How to make a Simple Twig Star

How to make a natural twig star using pieces of sticks and string. A simple and festive nature craft for adults and children alike, and one that you could use for holiday decorations or to make a topper for your Christmas tree.

Nineteen ladies braved snow and ice to meet me and and my co-host for this year’s natural Christmas wreath workshop. The idea behind the day was to learn to weave a willow ring and then decorate it with foraged greenery, dried fruit, and other natural ornaments. There’s a video further below showing the DIYs in action, but one of the ornaments John Dog showed us to make was a simple twig star. It’s easy to make, and you could use it as a natural Christmas ornament or tree topper, or just a beautiful nature craft.

All you need is five sticks and something to hold them together. Once made, the star can go on a wreath or can be a decoration in its own right. This lovely nature craft is easy enough for youngsters too! Watch the video below for the clip on how to make willow stars. For the full wreath, watch the video from the beginning.

Simple Twig Star

Making a twig star is quick, easy, and inexpensive. All you need is five pieces of relatively bendy twigs that are the same length and approximately the same thickness. My star’s sides in this piece are 9.5″ long. You’ll also need some medium to bind them together. This could be small rubber bands, string, or florist wire.

Step 1: Matching the Ends

Begin by taking two twigs and locating which ends are thicker and thinner. Bind the two twigs together so that one thick end is connected to one thin end. Doing this for each attachment point will give the star more stability. Attach them so that the right twig is on top of the left twig. Pull the twigs apart about thirty degrees to create a point before moving on to step two.

Step 2: Add the third twig

Add the next twig on, making sure that it’s the top-crossing twig at the attachment point. Each new twig you attach should be placed on top of the last one. Adjust the position of the third twig so that the angle inside matches the angle at the top of your star. The third twig should also lie on top of the first twig as pictured.

Step 3: Weaving Under & Over

Weave the fourth twig through the twigs forming the star’s top point. Weave under and over and attach it with string afterward. It might be easier to look at the photo below.

Step 4: Adding the last twig

When adding the last twig, it’s also easier to do the weaving first and then tie it in. Keep in mind:

• Thick end to thin
• Upper or lower placement is dependent on how the last twig was attached
• Weave under, then over

More Natural Holiday Inspiration

Making a twig star with sticks is only the beginning when it comes to using sticks and twigs. You can also use them to create these 30+ Garden Projects using Sticks and Twigs including my lovely raspberry cane wattle edging. If you’re more in the festive season, check out these creative DIY holiday makes:

• Use a Colander to Make a Stunning Christmas centerpiece
• How to make Pumpkin Spice Soap (Cold Process Recipe)
• DIY Christmas Wreath using Foraged Materials
• Classic Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe