How to Make Tissue Paper Matariki Stars

During mid-winter, the Matariki stars appear. Also known as the Pleiades, these are a cluster of stars which legend says are the eyes of Tawhitimatea who threw them in anger into the heavens when Ranginui and Papatuanuku became separated by their children.

Traditionally, the appearance of the Matariki stars was a time to remember those who have died. It was also a time of celebration, where food was plentiful after the harvest, and it was time for singing and dancing.

Matariki is also known as the Māori New Year when a waxing half-moon or Te Marama Tamatea-a-io appears in the sky. While the date changes each year, the Matariki period is between June and July. Kites, balloons and fireworks can often be seen as a part of these celebrations.

This year, part of our celebrations involves the making of tissue paper Matariki stars, and they look gorgeous on our windows!

What you’ll need:

• tissue paper (we used 8 different colours)
• scissors
• glue stick
• clear tape or double-sided tape

How to Make Tissue Paper Matariki Stars:

1) Cut 8 squares from the tissue paper. We used 8 different colours but you could use less colours.
Our squares were 20cm x 20cm, but you could cut them any size you like.

2) Fold one sheet over in a diagonal to make a triangle. 

3) Open the tissue paper back up. Fold one corner over to meet the centre line.

4) Fold the other corner over to meet in the middle.

5) Repeat with the other 7 squares of tissue paper.

6) Using a glue stick, glue the unfolded bottom of one piece to the bottom of another piece. Continue around in a circle until all 8 pieces are glued together. Use a dab of glue to stick down the open flaps.

7) Use tape to attach your star to the window.

Miss 6 loved hers so much she decided to make a silver and gold tissue paper Matariki star too!

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