Shuriken is an ancient Japanese throwing weapon. The so-called throwing stars. Literally translated it means “blade hidden in the hand.” In addition to weapons, this item can be an amulet, which gives its owner courage, stamina, endurance and strength. Shurikens come in both four-pointed and eight-pointed types.
Another view Japanese art- this is origami. In childhood, when making airplanes and boats out of paper, children master this technique. This is very useful for development fine motor skills hands and imagination in children.
In addition to the usual figures, you can make shurikens from paper. They, of course, will not be weapons, but they fly very well. Children will be able to invent large number games with them.
Origami diagram of a quadrangular one-color shuriken
You can make paper shuriken like this:
- You need to take a regular sheet of paper and make a square out of it. To do this, connect the upper right corner evenly with the left edge of the sheet. Cut off the excess part
- Cut the resulting square in half
- Bend one of the halves of the square in half vertically - you get a narrow rectangle
- Bend the lower left corner up to the edge, and bend the upper right corner down
- Now repeat the previous step for the upper left and lower right corners
- After this, repeat the same steps with the other half of the square. Only on it the folds must be made in a “mirror image” relative to the first half
- Then, one of the parts is bent in half so that a figure is formed consisting of two curved triangles with corners in opposite directions
- Place both halves on top of each other, bend the free corners into the center of the figure
- Turn over and repeat the procedure again
Shuriken is ready!
The same pattern is suitable for making a two-color toy. In this case, you need to take halves of squares of different colors.
As mentioned above, shuriken can also be eight-pointed. An analogue of it can also be made using the origami technique.
Origami diagram for making an eight-pointed shuriken
In order to make it, you will need 8 square sheets of paper.
- A vertical and two diagonal fold lines are drawn on the square.
- Two adjacent corners are bent towards the center, the edges are exactly vertical
- The remaining half of the square is bent according to the accordion principle. The vertical fold goes up, and the corner diagonal folds go down.
- The same actions are repeated with the remaining squares
- After this, according to the origami principle, the protruding parts need to be inserted into the holes and the ends bent
To make such a shuriken, you can use two contrasting colors, or choose color scheme to your liking.
You should not make this craft from paper that is too thick, since the weight of the product greatly affects the aerodynamic properties. The heavier the toy is, the worse it will fly. You can also glue the joints of parts to extend service life.
Making a Christmas tree toy in the shape of shuriken
In addition, you can do original decoration on a Christmas tree in the shape of a shuriken using the origami technique.
It is necessary to use thick foil or metallized colored paper.
- To do this you need to take two identical squares
- Mark horizontal and vertical fold lines on one of them
- Fold it into a triangle shape, unfold it and repeat the action only on the other side.
- Carefully, without going beyond half the length of the fold, make a cut, fold the edges of the triangles inward with a tube, glue
- After this, repeat the same with the other part.
- The last step is to glue them together, attach a thread on which it will hang
Japan gave this world many different inventions and beautiful things, and to this day it never ceases to amaze us. They are especially good at coming up with different paper crafts. Thousands of different figures have already been created, and many more are yet to come. Today, we will tell you how to make shuriken with your own hands - a weapon that was used by ninja warriors and samurai in past centuries. Making shuriken from metal is not very easy, but anyone can make it from paper! Let's learn how to easily make shuriken at home.
How to make shuriken from paper?
This paper craft is very easy to make, so no special knowledge or effort is required. All you need is our instructions and a sheet of paper. Let's not delay time - let's get started!
1. Prepare a sheet of paper. We can use any color, the main thing is to make it correct form. We should prepare a sheet square shape! Then we bend it in half and cut it into two parts along the fold line.
2. Fold each part in half. If we want to get multi-colored shuriken, we can prepare paper of different colors and the required size in advance.
3. Now we perform the operation shown in the figure - the corners of the triangle should be bent, one to the top part, the second to the bottom.
This is what we got as a result:
Please note that the parts must be the same shape, but symmetrical to each other.
5. We have reached the assembly stage. We need to connect the two finished parts; to do this, we put one part on the second and turn the corners, as shown in the photo.
We bend the left and right corners of the lower part in half and wrap them in the pocket of the upper part. This is what we get:
Use your fingers to carefully go through all the folds so that they do not unfold in the future.
Today we will learn how to make shuriken from iron with our own hands at home.
Making shuriken at home
To make a metal Japanese throwing star we will need the following tools and materials:
- Iron square sheet several millimeters thick.
- Mark.
- Drill or screwdriver.
- Hacksaw (or grinder).
- File (or sharpening wheel).
First, let's decide on the sizes. We take a notebook sheet in a square and mark a square of 28 by 28 cells (or 14 by 14 centimeters). We find the middle of the square and count from it diagonally 3 cells on four sides. We connect our marks into a star pattern.
We cut it out and transfer the design to a sheet of metal. We take a core and make marks for the drill on the inner corners of the star and in the center. Use a thin drill to drill through holes in these places. Use a thick drill to drill out these holes.
Using a hacksaw or grinder we cut out our drawing. Using a file or sharpening wheel, sharpen the edges.
So we made our own weapon of the ancient Japanese ninjas - an iron throwing star shuriken. When thrown, such a product easily pierces a thick wooden board.
Photo diagram of how to make shuriken.
How to make shurikens video
The video shows detailed step by step instructions for the production of metal throwing stars.
Warning: Remember that the shuriken we made is very dangerous and you need to handle it very carefully - do not swing it, do not hold on to the sharpened edges, and even more so, do not throw it at other people.
Article genre - Japanese weapons
Shuriken is a Japanese throwing weapon. It is usually worn hidden and unnoticed. Shuriken are small blades made from everyday objects: stars, coins, nails, needles, knives, etc. But a throwing "Shuriken" can completely become harmless if it is made from paper.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a four-pointed Shuriken.
1 step. We take paper.
“Shuriken” can be made from white paper, but for greater clarity and color it is better to use colored paper.
Step 2. We make squares from the sheets.
To create a four-pointed "Shuriken" you will need two identical squares.
Step 3. Take one square and connect the edges in the center.
Step 4 Bend the resulting rectangle in half.
Step 5 We bend the corners on each side in a mirror manner, as shown in the photo.
Step 6 Once again, on each side, we mirror the corners symmetrically to the triangles made earlier.
Step 7 We do the same (from steps 3 to 8) with the second square. The second half of "Shuriken" should be a mirror image of the first.
Step 8 We turn over one received part and place it on the first one as follows.
Step 9 We bend the corners of the lower part into the formed pockets in the upper part.
Step 10 We turn the resulting figure over.
Step 11 We do the same again with the bottom half.
Step 12 The four-pointed Shuriken is ready.
The final appearance of the four-pointed shuriken craft.
Step-by-step instructions for creating an octagonal "Shuriken".
1 step. We will need 8 identical squares.
Step 2. Preparing the square.
We bend the square first diagonally, then in half.
Step 3. We connect two corners at the center line.
Step 4 A rectangle is formed on the opposite side, which we bend to the inside and fold the part.
Step 5 We perform similar actions with the remaining 7 squares.
Step 6 Collecting "Shuriken".
We put all the parts in the same position. We insert part of one part with curved corners into a triangle concave inward. We bend the resulting ends into the part for fixation. So we connect all 8 parts.
Step 7 Draw out the triangles that are free inside.
Step 8 The octagonal "Shuriken" is ready.
The final appearance of the octagonal shuriken craft.
Two final crafts.
We hope that making this craft gave you a boost positive emotions And good mood. Regarding the series of paper crafts, next time we can offer you paper claws, which are very easy to recreate!
Thanks to this master class you will learn how to make shuriken out of paper with your own hands. This instruction includes 9 options for making ninja stars. They all differ in degree of complexity and manufacturing technique. Such crafts are great for active children's games!
Shuriken or ninja star (translated as “blade hidden in the hand”) is a hidden weapon of Japanese ninjas. It is a small round blade in the form of an ordinary thing: a star, a circle, a coin, etc. Ninja warriors used these items as auxiliary weapons.
Materials and tools
Despite various techniques manufacturing, all master classes will require the same materials and tools:
- Paper. Colorful for scrapbooking or double-sided color is best. If you don’t have one, take standard A4 sheets or newspapers.
- Ruler.
- Stationery knife or scissors.
- Pencil or pen.
- Decorative decorations (optional).
How to make a simple shuriken from paper
This shuriken is very easy to make, even for a child.
Step 1: Prepare the Square
You can make it from a standard A4 sheet by folding it diagonally and cutting off the excess at the bottom.
Step 2: Cut the Square
We cut the square obtained in the previous step into two identical sections.
Step 3: Fold the Sections
Fold both sections in half again.
Step 4: Form the Folds
Fold each corner down diagonally. Make sure that the corners in each section are turned in opposite diagonals.
Step 5: Collect the star
Now turn the first piece over and place it on top of the second one perpendicularly (see photo below).
Fold the top edge of the bottom piece into the recess in the middle of the top piece.
Pull the top corner into the recess until it stops.
Do the same below.
Now turn the star over.
And tuck the remaining blades into the recesses.
Now this shuriken can be thrown.
Shuriken transformer
With this tutorial you will make a transformable 8-pointed ninja star. Creating such a thing is also very simple.
Step 1: Prepare the squares
Cut colored paper into squares of the same size. You can use one or two colors. Stars with rays of various shades look very beautiful.
In total, you will need 8 squares to make this craft. 4 pieces of each color.
Step 2: Make the module
Take one leaf and fold it twice diagonally and twice vertically (see the picture below).
Fold the top two corners down, using the vertical center line as a guide.
Fold the sheet with the folds inward.
Using the pleats you made earlier, fold the top right corner inward to form two folded triangles.
The first block is ready! Fold the remaining sheets in the same way. You should have 8 identical figures in your hands, 4 yellow and 4 blue.
Stage 3: assemble the craft
Insert module blue non-expanding edge into the middle of the yellow module. Secure both parts together.
Insert all the parts into each other, alternating colors. Also fix them.
You will get a full circle of details of alternating shades.
Holding the circle firmly with one hand, pull the hidden “blades” forward, one at a time, with your other hand.
Transforming ninja star is ready!
8-pointed ninja star
To make this work you will need double-sided paper of various shades.
Step 1: Prepare the Squares
Cut the colored sheets into identical 10cm x 10cm squares. You will need eight squares in total.
Step 2: Make the Module
Use the diagram below to assemble the parts.
Step 3: Collect the star
According to the following diagram, carefully insert all the blocks into each other in a circle.
Assembly diagram
How to assemble:
- Initially, distribute all the blocks by shade.
- Take the first and second parts. Carefully insert the lower left corner of the second part into the inner pocket of the first part.
- Repeat in a circle.
See how simple it is!
Ninja star with 16 rays
This origami star is also very easy to make. Just keep in mind that to create it you will need to stack 16 blocks, so be patient.
Step 1: Prepare the Sheets
To make rays you will need squares. You can take either ready-made sheets measuring 10 cm x 10 cm or cut them out of colored double-sided paper. In total, you will need 16 squares to complete the work.
Step 2: Make a Module
Take the first square and fold it along both diagonals.
Fold all corners towards the center as shown in the photo below.
Now place the workpiece in front of you so that its inner bends show a cross. Fold the top two flaps towards the vertical center line.
Turn the job around. Fold the blunter edge from the left end point to the right end point.
Fold the shape in half so that the folded edges of the triangle are placed on the outside.
The first module is ready.
Using the same technique, fold the remaining 15 blocks.
Step 3: Collect Shuriken
Pick up two modules of different colors. Insert the two sharp corners of one block into the small grooves inside the other block (see picture below).
Advice: If you have difficulty inserting the corners into the pockets, use a needle or tweezers to open the flaps slightly wider.
Continue adding the remaining pieces in the same manner.
Thick sheets hold their shape quite well and do not need fixing, but if you consider it necessary, fasten the parts with additional drops of glue.
Connecting the blocks is the most difficult part of the job. They may be wobbly and fall out, but once you add all 16 pieces, the craft will be very sturdy.
Beautiful shuriken made of scrap paper
With these instructions you will make a beautiful star with 8 points. To create it, you will need colorful scrapbooking sheets: patterned, velvet, plain, shiny, etc. Choose any to your taste.
Step 1: Prepare the squares
As in the previous instructions, cut the sheets into 10cm x 10cm squares or use 8 pre-made ones.
Step 2: Make the parts
Use the diagram below to assemble 8 blocks.
Module assembly diagram
Stage 3: Collect a star
Assemble the figurine according to the following diagram.
Assembly diagram
Insert all modules into each other with the indicated corners into the internal valves. In this diagram you can see the assembly process from both the top and bottom sides.
These stars look very beautiful on both sides!
Video on how to make paper shuriken with three arms
Through this video you will learn how to assemble the original ninja star with three "blades".
Video of shuriken with small rays
This little ray craft looks so cute!
Video of square shuriken
Video of a ninja star with six blades
Once you understand the nuances, you can easily create such shuriken!