How to Make Gorgeous Free 3D Printable Map Star Decorations
Inside: A free template for 3D star decorations, two blank designs and one with vintage maps.
I 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 favourite destination or place you have lived.
As I get into my Christmas crafting, I thought an exciting decoration to make this year would be a 3D Star. This post has two free Map Star printables: a vintage world map and a blank template. The blank template enables you to use a particular map for your map star decoration.
I have also discovered that this is a great teen craft. It's one of the few crafts I've been doing that my teenage boys have wanted to join in with. I think it's because it involves maps and math.
Free Pattern For 3D Map Star Christmas Decoration
- The free templates. 3D star map template, or if using your maps, the 3D blank star template.
- If using your maps, you will need to scan these into your computer first, print and then use this paper to print the blank template. There are some lovely free downloadable maps at Pictureboxblue.com.
- Printer, heavy paper, I use paper that is 240gsm. You will need four sheets of A4 per star.
- Blunt butter knife, scissors and ruler.
- I used a clear UHU glue for a strong, quick-drying paper glue.
How to Construct the 3D Stars
Step 1: Print the templates onto heavy paper. The map stars are made up of 2 shapes an icosahedron, a 20-sided base, and 20 tall pyramids.
Step 2: Make the icosahedron; cut out the net and score the bold lines using a blunt knife and ruler. Your shape should easily fold into this 20-sided ball; put glue on all the tabs as you fold it into the shape.
Step 3: You should have three sheets of pyramid nets, seven on each sheet. That's 21 pyramids in total, but you only need 20.
Step 4: As before, cut out your pyramid nets. And score the bold lines.
Step 5: Fold the pyramids into shape. And glue them along the long tab.
Step 6: Using the three smaller tabs on the pyramid's base, glue them one by one to the icosahedron base
Step 7: When all 20 pyramids are glued, your 3D map star is finished.
As I mentioned, you can use the free blank star template to create a 3D Map star of your design. Living in Bedford, I decided to make a map star decoration from a local map.
To do this, I scanned a local map of Bedford and printed it onto my heavy paper. I then put this paper back into my printer's 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 star decoration; you can hang them from the ceiling with just a bit of thread and a pin. Check out these other wonderful Christmas paper crafts.
The map prints add interest to the decoration. I will make some more with my old road maps, in the traditional Christmas colours of red, green and white for my tree. They can also be made by upcycling old Christmas cards.
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.
Repurposed map decorations
Also check out these 25 other free printable paper crafts.
Thank you, I love crafting with maps.
Thank you so much for a template! I can imagine all types of different papers with this!!
Thank you, you are 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.
I love maps too! These look great! Thanks for sharing the templates with us!
Thank you and your welcome
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 !
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Totally love this star! You have a lot of patience to create these.
Thank you, they are actually quite simple to make and fun.
Looks good prefer the silver one
Thanks you can customise them yourself by printing the blank template onto any paper you choose.