Learn how to make window stars in a rainbow of colors with these easy step by step Waldorf window star instructions complete with a video tutorial.
Waldorf window stars are typically made during the winter months to brighten up the winter landscape. We think that this simple Waldorf craft can add a beautiful splash of color to the view out of anyone’s window, at any time of year.
Rainbow window stars are a fun craft idea to make at home or in the classroom. Use this Waldorf window star tutorial to make rainbow star crafts that will brighten anyone’s day!
Related: 7 Reasons to Add the Waldorf Colors of the Day to Your Weekly Rhythm
How to Make Waldorf Window Stars
Making window stars is similar to doing origami. Kite paper squares can be folded in a myriad of fun ways to create gorgeous window star art. Scroll down to find a Waldorf window stars tutorial that describes how to make a basic rainbow window star.
Kite paper can be folded into intricate window star patterns above and beyond the basic window star pattern shared here. Below is a list of books that contain different kinds of Waldorf star folding instructions to make some beautiful variations.
- Magical Window Stars
- Sterling Publishing-Paper Suncatchers Kit
- Window Stars, Making Folded Stars from Colored Papers
Making rainbow window stars is a great fine motor activity for kids and adults. Make something beautiful while strengthening the fine motor muscles in the hand with this Waldorf craft idea.
What is kite paper?
Glassine, also known as kite paper, makes it easy to create window art, and many other craft projects, that retains its color month after month without losing its vibrancy.
This beautiful type of paper is made with wax, and has been traditionally used to make kites, hence its nickname, kite paper. Glassine sheets are sold in a variety of sizes, including the kite paper squares that are used to make the basic Waldorf window star pattern pictured.
Kite paper can also be used to make kites, lanterns, origami, suncatchers, and many other fun papercrafts.
Related: DIY Rainbow Peg Dolls
Window Star Paper Suncatcher Materials
Make a star suncatcher to brighten someone’s day with two simple craft materials.
- Kite Paper – This pack of Waldorf window star paper contains enough to make a lot of window stars.
- Glue Stick
Note: Kite paper is recommended for making Waldorf window stars. Although tissue paper and origami paper can both be substituted, they can fade and lose their color. Kite paper can retain its color even when placed in direct sunlight.
Related: Rainbow Rainy Day Art
Waldorf Window Star Instructions
Time needed: 25 minutes.
Learn how to make Waldorf window stars with these easy step by step paper window star instructions. Or, scroll down to view the video tutorial for this Waldorf craft.
- Get out 8 pieces of kite paper in color(s) of choice.
Purple, blue, dark green, light green, yellow, orange, red, and pink kite paper was used to make the rainbow window star pictured.
Tissue paper or origami paper can also be used to make Waldorf window stars, but we do not recommend it. Those types of paper can fade and lose their color in direct sunlight, while kite paper will retain its color, and, will not fade even in direct sunlight.
- Fold each piece of Waldorf window star paper into a kite-shaped petal
First, take one square of kite paper and fold it in half. Open it up, turn it a quarter turn and fold it in half again.
Next, fold each corner of the square into the middle crease of the paper to create a smaller square with four petals.
Finally, fold one side of the square into the middle crease. Repeat this step on the opposite side. This last step will create a small kite shape. This is one petal of the Waldorf window star. Repeat these steps until you have eight kite-shaped petals for your window star suncatcher.
- Press window star paper petals
Place the folded kite paper window star petals flap side down under a book to press them flat.
- Assemble the rainbow window star
Place one of the kite paper window star petals flap sides down. Use a glue stick to smear a bit of glue onto the upper right corner of the kite paper petal. Place the next kite paper petal on top of the glue so the left top edge of the second petal is along the middle crease of the first kite paper petal. Glue the remaining Waldorf window star paper petals together using the same method. (Photos and a video tutorial are included below)
- Connect the two sides of the Waldorf window star
Once you have glued all of the kite paper petals to one another it’s time to connect the two sides of the rainbow window star.
First place glue on the top right corner of the last petal.
Next, open the star to glue the last kite paper petal on top of the first. Place completed Waldorf window stars under a heavy book to press flat for a few hours. - Hang rainbow star suncatcher in a window
To hang, dab a tiny bit of glue in the middle of the back (flap-side) of the kite paper window star and on each petal tip. Not too much, or it will tear when you take it down. Press Waldorf star onto a window.
Waldorf Window Stars Video Tutorial
Related: Waldorf Square DIY Geometric Puzzle
Paper Star Suncatchers
Repeat the steps above to make as many Waldorf window stars as you would like.
As mentioned above, there are many more Waldorf stars folding patterns that you can try. The books listed below contain Waldorf window star instructions for some absolutely gorgeous variations.
- Magical Window Stars
- Sterling Publishing-Paper Suncatchers Kit
- Window Stars, Making Folded Stars from Colored Papers
More Fun Ideas
- Rainbow Rainy Day Art
- Art and Science: Experiment with Watercolor Resist
- DIY Rainbow Peg Dolls
- Wet-on-Wet Watercolor Painting
- Winter Art Projects
- DIY Rainbow Colored Blocks
How long do you recommend leaving the book on top of the petals?
Good question, Christina. A few hours will work but leaving the books on top of your finished Waldorf star overnight is best. Flattened window star petals make it easy to put a small dab of glue in the middle to hang it. Enjoy!