Cheater’s layered star: unbelievably easy to make—here’s how to make in no time
The cheater’s layered star looks like two stars of different sizes, but the illusion is created by cutting. All you need is a bundle of paper bags, glue, and scissors. It’s easy to get hooked on making these! Also watch the video at the end of the instructions.
Diameter: about 40 cm (16”).
Cheater’s layered star: materials
- 9 paper lunch bags, e.g. SAGA (size 23 cm × 12 cm (9” × 5”))
- liquid glue
- scissors
- pencil
- clothespins or other clips
- string for hanging.
Tips!
- You can use any paper bags for the star. Because parchment lunch bags are fairly thin, they are easier to cut than thicker bags.
- Not all glue adheres well to the paper’s slick surface. Some good options include UHU Karlsons Klister and hot glue.
- It’s best to draw the cutting line in pencil. This way, you can erase any marks if the cut doesn’t follow the line exactly.
- Try different cutting patterns based on whether you want a sharper look or something more reminiscent of flower petals.
Cheater’s layered star: instructions
1. Make sure that each bag is oriented the same way so that the openings line up.
2. Add glue in a T shape on top of one bag. You don’t need to apply glue all the way to the opening, since that will be cut off later.
3. Glue the bags one on top of the other. Let the glue dry.
4. Draw a gradually descending cutting line in pencil.
5. To make cutting the design easier, first cut along the diagonal line above the shape. Clamping the end with clothespins helps keep the layers from shifting while you cut.
6. Cut the bags along the line you drew. Press your fingers next to the area you’re cutting so the layers don’t shift. Erase any visible pencil marks if they bother you.
Tip!
If you use thicker paper bags, you may not be able to cut them all at once. In that case, cut a few at a time.
7. Add glue onto the topmost bag. Spread the star open and glue the ends together.
8. Pinch or clamp the glued spots with your fingers or clothespins. Let it dry.
9. Punch a hole near the edge of the star and hang your decoration.
