How to Make Gorgeous Free Printable Map Star Decorations

3D Map star Christmas Decoration

I just love working with maps, as they are a stylish way of personalizing and adding interest to a craft. In the past I’ve used them to upcycle some chairs and to add vintage style to a suitcase. Decorating and crafting with maps is a great way to pay homage to a favorite destination or a place that you have lived.
 
As I am now getting well into my Christmas crafting I thought an interesting decoration to make this year would be these 3D Map Stars. I have provided you with 2 free Map star printables so you can make your own: A vintage world map and a blank template.
 
I have also discovered that this is a great teen craft. It’s the only craft I’ve been doing that my teenage boys have wanted to join in with. I think it’s because it involves maps and math? Not sure why.
 

 

 
 
 
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What you need to make a 3D Map Star

• The free templates. 3D star map template, or if using your own maps, the 3D blank star template.
• If using your own maps you will need to scan these into your computer first, print and then use this paper to print the blank template onto. There are some lovely free downloadable maps at photoshoproadmap.com
• Printer.
• Heavy paper, I use paper that is 240gsm. You will need 4 sheets of A4 per star.
• Blunt knife, scissors and ruler.
• A strong quick drying paper glue, I used a clear UHU glue.

How to make a 3D Map Star

• Print your templates. The map stars are made up of 2 shapes an icosahedron; a 20 sided base and 20 tall pyramids.
• Make the icosahedron; cut out the net and score the bold lines using a blunt knife and ruler. Your shape should easily fold up into this 20 sided ball, put glue on all the tabs as you fold it into shape.

 

 

 
As already mentioned you can use the free blank star template to create a 3D Map star of your own design. Living in Bedford I decided to one from a local map. To do this I scanned in a local map of Bedford, printed it out on to my heavy paper. I then put this paper back into my printers paper feed and printed the blank 3D Map Star template on top of the Bedford Map.
 

 

 

I love these 3D Map Stars they make for a great Christmas decoration, you can hang them from the ceiling with just a bit of thread and a pin. The map prints add interest to the decoration, I’m going to make some more.
 
The hardest thing is going to be deciding on what maps to use, so many places around the world are special to me. I think that’s why I started off with a world map.
 
If you liked this you should check out some of my other popular map paper crafts:
Simple Beautiful Map Roses
Personalized Treat Map Heart Bags
Map Art How to Make a Beautiful Pet Portrait.