DIY WOOD STARS

JUNE 7, 2017

HTTPS://JAIMECOSTIGLIO.COM/W-IS-FOR-WOOD-STARS/

We’ve been building a lot of furniture and functional pieces so let’s take a break and
make something beautiful to hang on the walls. These DIY wood stars pretty up that
empty wall space by adding dimension and warmth.

A TUTORIAL TO MAKE YOUR OWN FIVE

POINTED DIY WOOD STARS. CREATE THREE
DIMENSIONAL WOOD STARS WALL ART USING
FREE PLANS HERE.
Let’s make wood stars for wall decor just in time for the holiday season. The star shape
can be tricky with it’s steep angles but I have the answer and I’ll show you how down
below.

image source

First let’s start with the inspiration. I know you saw these milled log stars over at Pottery
Barnand 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.

These wood stars cost about $5 each depending on how big your scrap wood pile. I
used 1×3 scrap boards but you could use 1×2 or even 1×4 for a chunkier look. Also I
recommend making more than one 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.

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 he has the
plans, including all the angled cuts you need to make a perfect 5 pointed star. Before
you go getting the plans quickly scroll down below for my building tips and process
photos.
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.
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
Follow Jamison’s plans here.

Step 1: Set up the wedge jig and make steep angle cut.

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. Do a dry fit to test for accuracy.

Step 4: To connect pieces take one short and one long piece together at the 36 degree
angle. Glue and staple (see 2 pieces on right above). The staples allow you some
maneuvering. 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, glue and staple remaining joints.

Step 6: Flip star over to good side up, use 3/4″ finish nails to secure pieces.
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!