Five Point Dimensional Stars Assembly

Three slightly varied five-point stars 

(largest 2.625" tall x 2.75" wide to smallest 2" x 2.125") 

have backside attachment variations 

(plain star with pentagon base box, 

or bend-back tabs to overlap and glue) 

that help stars keep their formed shapes.

This helps them great for attaching to wreaths, 

dimensional cards, candle rings, 

and other 3d paper or other display objects, like . . . 

. . . this large-scale Uncle Sam hat decor,

where two smallest size stars in this file are

quick-grab glued around the hat band.
Find short description of attaching stars
at tutorial on this blog, final steps.

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes
of the style star you prefer for the specific project:
Small, med, and large star shapes
are shown as stars with box bases (left), or
stars with bend-back tabs (right).
You may wish to test the assembly of each
to see the advantages.
Tab stars are quick to assemble - only one piece.
Box base stars have more stability
and may provide easier surfaces for gluing.

TAB BACK STAR VARIATION

2. Prepare the tab star by detaching tab ends (if necessary)

and bending these back.

Next, bend as "mountain" fold along each

perforation line that radiates through star center,

face side out. 

3. Re-direct the fold lines opposite the long points

(short section) as "valley" folds.

4. To give dimension to the star, place face up

on flat surface and apply pressure in toward center

to cause center to rise somewhat.

5. Next, while trying to maintain the dimension

created in step 4, turn the star over . . .

. . . with tabs crossing at the back . . .

. . . apply adhesive under the top tab

(quick-grab glue recommended) . . . .

. . . and apply pressure to join the tabs.
NOTE: it may be helpful to use a flat tool like
the spatula shown here placed behind
the tabs to press against.

PENTAGON BASE BOX STAR VARIATION

6. Prepare the star by creasing on all crossing

perforation lines as "mountain" folds (see step 2),

re-directing short segment of each perf line (see step 3),

pushing toward center to add dimension (see step 4).

7. Prepare the pentagon base box shape by

bending back on all perforation lines for pentagon

center base and wall side tabs, as shown.

8. Bend the walls toward the center, overlapping

plain edge over adjacent tab perf line.

Apply glue to tabs, then . . .

. . .join all seams.

9. Apply glue to the angle ridges. . .

. . . then position the base box behind the
star center with box and star valley fold ridges
as shown. Turn assembly over carefully . . .

. . . and apply pressure to assist the connection 
of star back to box.
Hold in place until secure.

Large Roman 3d Candle Display Box

Large candle form (approx. 10" tall x 4.5" wide) 

is constructed as hexagon-shaped LID and BASE 

that fit together (base provides strength to lid). 

Lid top includes three "flame" positions 

where "rolled" fringe shapes are inserted and glued 

to replicate a celebration fire cracker. 

Decorate candle walls with contrast offset rectangles, 

optional band (model uses shape as template 

for cutting corrugated band). 

Add the "July 4th scalloped rosette" as finishing touch. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A main shapes upper panels (2)
B upper panel accents (6)
C upper opening ring  
* (extra top hex; not used in tutorial project)
D upper cylinder wick holes top cover
E main wick (3)   F upper wick (3)
G base main shapes (2)
H base bottom ring  I base cover
J cuff template (with corrugated strip)

2. Prepare the main upper panels by bending back
at vertical perforation and tab lines, bending
bottom rim tabs back.

At top of panels, bend as shown:
top flanges and side tabs bend forward; 
inner two horizontal perforation lines
bend back.

4. Overlap straight side edge over corresponding

side tab flange to complete first side seam.

5. Bend back and glue bottom rim tabs

in place behind panel, except leave flat and unglued

the final end tab at the straight left panel edge

until final side seam is completed.

6. Position and attach each of the accent

rectangle panels in each of the panel segments

leaving approx. 1/8" offset margin around

accents.

7. Form the body into a tube to bring

edge and tab together to complete the

final side seam.

(NOTE: because of the symmetry of

the candle tube, it is possible to fold the

body tube flat to apply pressure along

the seam while in conveniently-flat position.)

8. At top opening, bend the rim segments to arrange 

into the dimensional rim as shown.

Right "straight" edges will overlap 

the top face extension and downward face tab

of the adjacent segment.

After the side seam is complete,

fold the final bottom rim tab back and glue in place.

9. Prepare to glue the rim into position by

applying dabs of glue to the top face extensions

and downward face tabs . . .

. . . then re-arrange and push downward faces

into position so that the straight edge lines up

at the tab perforation to form a perpendicular seam.

As far as possible, reach under the seam without
un-adjusting the tab/wall seam to apply pressure.
Then move around to successive seam areas
to adjust and apply pressure until all are joined.

10. To further strengthen the rim construction, bend

tab flanges toward center of tube (perpendicular to walls)

apply adhesive to the face surface of these tabs,

then position and attach the rim ring shape.

Reach fingers through center opening to apply

pressure to attach all tabs to underside of ring

all around until all are securely attached.

11. Prepare the main and upper "flame" wick

sections by separating each strip, then adding

forward curl to the fringe edges using a tool

such as a pencil or the handle of spatula shown.

12. Form the main wick section into a tube,
first applying glue to the lead edge, then
wrapping snugly around a standard pencil shaft
as shown. Take care that tyhe bottom straight edge
of fringe base "stacks" up accurately, with bottom tabs
extending clear. Secure the final end with glue. 
Complete three main wicks.

13. Insert the tabs through from the front of the 
top cover . . .

. . . then bend back the tabs and glue to the

backside of the cover shape.

14. Prepare the upper wick shapes in a similar
fashion, then apply adhesive around the bottom,
insert into the center of the main wick and
push in as slightly so that it can attach.
Complete three wicks.

15. Position and attach the wick top cover
over the top ring.

16. Prepare the base tube by bending back

on all perforation lines.

NOTE that the bottom of the base tube shapes

have angled cuts at the ends of the tabs,

whereas the top of the tube shapes are

less wedge-cut.

17. Overlap the straight side edge at the corresponding
side tab perf line of the other shape, adjust
and glue to complete side seam.

18. Bend back the upper rim flanges and glue in place

to the back of the tube wall, except leave the tab

next to the straight wall side edge unglued. 

19. Form the walls into a tube to overlap

straight edge to opposite tab perf line,

adjust and complete second side seam.

NOTE that it is possible to fold the base tube

flat to apply finger pressure along the seam.

19. Bend the bottom flanges inward to

perpendicular, apply glue to face surface of flanges, 

then position base hexagon, adjust so that all perf edges

and hex edges line up, and glue in place.

Reach fingers through circle opening to

assist with the attachment of each segment

of the seam.

20. Apply glue to the base hexagon, then

position and attach the base bottom cover.

21. Insert the base inside the main candle tube

and push into place so that bottom edges align.

This will provide structural strength near the

middle of the candle shaft.

NOTE: if using this as a decor piece, glue the

tubes together. Otherwise, the base tube

will slide to far inside the main tube.

22. Prepare the corrugated (or other) cuff by

using the cut half template shape to cut

decorative strip that is two-times the template length.

(NOTE: corrugated media may be longer than

standard 12x12 paper craft sheets and therefore

would not require a seam; if using 12x12 stock,

you may need to cut and join the strips with

a seam that is as invisible as possible, then

cut to size.

23. Use the half template to measure and
bend the cuff at the appropriate places so
that it will match up with the hexagon corners
of the roman candle main tube.

24. Wrap the cuff around the candle,
position as desired, then overlap at back
and glue cuff in place.
You may also wish to apply glue under the 
cuff strip intermittently or all around
the strip.

Complete the candle with a decorative

touch such as wrapping raffia, ribbon

or twine around the cuff.

You may also consider preparing
the "scalloped rosette July 4th" element
as shown here.