In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make colorful star pencil toppers using simple craft supplies. Perfect for back to school projects, classroom rewards, party favors, and rainy day activities.
You know that look on your child’s face when they make something all by themselves and can’t wait to show you? That’s what these star wand pencil toppers are all about.
These aren’t just pencil decorations. They’re little confidence boosters that sit on top of homework pencils, turning “I don’t want to do this” into “Look what I made, Mom!” Kids pick their favorite colors, add sparkle, and suddenly that plain pencil becomes their special treasure.
The best part? You probably have everything you need already sitting in your craft drawer.
Project Specifications
- Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly (great for kids ages 6+ with minimal help)
- Cost: Under $3 (using supplies you likely have in your craft stash)
- Time: 20-30 minutes per topper
- Ages: 6+ years independently, 4-5 with adult help for cutting
How to Make Paper Star Pencil Topper
Things You’ll Need
Materials
- Thick colored craft paper or lightweight cardstock (65-80 lb weight). Regular printer paper bends too easily. Cardstock gives you a sturdy base that holds its shape.
- Medium-weight colored craft paper for the strips. Regular craft paper or construction paper works great. Not too thick (won’t hang nicely) or too thin (curls weird).
- Glitter paper, decorative stickers, or sequins (optional). Makes the center star sparkle. Totally optional if you want a simpler version.
Tools
- Pencil (for tracing)
- Craft glue or glue stick. Glue sticks are less messy. Craft glue creates stronger bonds.
- Scissors. Sharp scissors make cutting star points way easier.
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Step by Step Instructions: Paper Star Pencil Topper
Step 1: Trace and Cut Out All the Pattern Pieces
Trace two big stars onto thick craft paper, one small decorative star onto glitter paper, and 5-6 strips onto regular craft paper. Cut out all pieces carefully, taking your time with the star points.
Parent tip: Pre-cut the stars for younger kids. Let them cut the easier strips.
Step 2: Attach the Center Decorative Star
Glue your small glittery star in the center of one big star. Apply a thin layer, press down gently, and let it set.
Note: Too much glue makes the paper wrinkle. Thin and even does the job.
Step 3: Flip and Apply Glue to Two Star Points
Turn your decorated star over. Pick two star points that aren’t next to each other and apply glue along both edges of these two points. Don’t glue both sides of the same point.
Important: You need to leave one section open for the pencil to slide through.
Step 4: Position the Paper Strips Diagonally
Place your strips diagonally across the glued star points. Overlap about 1 cm of each strip with the star edge. Start with one strip on each glued point, then add more strips right next to them.
Pro tip: Keep strips close together but not overlapping. Too much overlap creates a bulky mess.
Step 5: Add the Remaining Strips
Continue adding strips until you’ve got 5-6 total, all flowing in the same diagonal direction. This creates that classic wand streamer effect.
Step 6: Apply Glue to All Remaining Star Edges
Apply glue along all remaining edges except the two sides next to your strips. Those stay open for the pencil. Run a thin line of glue around the perimeter.
Step 7: Seal the Two Star Layers Together
Place your second big star on top and line up the edges. Press firmly around all glued edges to seal. You’ve just created a pocket with an opening on one side.
Parent tip: Show kids how to line up one point first, then work around. Perfect alignment looks way more professional.
Step 8: Let It Dry and Insert the Pencil
Let the glue dry completely (10-15 minutes for craft glue, 5 minutes for glue stick). Once dry, slide a pencil through the open end.
Pro tip: If the opening feels tight, gently wiggle the pencil as you slide it in. Don’t force it.
Watch Complete Video Tutorial: Paper Star Pencil Topper
If you’re having trouble visualizing how the strips attach or how the star pocket comes together, don’t worry! I’ve prepared a complete step-by-step video tutorial on my YouTube channel where you can watch every single step in real time.
Quick Tips for Success
Choose the Right Paper – Use 65-80 lb cardstock for the star base. Regular printer paper is too flimsy and will droop.
Less Glue Is More – Thin layers prevent wrinkling and dry faster. One pass with a glue stick is usually enough.
Patience Pays Off – Let the glue dry completely before inserting the pencil. Rushing this step leads to torn seams and bent paper.
Space Strips Evenly – Keep them close but not overlapping. Think fringe on a scarf, not a pile of fabric.
Let Kids Own It – Mix colors, add glitter, use stickers. There’s no wrong way to personalize these.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Gluing Both Sides of the Same Point – This is the mistake that ruins everything. Glue two different points on opposite sides, not both sides of one point. Otherwise there’s nowhere for the pencil to go.
Forcing the Pencil Too Soon – Wait for the glue to dry completely. Rushing this bends the cardstock and tears the seams. Set a timer if you need to.
Using Too-Thin Paper – Regular printer paper doesn’t cut it. Spring for cardstock. It’s worth it.
Q: Can I use regular printer paper for the stars?
Not recommended. Printer paper is too thin and floppy. Use 65-80 lb cardstock for stars that actually hold their shape. You can use printer paper for the strips though.
Q: How many strips should I use?
5-6 strips creates a nice full wand effect. You can use fewer (3-4) for simpler toppers or more (7-8) for maximum drama. Just keep them evenly spaced.
Q: What if the pencil doesn’t fit?
Make sure the glue is dry first. Then gently wiggle the pencil as you slide it through. If it’s still too tight, you might have glued the opening too narrow.
Q: Can younger kids do this independently?
Kids 6+ can handle it with guidance. For ages 4-5, pre-cut the stars and let them assemble and decorate.
Q: How do I make these for a whole classroom?
Pre-cut stars to save time. Use glue sticks instead of liquid glue. Set up stations so kids move through in groups.
More Fun Pencil and School Crafts You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making these star pencil toppers, here are other creative ways to personalize school supplies:
School Supply Crafts:
- DIY Pencil Toppers – Explore different pencil topper designs and styles beyond stars
- DIY Kawaii Pencil Toppers – Create adorable Japanese-style toppers with cute character faces
- DIY Bookmarks – 23 bookmark tutorials including corner bookmarks and origami designs
More Star and Paper Crafts:
- How to Make 3D Paper Stars – Create dimensional paper stars perfect for decorations and ornaments
- Origami Stars – Learn to fold lucky stars and 5-pointed origami stars
- Paper Butterflies – Another fun paper craft using similar cutting and decorating techniques
For even more creative paper craft ideas, check out our complete collection of construction paper crafts.
We love seeing how kids personalize their star wand pencil toppers! Share photos on social media and tag us with #thecraftaholicwitch.
Creative variations we’d love to see: Rainbow gradient strips, monochrome designs with metallic accents, character faces drawn on stars, glow-in-the-dark stars, holiday-themed color combos
Final Thoughts
These paper star pencil toppers are more than just decorated school supplies. Kids practice fine motor skills, express their creativity, and end up with something they’re genuinely excited to use.
I love projects like this because they’re quick enough to hold attention but involved enough that kids feel accomplished. There’s something special about watching them pick colors, carefully assemble their topper, and proudly show it off.
So grab some cardstock, pull out the glitter, and let your kids make their pencils magical!
Keep crafting and keep creating!
Happy Crafting!
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