The 8 pointed star is one of the most prominent symbols in Islamic art and architecture. Emma Clark, in her book, The Art of the Islamic Garden, explains that the 8 pointed star represents God’s Throne. This is because a verse in the Quran states that on the Day of Judgement, 8 angels will flank God’s Throne hence the 8 points of the star. On the Throne, God has inscribed “My Mercy Supercedes My Wrath” which creates a sense of hope in God’s mercy and a hope for salvation. In Ramadan, when this sentiment of hope is particularly high, the 8 pointed star, a symbol of hope, makes perfect sense. When hosting a party this Ramadan and Eid season, create a colourful backdrop with these easy 8 pointed paper stars.
Materials
- Construction or drawing paper in bright colours such as yellow, blue, pink, green and orange
- Compass or circular objects to trace with (ex. bowl)
- Bone folder
- Scissors
- Glue gun
- Masking tape
Steps
- Use a compass to draw circles on construction paper, or trace round objects onto paper. Cut out circles of varying diameters. Used here are approximately 10″, 6″ and 4 1/32″ circles.
- Fold each circle 4 times: first into half, then quarters, then eighths and finally into sixteenths. Press bone folder flat on the paper to make sharp crease after every fold.
- Open the last fold. Using the crease in the middle as a guideline, cut from the sides up to the middle guideline to create a triangular point.
- Fully unfold the paper. Fix the creases so that 8 points pop up. Use the tip of the bone folder on the inside of the star to fix any wrinkles that form in the center of the star.
- Cut a 1/2″ wide tab of construction paper in the same length and colour as your star. Make each end on the tab into a triangular point.
- Secure each point to the interior of the star with a glue gun.
- Attach masking tape to the tab and arrange stars on wall.
Watch a video tutorial of the folding technique on our Facebook page or Instagram.
Materials
- Construction or drawing paper in bright colours such as yellow, blue, pink, green and orange
- Compass or circular objects to trace with (ex. bowl)
- Bone folder
- Scissors
- Glue gun
- Masking tape
Steps
- Use a compass to draw circles on construction paper, or trace round objects onto paper. Cut out circles of varying diameters. Used here are approximately 10″, 6″ and 4 1/32″ circles.
- Fold each circle 4 times: first into half, then quarters, then eighths and finally into sixteenths. Press bone folder flat on the paper to make sharp crease after every fold.
- Open the last fold. Using the crease in the middle as a guideline, cut from the sides up to the middle guideline to create a triangular point.
- Fully unfold the paper. Fix the creases so that 8 points pop up. Use the tip of the bone folder on the inside of the star to fix any wrinkles that form in the center of the star.
- Cut a 1/2″ wide tab of construction paper in the same length and colour as your star. Make each end on the tab into a triangular point.
- Secure each point to the interior of the star with a glue gun.
- Attach masking tape to the tab and arrange stars on wall.
Watch a video tutorial of the folding technique on our Facebook page or Instagram.
