Let’s make something beautiful to hang on the walls. And maybe also make a dent in that scrap wood pile. These DIY wood stars pretty up any empty wall space by adding dimension and warmth.
A DIY tutorial to make five pointed wood stars. Create three dimensional wood stars in various sizes using these free plans. A great scrap busting project.
Today we’re making wood stars for wall decor just in time for the holiday season. The star shape can be tricky with its steep angles but I have the answer and I’ll show you how down below.
First let’s start with the inspiration. I know you saw these milled log stars over at Pottery Barn and you love them too! But I don’t think they are available anymore and I’m fairly certain we can make them for less than Pottery Barn was charging.
Wood Stars Details
These wood stars cost about $5 each depending on how many pieces you find in your scrap pile. I used 1×3 boards but you could use 1×2 or even 1×4 for a chunkier look. Also, I recommend making more than one star and vary the size. Odd numbers are always pleasing to the eye and by having different sizes it keeps your eye moving.
See how the depth of the boards creates so much dimension off the wall. So before you can build these stars you need the plan, specifically those angles, in order to get the perfect star shape.
Plans
I turned to my fellow blogger engineer Jamison at Rogue Engineer who is handy not only with building projects but also with the technical side of things. And Jamison has wood star plans here, including all the angled cuts you need to make a perfect 5 pointed star. But before you go getting the plans quickly scroll down below for my building tips and process photos.
So in addition to Jamison’s plans you will probably need a wedge jig (unless you have a miter saw that can handle a steep miter cut). Check my post here on how to build a wedge jig for a miter saw.
Below are the steps and process I used to make the wood stars. Read through carefully before beginning your project.
Wood Star Supplies:
- 1x3x8 pine board or multiple scrap pieces
- miter saw
- wedge jig
- wood glue
- staple gun and staples
- nail gun
- 3/4″ finish nails
- sandpaper
- stain
Step 1:
Set up the wedge jig and make steep angle cuts.
Step 2:
Set the miter for the second angle, flip the wood, measure and cut.
Step 3:
Repeat the process 5 times for each length. Then do a dry fit making the wood star in order to test for accuracy.
Star Shape Assembly
Step 4:
To connect the pieces take one short and one long piece together at the 36 degree angle. Glue and staple (see 2 pieces on right above). Because the staples allow you some maneuvering you can make the shape perfect once you flip it over. Flip the connected pieces over and use a finish nail on the visible side (see 3 pieces on right above).
Step 5:
Layout all pieces – good side down – and glue and staple remaining joints.
Step 6:
Flip star over to good side up, use 3/4″ finish nails to secure pieces.
Wood Stars Finish
Step 7:
Sand rough edges and stain as desired.
Hang and enjoy! I hung these stars from one single nail and they haven’t moved. Can’t wait to dress them up for the holidays!
More Star Projects
Looking for more star projects for the holidays? Check out this star tray with easier angles you can do without using a wedge jig.
SHOP THIS PROJECT:
I love these SO much!!
These stars are fantastic and can go from season to season, love!
so cute!! I adore these! Pinned 🙂
Beautiful! They are great!
Jaime,
I came over here to tell you that you made me laugh out loud this morning with your comment and then I saw those STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please, please let me feature them on Thistlekeeping! Just one pic and I will link back to you. 🙂
karianne
So inspiring! I was looking for a Christmas project, and had just about decided to make routed trivets when I came upon your stars. Brilliant! (Couldn't resist the pun).
Anyway, with a bit if creative measuring, yesterday I made two nesting stars out if 1×2 oak. They'll work well as trivets as we'll as being attractive on the kitchen wall. Thanks for the detailed instructions!
I've read this over and over it say's staple a long and a short but I don't see any measurements.
What is the measurements for your wood?
Great idea and great stpe by step instructions. We'd like to share this over at ours for our upcoming Christmas decorations post and I'll get a link to you when it's live…Thanks Jamie
Here you go, hope you like it.
http://www.renocompare.com/2015/11/wooden-christmas-decorations/
Happy Holidays
Hi, I think it says one size is 6 inches long but it does not give the second size of wood piece, please let us know, thanks
Please reference the cut list in the plans: https://rogueengineer.com/diy-wooden-star-decor/
Hi! These are beautiful . What color stain did you use ? And brand!
Thanks so much
Thanks Riley, I believe the stain was Minwax Jacobean. Good luck!
Fantastic!
But, could you please show us how it is hanged to the wall?
Many thanks in advance
To hang the stars hammer two nails in directly in the crevice of two of the points. Alternatively you could attach a sawtooth hanger to the back.
I’m trying to make the wooden star. It says to cut one angle at 54 degree and the other angle at 36 degree ,but it doesn’t say how to set up your miter saw to cut the 54 degree angle. What angle do I set my miter saw at to get the 54 degree angle cut?
Hi Larry, if your miter saw doesn’t cut that steep you can make the wedge jig linked in the post above which will let you cut steeper angles.
I have 2 x 4s, I’d like to use to make these stars, do you know if there is different angles required? I tried what you had and does not work, they look crooked. Any help would be great…
Hi Nancy, I have not tried this project using 2×4 but since it’s thicker I’m assuming that will change the lengths on the cuts but not the angles. If I have a chance I’ll give it a whirl this weekend and report back.