Previous to the holidays I searched everywhere for a good tutorial on how to make Paper Bag Stars. I finally figured out how to make them from bits and pieces of various posts so I decided to compile easy to follow directions, right here, in one place.
These stars are simple to make and look spectacular. Perfect to make with students!
Creating the stars was so successful with my second-grade students, I wanted to share it with you. All you need is some white glue, and nine paper bags per student. I buy paper bags regularly at the Dollar Spot, they run around 40 for one dollar.
First, stack all nine paper bags so that the top of the bag is away from you.
Next, make sure that all the bags have the bottom of the bag (the gusset?) facing up, they are easier to pick up by that fold.
Then, make an upside-down “T” with your glue, horizontally across the bottom and straight up. Stay about 1.5 – 2.0 inches from the top. When all the bags are glued in a stack, set them aside and let them dry.
When the glue has dried, cut the top of the bags into a point (see image below). You will need to use sharp scissors (I had to walk around and help some of my students with this step, kid scissors don’t have the necessary power to cut through all the bags)
Finally, make a final “T” with your glue on one side of the stack of bags. Then, open the bags all the way, fan them out, and hold the two sides together. I put my hands inside the bag at the end of the fan to get the glue to adhere. Now, grab a cup of coffee while you wait for the glue to dry.
If you want to make a bunch of decorations for your home or classroom, or a friend, there is a quick alternative. Get out that hot glue gun and follow the same glue pattern. I try to avoid using the hot glue gun in the classroom because, well, I always burn myself without fail.
Voila! You have a beautiful Paper Bag Star! We sprayed ours with some spray glitter and hung them above our desks for December. My students loved them so much and were so happy to take them home and show their families.
These stars look tricky, but I promise they are SUPER simple.
Enjoy,
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