How To Make Barn Stars Out Of Cardstock

A Barn star is a decorative, usually three-dimensional object shaped like a star and mounted on a pole erected outside houses and barns. It is a symbol of protection, luck, and hospitality. It is often made out of wood or tin. In North America, it historically adorns the outside of barns and houses on farms. Early Dutch and German settlers installed the stars on barns to ward off evil. They are also a sign of good luck.

There are several designs of barn stars, but the most common is a five-pointed star made from metal or wood. This article will show you how to make a barn star from cardstock.

_MATERIALS NEEDED_

i) Cardstock – printable templates

ii) Scissors

iii) Glue or hot glue gun

iv) Paintbrush

v) Black pen

_PROCESS_

STEP 1: Print and cut out the templates square or rectangular. It enables you to easily fold and glue the template.

STEP 2: Fold the template into a triangle. Make sure you keep the shape as even as possible. It helps prevent the template from rolling.

STEP 3: Glue or hot glue the folded template onto a piece of cardstock. Apply the glue on all four sides of the folded template and the back.

STEP 4: Cut out the barn star using a pair of scissors. Make sure you cut on the double lines. Accuracy is very important here.

STEP 5: Apply paint with the help of a paintbrush. You can choose whatever color, but white is commonly seen on barn stars.

STEP 6: Decorate the star by drawing lines or adding rhinestones, glitter, or nail polish.

STEP 7: Attach 3D objects to your cardstock barn stars, such as fabric flowers, plumes, rhinestones, and charms, to accentuate their beauty and make them more personalized.

You can display these decorative objects on your Christmas tree as ornaments.

ADVANTAGES OF USING CARDSTOCK TO MAKE A BARN STAR

i) Cardstock is made out of paper. It is thin and light. Unlike wood or metal barn stars, cardstock is cheap and easy to find in a store or online. Get your kids to help you make a cardstock barn star where they can choose which design they like best and then add their creativity to the project by coloring it, creating patterns on it, or even drawing pictures on it.

ii) The process is relatively easy to follow. You can use templates or experiment with different designs. You can make one, a few, or even many in different sizes and shapes.

iii) Cardstock stars are durable as they can withstand temperature, moisture, sunlight, and wind changes. It will not deteriorate over time, unlike wood or metal barn stars made from wood and metal, which can be easily damaged by weather and temperature changes.

iv) Cardstock has a glossy surface which is very appealing. You can add additional designs to further enhance the craftsmanship of your handmade barn stars. The extra design can be drawings, rhinestones, and even glitter. You can have a lot of fun with these projects.

v) Cardstock barn stars can decorate different areas of your home and office. It can be used as Christmas tree ornaments, Christmas wreaths, or even be given as gifts to your friends and family members.

vi) You can make cardstock barn stars of different shapes and designs to suit your tastes, such as hearts, circles, or even squares. The shapes and sizes will depend on your needs. Make your unique barn star to suit your taste and sense of style.

vii) Cardstock is completely eco-friendly as it is made out of paper. This is it if you are a lover of anything made from nature. Cardstock has zero pollution. It is made from 100% recycled paper, so you know it is more eco-friendly.

viii) Cardstock can be used to help reduce waste and to help save the environment. This can be done by recycling or simply throwing it away. You can make various cardstock ornaments and cool crafts out of them.

ix) Cardstock barn stars are simple but fun projects children will love. Help them to create their barn stars using the templates and colors of their choice.

x) Cardstock barn stars can be easily transported to various places as they are light and easy to carry. They are small, so they won’t make a mess in your vehicle.

Everything that has an advantage has a disadvantage too. Below are some of the DISADVANTAGES OF USING CARDSTOCK TO MAKE BARN STARS;

i) The process of making a barn star is a bit time-consuming. You will have to fold the template, cut out the barn star, paint it, and decorate it.

ii) Cardstock is not very durable. It can easily rip or get torn when excess force is applied. There is a tendency for the shape of your cardstock barn star to roll out of shape during storage or transportation.

iii) Cardstock barn stars are prone to mold and mildew. You will notice that your cardstock soon develops a mildew smell that is not pleasing.

iv) Cleaning up the barn star once you make it is not easy. It needs to be washed along with the paper to eliminate mold and mildew smell.

v) Cardstock barn stars are not very decorative. They are simple to make, but they are not fancy or attractive looking. Also, the design you make will depend on the template you use.

The advantages outweigh the disadvantages. So, it is better to go for cardstock barn stars if you want a simple and inexpensive craft project with your kids.

REASONS FOR HAVING A CARDSTOCK BARN STAR

i) Cardstock is easy to handle. It does not need to be mounted on a frame to stand well. You can cut, fold, and glue it without wasting too much time and effort.

ii) Cardstock is cheap and easy to make. You won’t have to buy a piece of wood or metal to make it. Cardstock is a material that you can find on or around you. It is readily available, so you won’t have to look for one just to make this craft project.

iii) Cardstock is very cost-effective. You will spend less money on it than buying a piece of wood or metal for this craft project. Cardstock is readily available around you.

iv) Cardstock barn stars are easily transportable and can be used in various places, including the home, office, school, and even in a restaurant or any other place where cardstock can be found.

v)Decoration purposes. Cardstock is inexpensive and can also be used to decorate the house and menagerie. You can make a lovely Christmas wreath, garland, or even a tree topper out of it. Cardstock is not just for Christmas; you can use your creative flair and imagination to decorate any room of your house with it.

vi)Cardstock barn stars also make excellent gifts for friends and family members. You can give them as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or other festive occasions.

Now that you know how to make barn stars out of cardstock, you should consider making your own handmade cardstock barn star. You’ll be surprised how easy and fun it is to make your cardstock star out of recycled paper.