How to Make a Paper Shiriken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a fan of Japanese culture or a lover of martial arts? If so, you may have heard of the shiriken, commonly known as the ninja star. This weapon was used by the ninjas in feudal Japan and is now a popular toy or collector’s item. While metal shirikens may be dangerous, paper shirikens are a safe and fun alternative that you can make at home. In this article, we will show you how to make a paper shiriken step-by-step.

Basic Paper Folding Techniques

Before we start making a paper shiriken, you need to know some basic paper folding techniques. The first and most important technique is the square base fold. This fold is the foundation of many origami designs, including the shiriken. Follow these steps to create a square base:

1. Start with a square piece of paper. If you don’t have one, you can fold a rectangular piece of paper diagonally from corner to corner and then cut off the excess to get a square.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally from both directions, creasing it well.
3. Unfold the paper and fold it in half horizontally and vertically, creasing it well.
4. Bring the top and bottom edges of the paper together, creasing it well to form a triangle.
5. Bring the left and right edges of the paper together, creasing it well to form a smaller triangle.
6. Hold the paper by the bottom corners and push inwards to create a square base. Flatten the paper and crease well.

Congratulations, you have created a square base! This technique will be used to create the shiriken base, which will be discussed in the next section.

Creating the Shiriken Base

The shiriken base is the foundation of the paper shiriken. It is important to create a sturdy base so that the shiriken can hold its shape and withstand throwing. Follow these steps to create the shiriken base:

1. Start with a square base, creased well.
2. Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creasing it well.
3. Unfold the paper and fold each corner towards the center of the paper, creasing it well. The folds should be parallel to the diagonal folds in the square base.
4. Flip the paper over and fold each corner towards the center again, creasing it well. This time, the folds should be perpendicular to the diagonal folds in the square base.
5. Fold the paper in half diagonally from both directions, creasing it well.
6. Pinch the sides of the paper together to create a smaller square. Flatten the paper and crease well.

Congratulations, you have created the shiriken base! The base is now ready for the shiriken blades, which will be discussed in the next section.

Crafting the Shiriken Blades

Now that you have created the shiriken base, it’s time to craft the blades. The blades are what make the shiriken unique and gives it the ability to fly through the air. Follow these steps to create the shiriken blades:

1. Start with the shiriken base, creased well.
2. Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creasing it well.
3. Unfold the paper and fold each corner towards the center of the paper, creasing it well. The folds should be parallel to the diagonal folds in the square base.
4. Flip the paper over and repeat step 3.
5. Fold the top layer of each corner towards the center of the paper, creasing it well. The folds should be parallel to the horizontal and vertical folds in the paper.
6. Repeat step 5 for the bottom layer of each corner.
7. Fold the paper in half diagonally from both directions, creasing it well.
8. Pinch the sides of the paper together to create a smaller square. Flatten the paper and crease well.
9. Fold each corner towards the center of the paper, creasing it well. The folds should be perpendicular to the diagonal folds in the paper.
10. Flip the paper over and repeat step 9.
11. Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creasing it well.
12. Unfold the paper slightly to create a small pocket. The pocket should be created by the folds made in steps 5 and 6.
13. Push the pocket inwards to create the blade. Flatten the blade and crease well.
14. Repeat steps 12 and 13 for the remaining three corners.

Congratulations, you have created the shiriken blades! It is important to note that the blades should be sharp and symmetrical to ensure the shiriken’s flight. Here are some tips for creating sharp and symmetrical blades:

• Use a ruler to measure the folds accurately.
• Make sure the folds are creased well to create sharp edges.
• Trim any excess paper to create a symmetrical shape.
• Practice and refine your technique to improve your shiriken blade-making skills.

Assembling the Paper Shiriken

Now that you have created the shiriken base and blades, it’s time to assemble the paper shiriken. Follow these steps to assemble the shiriken:

1. Start with the shiriken base, creased well.
2. Hold the base with one hand and insert the blade into one of the pockets, creased well.
3. Repeat step 2 for the remaining three blades.
4. Hold the shiriken by the edges and flick your wrist to throw it. Make sure to aim at a safe target and avoid throwing at people or animals.

Congratulations, you have created a paper shiriken! It’s important to note that while paper shirikens are safe to use, they should not be thrown at people or animals. The paper shiriken is a fun and creative way to explore Japanese culture and martial arts. With practice, you can refine your skills and create unique shiriken designs. Try experimenting with different paper sizes, colors, and patterns to create a personalized shiriken. Happy folding!

Assembling the Paper Shiriken

Now that you have created the shiriken base and blades, it is time to assemble the paper shiriken. Follow these steps to complete your paper shiriken:

1. Take the shiriken base and fold one flap upwards, creasing it well.
2. Slide one blade under the folded flap and align it with the creases of the shiriken base.
3. Fold the flap back down over the blade, creasing it well. Make sure the blade is secure and aligned with the shiriken base.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 with the remaining three blades, making sure they are evenly spaced around the shiriken base.
5. Check the shiriken for symmetry and adjust any folds or blades as needed.
6. Hold the shiriken by the center and give it a gentle toss to test its balance and stability.

Congratulations, you have successfully made a paper shiriken! Remember that paper shirikens are just for fun and should not be thrown at people or animals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making a paper shiriken may seem simple, there are some common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some tips to avoid these mistakes:

• Ensure that all folds are creased well to create a sturdy shiriken.
• Make sure the blades are evenly spaced and aligned with the shiriken base to ensure balance and stability.
• Avoid using paper that is too thin or flimsy, as it may not hold its shape or withstand throwing.
• Take your time and follow the instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.

Conclusion

Making a paper shiriken is a fun and creative activity that anyone can enjoy. With just a few simple folds, you can create a safe and impressive replica of the traditional ninja weapon. Remember to use appropriate paper and follow the instructions carefully to create a sturdy and balanced shiriken.

If you want to improve your paper shiriken skills, try experimenting with different paper types or designing your own shiriken shapes. Practice your throwing techniques in a safe and open area, and never throw a paper shiriken at people or animals.

We hope this step-by-step guide on how to make a paper shiriken has been helpful and informative. Have fun and happy folding!