While researching Moravian Stars (aka Herrnhuttersterne), I came across sweet little folded German paper stars. While they didn’t look like the pointed Moravian stars, many resources called them that. In Germany, they are called Fröbelsterne or Froebel Stars. (Other names for the folded stars: German Star, Advent Star, Danish Star, Nordic Star, Polish Star, Pennsylvanian Star, Christmas Star, and Swedish Star.) So, what is a Froebel Star? And why is it also called a Moravian Star, German Star, or Advent Star, and more importantly, how do I make some so I can decorate for Christmas with them??
(short aside- YES, Frederich Fröbel is the man who invented kindergarten.)
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What Is a Froebel Star?
Simply put, a Froebel Star is a three-dimensional Star made by weaving and folding four strips of paper. This German form of “origami” was a fairly common thing that people made and was known as a paper star. (Much like today, kids fold “cootie catchers/fortune tellers”… wait… do kids still do that?). What makes them extra special is that the star holds together without using glue or tape.
So why are they known as Froebel Stars (Fröbel Sterne)?
As a staunch believer in the idea that children should learn through creative play, Friedrich Fröbel established the first “Kindergarten” in 1837. To encourage children’s learning, he created a series of “gifts”—basically puzzles and manipulative toys — that draw them into figuring out how the world works. Young children also learned paper folding. Folding a 2-dimensional sheet of paper into a 3-dimensional star became a key lesson in mathematics that helped them understand the world around them. (Here is where we overlap the Moravian Star. The first Moravian stars were also “Math Lessons”. It was also a fabulous lesson in precision. You must carefully manipulate and fold the paper according to a set of key instructions to make the star.
(It makes me wonder if Kindergarteners in the 1800s were far more advanced than they are today.)
In 1877, a book titled “Des Kindes erstes Beschäftigungsbuch” (or “The Child’s First Busy Book”) by E. Barth and W. Niederley was published. It contained step-by-step instructions for folding Fröbel Sterne. It’s possible that Barth knew Fröbel since they both studied in Jena, but that’s just speculation. It’s more likely that Barth knew of Fröbel’s work with children and learned from it.
So, while Fröbel didn’t “Invent” the Froebel Star, he taught it to many students, and almost 200 years later, his contributions remain part of the vocabulary.
Froebel Star Kit
Everything you need- instructions and paper – to make 25 mini Froebel Stars for Christmas
folia 1299 Paper Strips for Mini Froebel Stars, 100 Strips, 25 Stars, Assorted Christmas Colours
What is the Difference Between A Moravian Star and a Froebel Star?
The most common Moravian Star has 26 points, composed of 18 squares and 8 triangular cones that join to form a sphere. The geometric word for this is rhombicuboctahedron. A Froebel Star is made from folded paper and has 16 points. Do you feel like showing off? The geometric term is hexadecagram.
I think it’s OK to remember the shape name as Star Polygon, or just star.
Download Kindle Instructions
Folded Origami Stars: 2D and 3D Froebel/Moravian Stars
Froebel Star Strips
It’s much easier to fold your own stars if you have the right sized paper Froebel Star strips…Roughly, the length of the strips should be around 24-25 times their width. (So if you have 1 inch wide paper… your strips should be over 24 inches long, so you have some wiggle room).
1/2Xmas Paper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 100 Strips per Pack (1/2 x 18 inch)Metallic Paper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 100 Strips per Pack (3/8 x 15 inch)Xmas Paper Strips for Weavng Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 100 Strips per Pack (3/8 x 15 inch)Patterns Froebel Moravian German Star Paper Strips Origami Ornaments Colorful Craft Projects (50 Strips) (LeMoyne Christmas, 1/4 inch)Metallic Gold Paper Strips for Weaving Projects (Single Color Packs). Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 50 Strips per Pack (3/4 x 20 inch)Glossy Red, White, Green Paper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 100 Strips per Pack (Glossy Finish, 3/4 x 20 inch)Pearlescent White Paper Strips for Weaving Projects (Single Color Packs). Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 50 Strips per Pack (Pearl white, 3/8 x 12 inch)
Didn’t find the right color, there are dozens more here–>Froebel Star Paper
Froebel Star Instructions
How do you make one of these German Paper Stars?
I’m one of those people who learn best by watching, that’s why this video is perfect. It’s easy to follow, there is no language. And since he uses two colors of paper, you can see what is happening.
Armin Taubner Paper Folding Master
Armin Taubner lives in the Schwabien Alps, and has contributed to or written many books about crafts, but especially paper folding. His book about Fröbelsterne is a wonderful addition to your crafting library.
In German or English
Folded Paper German Stars: Creative Paper Crafting Ideas Inspired by Friedrich Fribel
Weihnachtliche Fröbelsterne: Mit dem Klassiker und neuen Fröbelkugeln (kreativ.kompakt.)
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we made these in grade school and they were sprinkled with glitter
Thank you so much for the background information provided on the Froebel star! I’m an educator with a passion for Froebel’s contribution to teaching young children and any “resurrection” of his practices is welcomed. You did a great job of briefly explaining a long history in a way that compliments the topic of your post. I’ve actually never attempted this “occupation” often used in the early Kindergarten but plan to do so in time for decorating for Christmas!
You are quite welcome… did you see this one? https://germangirlinamerica.com/is-kindergarten-german/