Welcome to an exciting project that combines creativity and celebration!
In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to make beautiful Matariki Stars using small pieces of wood, nails, wire, and paint. Matariki is a special occasion for New Zealand, celebrating the arrival of the Matariki star cluster, also known as the Pleiades. It marks the start of the Māori New Year.

By making these stars, you can add a touch of magic to your space and join in the festive spirit. Let's get started!

Step 1: Prepare the wood

Start by gathering 9 small pieces of wood. You can either use scraps of wood or purchase pre-cut pieces.
Don’t have wood on hand? We have assorted packs of wood here.

Step 2: Paint the wood

Let's make our stars shine! Paint each of the 9 small pieces of wood with your chosen colour. We recommend using black paint to mimic the night sky and make the silver wire stand out. But feel free to use any colour you like! Paint the wood all over and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Drill Holes

Once the paint has dried, it's time to create the star shape. Mark the points of the star on each wooden piece. You can even give them names matching the Matariki stars: Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-ā-Rangi, Waitī, Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa, and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi.

Now, use a hand drill to make pilot holes at the marked points. Be careful not to drill all the way through the wood.

Top Tip: Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the width of your nails for a snug fit. If your pilot hole is too big the nail will fall out.

We also need to add an extra hole to each piece of wood for hanging. Measure the mid-line of each piece of wood and drill a hole about 5-10 mm from the top edge, going all the way through.

Step 4: Hammer the nails

Gently hammer a nail into each pilot hole, making sure not to hammer right through the wood. Leave a portion of the nail sticking out to wrap the wire around.

Step 5: Weave the wire (or string or wool)

Take the end of your wire and tightly wrap it around one of the nails. If you're using string or wool, simply tie one end to the nail. Weave and wind the wire around each nail, following the shape of your star. Once you've gone around each nail, cut the wire with pliers, leaving a small tail. Twist the tail tightly around the last nail to secure it in place.

Top Tip: Ensure any wire ends are tucked in to avoid accidental scratches.

Step 6: Prepare the hanging branch

Find a long, clean, and sturdy branch to display your stars. You can search for one during a nature walk or repurpose a fallen branch.

Step 7: Attach the stars

Cut individual lengths of wire, long enough to hang each star at different heights. Thread one end of the wire through the extra hole you drilled in Step 3. Twist the wire around itself to hold it securely. Wrap the other end of the wire around the branch, ensuring the star hangs freely at the desired height.

Repeat this step for each star, creating a beautiful hanging arrangement.

Top Tip: Leave space between each star for a balanced display. Older kids can try to match the positions of the real Matariki star cluster (see image)

This craft not only enhances your creativity but also helps celebrate the spirit of Matariki. Take a moment to admire your work and the festive atmosphere you've created!

Remember, Matariki is a time for gathering and reflecting on the past while embracing the future. Share this craft with your friends and family to spread joy and celebrate the wonders of the night sky together.

Happy wood crafting!

Click below to check out our Matariki Lanterns craft!