Four strips of paper, some patience and a great instructor.

What do you get? A homemade three dimensional Moravian Star.

Cindy Sames led the star making night at Penn Kidder Library over the weekend.

“Thought we could have a little fun with it,” Sames, a retired art teacher, said, noting that she got the idea after her sister-in-law had given her a dozen stars for her tree last Christmas.

Originating from a geometry class assignment in Germany in 1830, the star’s shape was similar to the Star of Bethlehem and recognized as representing a symbol of Christ’s birth and the Christmas season. The star symbolizes peace, hope and universal love.

Although only four pieces of paper are used, it is no easy task. The process of making the star includes threading the paper back through itself, much like a combination of weaving and origami.

Participant Heidi Venegas said she heard about the event from the library’s book club and “thought it would be nice to make a new craft.”

Venegas moved to the area in September from North Dakota and likes to collect all the local library cards.

Krista Farinelli came to the event because she “definitely needs a break.”

There was a sense of camaraderie as everyone encouraged one another when frustration levels increased because of the tedious, yet rewarding process.

In reference to its origin, Virginia McGrath noted, “I would’ve flunked geometry.”

Allison Larkin encouragingly responded, “You can’t fail art.”

It took about an hour to complete the project, with lots of assistance from Sames.

Christmas wrapping

In addition to the Christmas stars, the library is also still doing Christmas gift wrapping through Tuesday.

Gifts can be dropped off and picked up the next day during regular library hours. There is a charge for each gift wrapped.

The Penn Kidder Library is located at 2588 Route 903, Albrightsville.