Buzz
You don't have to visit a weapon shop to own a "ninja star" or "Shuriken". Instead, you can make one or more paper shurikens that are both affordable and safer. This also makes for a fun activity to do with your kids.
Steps
Create a Square Piece of Paper
Start with a rectangular sheet of paper. Soft or regular colored paper works fine. We will turn the given sheet into a square. If you're starting with square paper, you can skip the next two steps.
Fold along the diagonal of the square. Fold the top right corner along the diagonal so that the top of the paper aligns with the left edge, forming a pointed tip at the top right corner.
Remove the excess paper. Carefully cut or tear along the edge, and you'll have a square piece of paper.
Fold the Parts
Fold the square in half. The fold should run parallel to the edges.
Cut the square in half. Divide the square into two equal parts. Using a paper cutter will make this step easier.
Repeat. Fold each piece of paper vertically, parallel to the length of the sheet.
Fold the ends of the paper. Fold the ends of the paper along the diagonal so that the edges overlap.
Repeat. Perform this step on each end of the paper, making sure the folds align as shown in the picture.
Create triangular folds. Fold the top end of the paper along the diagonal. This will create a large triangle facing you, with two smaller triangles near you.
Repeat. Do the same step on each end of the paper. Ensure the triangles are folded to face each other as shown in the picture.
Join the folded shapes together as shown
Rotate the folded shape on the left and align the two folded shapes as shown in the instructions.
Place the folded shape on the right on top of the one on the left. By doing this, a square shape will form in the middle; don't worry if you can't see it yet. Just make sure the folded shape is placed precisely in the center.
Fold the top corner of the small triangle along the diagonal and tuck it into the space between the two pieces of paper.
Fold the bottom corner of the small triangle along the diagonal and tuck it into the space between the two pieces of paper.
Flip the folded shape to reveal its underside.
Fold the right corner along the diagonal and tuck it into the space between the two pieces of paper.
Fold the left corner, which is the final point, along the diagonal and tuck it into the remaining space between the two pieces of paper. You might need to adjust a bit to complete this step.
Place tape at the center where you just tucked the folds, ensuring the dart won't come undone.
Now, enjoy playing with your ninja dart!
Tips
- Make sure to press down firmly on all the folds of your dart. If you don’t, the dart will appear less sharp and neat as required.
- Cut along sharper lines and ensure the folds are pressed firmly.
- Never throw the dart at someone’s eyes! The dart tips are very sharp!
- The neater the cuts and folds, the easier it will be to fold the shape and tuck the sharp tips into the paper without leaving marks.
- If you fold, press the creases, and throw correctly, your paper dart will fly like a real dart.
- For three or more darts, align them in the same direction, spacing them slightly apart. Hold them between your thumb and index finger, and throw them simultaneously forward, just like a disc toss.
- To create sharp folds, use your thumb and index finger to press down the area you want to crease.
- You can use glitter pens, glitter glue pens, etc., to decorate your darts.
- There's no need to use tape to make the darts.
- Magazine paper is the best choice for folding.
- If you press a matchstick into the middle of the dart, you can create a pointed tip for it.
Warnings
- Be cautious when throwing the dart. You could injure yourself.
- The edges can be very sharp, so keep them away from small children.
- Exercise caution when using scissors.
- Do not throw the dart at people or animals.
What You’ll Need
- A sheet of paper with dimensions 21 cm by 29 cm (equivalent to A4 size) or Origami paper (optional but recommended)
- Scissors (optional)
- Adhesive tape
