Lucky Stars

Origami stars have a long tradition in Asian cultures. They bring good luck when you make them and when you give them away. Making them is fun -- and addictive! They're also an opportunity to become aware of, focus on, and share your hopes and dreams.

The colorful, 3-D origami Dream Stars each have a special wish or thought of the person making the star written inside. The completed stars are about the size of a dime or nickel. Here are instructions (found at the Legacy Project) on how to make them.


Ideas for Dream Stars:

Make a special Dream Star with your most important hope, dream, or goal written inside. Keep it in a special place -- like on your desk, windowsill, or bedside table -- to remind you of the power of dreams and keep you focused on achieving that particular dream.

Make dozens and dozens of the tiny, colorful stars. Each can be for the same hope or dream, or you can write a different wish in each. Fill up a tall, clear glass Dream Star jar or bottle. Place a ribbon around the neck of the jar or bottle. Use it as a decoration on your desk or in your room.

Have some Dream Stars in your pocket and give them to people you meet during the day for good luck.

Fill a bowl with Dream Stars and give them to guests who visit.

String stars together with a needle and thread to create a lucky Dream Star necklace.

Make a knot in one end of a length of thread (clear or black work best) and use a needle to run the piece of thread through a Dream Star. Hang a bunch of Dream Stars in the window so that the stars are always out.

Using larger Dream Stars, create a mobile. Vary the size and colors of the stars.

Make dozens of Dream Stars and glue them onto construction paper in different patterns to create DREAMy pieces of art.

A teacher can have a bowl of Dream Stars on his or her desk and give them out to students who show initiative during class. Remember, dreamers are the people with the creativity and courage to try new things, overcome obstacles, and make a difference in their own life and the lives of others.

Do a BIG DREAMS event (you can even combine it with a Legacy Project Peace Party). What one thing would you change or improve in the world if you could? Write it on a strip of paper and make a large Dream Star. Mix up all the Dream Stars and then everyone in a group can choose a star, open it, and read it aloud. Discuss all the dreams. Can the group choose one of the dreams and take some steps to help make it a reality?

Participate in the World Dream Chest. Submit your total number of stars to us. Share your stories about what happened when you made the Dream Stars and what you've done with them. You may be chosen for the Legacy Project monthly Dreamer Award!