Point count changes the look more than size
A five point star reads as a cartoon star and is what children draw. A six point star reads as a snowflake or a Star of David depending on how it is filled. An eight point star with long rays reads as a nativity star. Pick by the use rather than by preference.
Each is drawn with proper golden-section proportions rather than evenly spaced points, which is why these look like stars and a shape drawn with equal angles does not.
The folded three dimensional star
Two identical pieces, each with a slot cut halfway along, slide together at right angles into a star that stands or hangs. It takes two minutes and uses one sheet. The fold lines down each arm give it depth rather than leaving it flat.
Use 250gsm for anything over 150mm. A large 3D star in 160gsm card bends at the slot and leans.
Tiling for a large star
Above about 190mm a star does not fit on a sheet. The tiling option splits it across two or four pages with 10mm overlaps and registration crosses. Tape before cutting. A 450mm star from four A4 sheets makes a reasonable window or door piece.
Hanging a large card star needs the hole in the body rather than in a point, about 15mm in from the top point's inner angle, or the weight tears through.
Questions
- How many star points can I choose?
- Five, six or eight. Five reads as a classic star, six as a snowflake form, and eight with long rays as a nativity star. All use golden-section proportions rather than equal angles.
- Is there a 3D star?
- Yes. Two identical pieces with a slot halfway along each slide together at right angles, with fold lines down the arms for depth. One sheet, about two minutes.
- Can I print a star bigger than a sheet of paper?
- Yes. Tiling splits the shape across two or four pages with 10mm overlaps and registration marks. Four A4 sheets give a star of around 450mm.
- Where should the hanging hole go on a large star?
- In the body, about 15mm in from the inner angle of the top point. A hole in a point itself tears out under the weight of a large card star.