaps in half, diagonally, so that the top edge meets the center crease. Crease the paper well and then unfold it.

  4. Fold the flaps in half, diagonally, in the opposite direction, so that the top edge meets the center crease. Crease the paper well and then unfold it again.

  5. Repeat steps 15 and 16 on all four flaps.

  6. Tuck each flap into the pocket beside it, forming the blades of the ninja star.

  7. Repeat steps 13 to 18 with the other square of paper.

Your paper ninja star is now complete! You can now practice throwing it at a target or use it as a decoration.

Tips and Tricks

Making a paper ninja star can be a bit challenging, especially for beginners. Here are some tips that will help you make the process easier:

  • Use thin paper: Thin paper is easier to fold and will result in a more precise ninja star.

  • Be precise: Take your time and make sure to fold the paper accurately. Even small mistakes can affect the final result.

  • Use a ruler: Using a ruler will help you make precise folds and creases.

  • Practice: Making a paper ninja star takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfectly.

Now that you know some tips to make the process easier, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Using thick paper: Thick paper is harder to fold and will result in a less precise ninja star.

  • Skipping steps: Each step is important, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

  • Rushing: Take your time and don’t rush through the process. Rushing can lead to mistakes.

  • Overfolding: Overfolding the paper can cause it to tear or become misshapen. Make sure to crease the paper well, but don’t overdo it.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a paper ninja star that looks great and is fun to use.

Variations and Customizations

Now that you know how to make a basic paper ninja star, it’s time to get creative and customize it. Here are some ideas for changing the size, shape, and color of your paper ninja star:

Size

You can make your paper ninja star larger or smaller by using larger or smaller squares of paper. A larger ninja star will be easier to throw, but it will also be heavier, so it might not fly as far. A smaller ninja star will be more challenging to throw, but it will be lighter and easier to handle.

Shape

You can change the shape of your ninja star by folding the paper differently. Instead of folding the corners towards the center, try folding them towards the edges. This will give your ninja star a more pointed shape. You can also try folding the corners in different directions to create a more complex design.

Color

You can use any color or pattern of paper to make your ninja star. You can use plain white paper and decorate it with markers or paint, or you can use patterned paper for a more interesting design. You can also use different colors for each side of the ninja star to create a two-toned effect.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you have successfully learned how to make a paper ninja star! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out perfectly. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a ninja star-making pro. Making a paper ninja star is not only fun, but it’s also a great way to improve your dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Now that you know how to make a paper ninja star, why not try making a few and challenging your friends to a ninja star throwing contest? Happy crafting!