A five-pointed star that does not require a pentagon base, thirds, or a single nerve-wracking collapse: that is the appeal of this two-piece star. Each half is just a handful of folds, and joining them is the work of a moment.

It is the kind of model you fold while waiting for something else to finish, and then fold five more because the first one looks lonely. Glue the joints for a sturdier star, or add two dots for eyes and it becomes a starfish.

Learn how to make an easy origami star. This five-pointed star is built from two sheets of paper, which makes it far simpler than the one-sheet version. A dab of glue holds it together more firmly, and if you draw eyes on it, it turns into a starfish.

Step 1.

This star uses two square sheets of paper. Start with the first square and fold the bottom corner up to the top corner.

Step 2.

Fold the right edge over until it meets the top edge.

Step 3.

Turn the paper over.

Step 4.

Fold the right corner across to the left corner.

Step 5.

Open the upper layer and fold the red point across to the right. A mountain crease forms along the blue dotted line.

The red point and the blue dotted line shift as the paper folds, so follow the photos below. Flatten the paper as shown, and the first piece is finished.

Step 6.

Now take the second square and fold the bottom corner up to the top corner.

Step 7.

Fold the left corner across to the right corner.

Step 8.

The second piece is finished.

Step 9.

Lay the two finished pieces out as shown below.

Step 10.

Slide the right piece into the middle of the left piece.

Step 11.

Your five-pointed star is done. Add a little glue at the joints to hold it together, and draw on eyes if you would rather have a starfish.