Make Beautiful Wooden Stars Easily with Coffee Stirrers

A Fun and Inexpensive Craft for the Whole Family

As a Filipino, Christmas is always extra special in our household. One of my favorite parts about Christmas is putting up our parol—the traditional Filipino lantern that symbolizes the star of Bethlehem. It’s a beautiful tradition that fills our homes with light and joy, and it inspired me to create these simple yet meaningful wooden stars using coffee stirrers.

Not only are these wooden stars beautiful, but they’re also an incredibly inexpensive craft that can be done with the whole family or even with elementary aged students. They provide a wonderful opportunity for creativity and bonding, making them perfect for holiday crafting sessions. Another great thing about these starts is that it can easily be personalized to create unique gifts—use them as picture frames by gluing a small photo in the center, turning them into thoughtful and personalized Christmas gifts for students or loved ones. Additionally, they can be decorated with festive colors, glitter, or beads, and used as tree ornaments, gift tags, or even as part of a larger holiday wreath. The possibilities are endless, making them a versatile and fun project for all ages.

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How to Make Wooden Stars from Coffee Stirrers: A Step-by-Step Craft Tutorial

Materials Needed:

• Coffee stirrers (5 per star)

• Glue (I used Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue)

• Twine

• Star Printout

• Scissors (if needed)

• Paint (optional)

• Paintbrush (optional)

• Twine, ribbon, or string (optional for hanging)

• Pencil or marker (optional)

  
  

Creating the Star Shape

1. Lay Out the Base of the Star:

   • Take 5 coffee stirrers and lay them out in a star shape.

   • To ensure your points are symmetrical, I created a template to make sure that each point is evenly spaced.

2. Position the Stirrers:

   • Place two stirrers end-to-end to form one of the star’s arms. Repeat this process for all five points of the star.

   • For each arm, place the stirrer diagonally across the others to form the point, and make sure they align at the center to create the peak of each point.

   • Weave the coffee stirrers together to ensure a strong hold.

     
     

Glue the Stirrers Together

1. Gluing the Stirrers Together

   Once you have your 5 stirrers laid out to form the star, take your glue and add a small dot of glue where each stirrer intersects. Hold each connection in place for a few seconds to ensure it’s secure. Since I was creating several, I was working on 6-8 at a time to ensure they dried between gluing.

   
   

2. Add the Twine

   • Cut a piece of twine or ribbon to your desired length.

   • Attach one end of the twine to the back of the star by gluing it at the top center point.

   • Allow the glue to dry completely before hanging.

     
     

Add Extra Details (Optional)

1. Create Miniature Parols

   • Using tissue paper or crepe paper, glue small pieces of paper on each point of the star. When hung on a lighted tree, the starts brighten the tree!

     
     

2. Paint Your Star:

   • If you want to give your star a pop of color, paint it with your choice of paint. You can go for classic gold, silver, or bold colors for a unique look. Use a paintbrush to apply a light, even coat. Let it dry completely before proceeding.

     
     

3. Add Decorative Elements:

   • For extra flair, you can glue small decorations such as beads, buttons, or glitter along the edges of the star. This will add texture and make your star even more eye-catching.

     
     

Creating wooden stars from coffee stirrers is a quick, easy, and fun craft that can be used for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays, adding rustic charm to your home, or creating handmade gifts, these stars are versatile and charming. Enjoy making and displaying your handmade wooden stars!

If you enjoyed this budget-friendly, Filipino-inspired craft, be sure to follow me on Instagram for more fun and affordable DIY ideas! Let's get creative together!

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