• When: 4th of July
  • Time: About 1 hour
  • Skill: Easy

Nothing says Independence Day like a string of red, white and blue stars across the porch. These folded 3D stars are made from letter-size cardstock and look great on a mantel, over a buffet table or across the front of the grill station. Older kids can do most of the folding.

Step by step

  1. Print or draw a star about 5 inches across and trace it onto cardstock. Cut out two stars per 3D star.
  2. On each star, fold from each point to the center, then from each inner "valley" to the center, so every point has a ridge (mountain fold) and each gap has a valley fold.
  3. Pinch the folds so the star pops up into a 3D shape.
  4. Glue two stars back-to-back with a length of twine sandwiched between them, or clip single stars to the twine with mini clothespins.
  5. Alternate red, white and blue, leaving 3 to 4 inches between stars.
  6. Hang indoors or in a covered spot; cardstock doesn't love rain or sprinklers.

Want it to last outdoors all summer? Cut the stars from adhesive-backed or outdoor vinyl with a cutting machine and apply them to a wooden sign instead.