DIY Network

Plywood Star Motif From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-312F

To add a dash of panache and a bit of dimension to Colby's walls, the Rescue crew creates plywood stars -- with the help of a template -- that are painted a boyish navy and dark red.

Materials:

Protractor
Luan plywood
Utility knife
Jig saw
Measuring tape
Pencil
Straight edge
Fine- or medium-grit sandpaper
Spray paint

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	PDF Need more help? Check out this Star Maker diagram!

Before getting started: The star template is a simple 72-degree triangle. This angle was calculated by dividing a circle of 360 degrees by the 5 points of a star.

1. Use protractor to mark off 72 degrees on Luan plywood. (The size of this triangle isn't important; what matters is the angle. You can use the angle to create a triangle of any size needed for your project.)

2. Cut out the triangle (you can also substitute cardboard or foam core board for the plywood). Measure down from the point about every 4" on both sides and draw a straight horizontal line connecting the two points. Note: having a straight line between the two equally measured distance is crucial -- it will be the rotation guideline as you create your star.

3. Use the triangle to create the star size desired. First, make a horizontal line on a new piece of plywood. This is your starting point. Place your triangle template on top of this line (in this example, the 4" straight line went atop the horizontal). Now, trace the first leg of the star, extending pencil mark slightly past the 4" straight line.

4. Rotate the triangle so the triangle shows a top straight edge or an alignment with the horizontal line. Adjust the 4" straight line so it matches or intersects with the first leg that was drawn. Now, draw the second leg -- this should have only one pencil line because the top of this leg was created with the first drawn horizontal line (figure A).

5. The third leg is the same as the second leg, except the template will be moved to the right side of the first leg. Now you should have three legs of a five-leg star.

6. To finish the last two legs, rotate the template so that a 4" straight line intersects with an existing second leg point. The alignment of this leg is determined by aligning the template's long edge with the edge of the first point. Do the same for the last leg and everything should align to create the perfect star.

7. Score outline of star with utility knife, then cut with jigsaw (figure B).

8. Sand edges smooth with sandpaper, then paint and allow to dry before hanging on wall.

GUESTS :

Lou Alvarado
Designer of the Handy Husband Star Maker Template
PO Box 81649
Chamblee, GA 30366
Phone: 770-234-0424
Website: www.handyhusband.com