Papercut Barn Star Lantern

Load the Papercut Barn Star Lantern (Cut & More) file into your cutting machine’s software.

This design has two different cardstock colors. Proceed in the design software until the first color selection appears, and is ready to be cut.

Smooth the first cardstock color onto the adhesive mat with the right side of the paper facing up. Make sure the correct scoring tool is in place. Then load the adhesive mat into the machine.

Score the first color. Your cutting machine will stop and request you to replace the scoring wheel with the cutting tool. Replace the tool and cut out the first color.

When the first file has finished cutting, carefully remove it from the mat and remove all the excess paper.

Repeat to score and cut all of the paper pieces for the barn star out of the two colors.

First, fold the first outer piece (color 1) along the scoring lines, folding each of the long scoring lines with the wrong sides together. Then fold the long glue tab the same way.

Repeat to fold all five of the outer pieces.

Take one outer piece (color 1), and spray permanent adhesive on the interior sides.

Then place four inner pieces (color 2) inside, pressing them down one at a time so they adhere. You may also use paper glue to adhere the inner pieces.

Repeat step 2 until you have adhered all four inner pieces onto each of the five outer pieces.

Now spread glue on the long tab of an outer piece (color 1), and press it onto the adjunct interior of the outer piece, folding the star arm flat.

Repeat to glue and fold all five pieces.

Fold the remaining glue tabs outwards along the score lines.

Repeat to fold all five pieces.

Now fold all five pieces flat the opposite way so that the longer sides are out.

Glue along the outside of the glue tabs.

Stack the pieces flat with the tabs tucked inside the neighboring piece. Leave the first and last tabs unglued.

If placing fairy lights inside, open up the star, and tuck the lights inside each of the points. Place the battery pack inside the star as well.

Tape the remaining tabs in place to close the star impermanently, allowing you to open it again later.

If not using fairy lights, fold the star together, and glue the remaining tabs in place.

To add a hanger to your star, thread a needle and run through the tip of one star arm.

Tie the thread in to a loop.

This completes the Papercut Barn Star Lantern. Repeat these steps to make a collection of stars in different colors and sizes.