What is a Froebel Star – German Paper Folded Christmas Stars
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Finally sorting out a little confusion. While doing research on Moravian Stars (aka Herrnhuttersterne), I came across sweet little folded German paper stars. While they didn’t look like the pointed Moravian stars, but that’s what a lot of resources called them. But they were also called German Star, Advent star, Danish star, Nordic star, Polish star, Pennsylvanian star, Christmas star, and Swedish star. In Germany they are called Fröbelsterne or Froebel Stars. And wasn’t Froebel the guy who invented Kindergarten? (yes) Is there a relationship? Sigh. Time to sort this mess out. What is a Froebel Star? And why is it also called a Moravian Star, German Star, Advent Star and more importantly… how do I make some so I can decorate for Christmas with them??
What Is a Froebel Star?
Simply put, a Froebel Star is a 3 dimensional Star made by weaving and folding 4 strips of paper. This German form of “origami” was actually a fairly common thing that people made and was just 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 that children should learn through creative play, Friedrich Fröbel established a school that became the first “Kindergarten” in 1837. To encourage children’s learning, he created a series of “gifts”… basically, puzzles and manipulative toys, that would draw children in to figuring out how the world would work. Young children also learned paper folding. Folding what is basically a 2 dimensional sheet of paper into a 3 dimensional star became a key lesson in mathematics to help 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 following a key set of 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 called “Des Kindes erstes Beschäftigungsbuch” (The Child’s First Busy Book) by E. Barth und W. Niederley was published containing 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 did teach it to many students… and almost 200 years later, his contributions remain part of the vocabulary.
Froebel Star Christmas Garland
What is the Difference Between A Moravian Star and a Froebel Star?
The most common Moravian Stars have 26 points… made up of 18 squares and 8 triangular cones that join into a sphere. The geometric word for this is rhombicuboctahedron (you’re welcome).
A Froebel Star is made from folded paper and has 16 points. I honestly don’t know the Geometric terman for it. The closest I could find is Star Polygon.
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.
Scroll down to find more colorful Paper Strips… Perfect for Froebel Stars!
Rainbow~ Froebel Star Paper (100 strips)
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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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).
Shimmer Silver~ Moravian German Froebel Star Paper (48 strips)Shimmer Light Gold~ Moravian German Froebel Paper (48 strips)Vintage Music~ Moravian German Froebel Star Paper (48 strips)Pearlescent White Paper Strips for making Moravian German Froebel Stars – various sizes (50 strips per pack)
Folk Art~ Froebel Star Paper (48 strips)
Paper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Frobel Stars. Christmas Mix Colors. 100 strips per pack. 1/2 inch x 19 inch in SizePaper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Frobel Stars. Rainbow Colors. 100 strips per pack. 1/2 inch x 19 inch in Size
Paper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Frobel Stars. Night Sky Pattern. 50 strips per pack. 1/2 inch x 19 inch in SizePaper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Frobel Stars. Red, White, and Green in Color. 1 inch x 24 inch in Size, 100 Strips per PackFroebel Moravian Star Strip Weaving Papers, 52 Pack, Shimmer Quartz (1/2 inch)Paper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Frobel Stars. Candy Cane Pattern. 50 strips per pack. 1/2 inch x 19 inch in SizePaper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Frobel Stars. Christmas Mix Colors. 100 strips per pack. 5/8 inch x 19 inch in SizePaper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Frobel Stars. Tartan/Plaid Pattern. 50 strips per pack. 3/4 inch x 19 inch in SizePaper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Frobel Stars. Variety of Colors. 100 Strips per Pack. 1/2 inch x 19 inch in SizePaper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Frobel Stars. Musical Notes Pattern. 50 strips per pack. 1/2 inch x 19 inch in Size
Didn’t find the right color, there are dozens more here–>Froebel Star Paper
Froebel Star Decorations
Don’t have the patience to fold the Froebel Stars yourself? Take a look at these beautiful pre-made Froebel Star decorations for the holidays
Bright origami star wreathChristmas Garland Mantle, Christmas Bunting, Froebel Star GarlandChristmas Decoration, Christmas Ornament, Pendant, Set of 3 Froebel Stars,Large Moravian Stars: 5.5 to 6 inches in size, Metallic Gold in Color. Sold individually
Moravian Star Ornament- Different colors available
tags:
froebel star strips german christmas star german folded paper stars how to make froebel stars paper stars what is a froebel star
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/