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Are you looking for a new hobby that can keep you entertained for hours? How about learning how to make a paper shuriken? A paper shuriken, also known as a ninja star, is a traditional Japanese weapon made of paper or metal. It’s a popular choice among kids and adults alike, as it’s easy to make and can be used for various purposes, such as decoration or play.
Before we dive into the steps on how to make a paper shuriken, let’s first gather the materials needed. Most of the materials you’ll need can be found in your home or office, so there’s no need to worry about spending a lot of money on supplies.
- Square paper – You’ll need two pieces of square-shaped paper, preferably 6 inches by 6 inches.
- Scissors – A pair of sharp scissors will do the trick.
- Ruler – A ruler will help you measure and fold the paper accurately.
- Pencil – A pencil can be useful when marking the paper before cutting or folding.
- Optional: Decorative paper – If you want to add some personality to your shuriken, you can use decorative paper.
Now that you have all the materials you need, let’s begin creating your paper shuriken. Follow the step-by-step guide below to make a basic paper shuriken:
Step 1: Fold the Paper in Half
Take one of the square papers and fold it in half diagonally. Crease the paper well, and then unfold it. Repeat this step with the other square paper.
Step 2: Fold the Paper in Half Again
Fold the paper in half again, but this time, fold it the other way. Crease the paper well, and then unfold it. Repeat this step with the other square paper.
Step 3: Fold the Paper into a Triangle
Take one of the square papers and fold it in half diagonally again, but this time, fold it in the opposite direction. Crease the paper well, and then unfold it.
Step 4: Fold the Paper into a Square
Take one of the corners of the paper and fold it towards the center of the square. Crease the paper well, and then repeat this step with the other corners until you have a smaller square.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 and 4
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the other square paper.
Step 6: Cut Along the Folded Lines
Using your scissors, cut along the folded lines of both paper squares until you have four identical triangular pieces.
Step 7: Fold the Triangular Pieces
Take one of the triangular pieces and fold it in half diagonally. Crease the paper well, and then unfold it. Repeat this step with the other triangular pieces.
Step 8: Assemble the Shuriken
Take two of the folded triangular pieces and insert one into the other, making sure the tips of each piece meet in the center. Repeat this step with the other two triangular pieces.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a basic paper shuriken. Now that you’ve mastered this design, you can move on to creating more intricate variations of the shuriken.
Basic Steps in Making a Paper Shuriken
Now that you have created a basic paper shuriken, let’s take a closer look at the steps you followed and understand what each step means.
Step 1: Fold the Paper in Half – This step is essential to create a center crease on the paper, which will help you align the paper correctly in the following steps.
Step 2: Fold the Paper in Half Again – This step creates two diagonal creases on the paper, which again will be helpful in the following steps.
Step 3: Fold the Paper into a Triangle – This step creates a triangle shape with the paper, which will be used in the next step to create a smaller square.
Step 4: Fold the Paper into a Square – This step is where you start to see the paper shuriken take shape. By folding the paper into a smaller square, you are creating the basic structure of the shuriken.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 and 4 – This step ensures that you have four identical pieces of square-shaped paper to work with.
Step 6: Cut Along the Folded Lines – This step is where you start to see the pieces of paper transform into shuriken pieces. By cutting along the folded lines, you are creating the four triangular pieces that will be used to assemble the shuriken.
Step 7: Fold the Triangular Pieces – This step creates the sharp edges of the shuriken pieces, which are essential for the design of the shuriken.
Step 8: Assemble the Shuriken – This step brings all the pieces together and creates the final product. Make sure to align the tips of each triangular piece in the center and fold the edges to lock the pieces in place.
Variations of Paper Shuriken
If you’re feeling confident with creating a basic paper shuriken, why not try making some variations to impress your friends and family? Here are some other paper shuriken designs you can try:
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Four-Pointed Shuriken – This design is an upgrade from the basic shuriken and is created by folding the triangular pieces in a different way.
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Six-Pointed Shuriken – This design is more challenging than the other designs, but it’s a great way to show off your paper-folding skills.
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Starburst Shuriken – This design is a combination of the four-pointed and six-pointed shuriken designs and creates a unique starburst pattern.
To make these variations, follow the same basic steps as before but adjust the folding and cutting techniques to create the desired design. You can also experiment with different paper colors and textures to add personality to your shuriken.
Tips and Tricks in Making a Paper Shuriken
Now that you know how to make a basic paper shuriken, it’s time to take your skills to the next level. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create more intricate designs and enhance the durability of your paper shuriken:
- Avoid using thin paper – Thin paper tears easily, so it’s best to use thicker paper to make your shuriken more durable.
- Use glue – If you want to make your shuriken even more durable, you can use a small amount of glue to hold the triangular pieces together.
- Cut accurately – Make sure to cut the paper precisely to avoid any mistakes in the folding process.
- Practice folding – The folding process can be tricky, so it’s essential to practice folding the paper before cutting it.
Conclusion
Congratulations on learning how to make a paper shuriken! With these simple steps and tips, you can create a traditional Japanese weapon that is both fun and challenging to make. Remember to be patient and take your time when folding and cutting the paper to avoid any mistakes.
Not only is making a paper shuriken a fun hobby, but it also improves your hand-eye coordination and concentration skills. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with your ninja skills.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some paper, scissors, and start creating your own paper shuriken today!