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.
Looks good prefer the silver one
Thanks you can customise them yourself by printing the blank template onto any paper you choose.
Totally love this star! You have a lot of patience to create these.
Thank you, they are actually quite simple to make and fun.
Love these! Don’t know that I would have the patience to make them… I love decorating with maps too and in fact I wallpapered our closet turned mudroom with old atlas pages.
Thanks ! Your mudroom sounds great with the old maps.
I love using old maps in fun new ways and these 3-d star decorations made from maps fits the bill! Love these and appreciate the photo tute!
Thanks ! Yeah I think old maps make a great decoration.
These are beautiful Claire – I was looking for something just like this for our little tree! 🙂
Thank you ! I’m sure they will look great on your tree.
This is such an amazing idea! Thanks for sharing it. I’m Anita visiting from Creativity Unleashed.
Cheers ! I really do like them and am experimenting with different papers.
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These are great, it really looks good. I enjoyed making it, though my fingers have stuck together – made it in lightweight paper, so not convinced the centre will hold, but may try again with something heavier. How do you have the patience?
Really glad you made the stars! I used a 240gm weight paper so not quite as stiff as card but heavy enough.
This is a nifty idea. I have never thought of using old maps. They are nice for a tree because they are so 3 d.
Thank you very much.
I saw your project on the Creative Crafts Link Up and had to see how you made these fun stars! Love this project.
Thank you !
I love maps too! These look great! Thanks for sharing the templates with us!
Thank you and your welcome
I had to come visit and see how you got it to hold together. I attempted a 5 point star out of paper but had trouble with the last few seams. I see you have a center shape! Thanks for sharing with us at #CCBG
Thank you.
Thank you so much for a template! I can imagine all types of different papers with this!!
Thank you, you are welcome.
Thank you, I love crafting with maps.
These are fantastic. I love them for all year round in all sorts of paper. You gave such good instructions that I think I could do this.
Thank you, yes they look great with different papers.
What a great idea – looking for maps now – Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW DIY party!
Thank you !
Hi Claire, What a great way to use maps! I love the more colorful ones the best! Well done! Blessings, Janet
Thank you, the colourful ones are my favourite too.
Wow! Love this! Very cool project!
Thank you for sharing and linking up at Dishing It & Digging It! We enjoy having you each week! 🙂
Thank you !
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These are unlike any ornaments I’ve seen. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great week.
Thank you!
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Love all of your map projects Claire!!
Thank you Sam.