Inspiration with Wishing Stars

Inspiration with Wishing Stars

Inspiration can be hard to find. The holidays are long over and for those of us in the northern hemisphere it can feel like it has been winter forever. For people with seasonal affection disorder it be especially hard. One way to combat this is to find ways to spice up your life.

One simple way is to brain storm ideas and write them on pieces of paper. Put them in a container and periodically pull one out. A prettier way that doubles as room decorations is to make wishing stars and periodically pull one out and try the suggestion on the star.

Wishing Star Tutorials

Rather than duplicate the numerous tutorials on folding wishing stars I am linking to a couple below.

• Tutorial at Folding Trees
• Tutorial at Origami Instructions

Tips for wishing stars

• The commercial strips I used have a height of 1 cm and a length of 25 cm. If you make your own you can make them a bit bigger, but they are still easier to work with at a smaller size.
• The paper’s thickness is critical. Especially if you are using your own paper try paper with different thicknesses to see what works best. In my experience wrapping paper is generally too thin, but thicker scrapbook paper is too thick.
• As you are folding your star keep the folds relatively loose. It will make it easier to press in the sides without them collapsing inwards and looking nothing like a star.

Inspiration- Crafts and Decorating

Often you find a great craft or decorating project when you do not have time to do it. As you find these ideas write them on the wishing star strip. When you have the time open the wishing star and do the project.

This also works for types of crafts. How long has it been since you did a project using washi tape? Do you keep forgetting to take the time to crochet? Write the type of craft down as a prompt.

Inspiration- Entertainment

Many movies are worth seeing on TV or streamed, but not worth the cost and hassle of a trip to the cinema. Unfortunately, by the time the film comes out on DVD or streaming it is easy to forget it exists. If there is a movie in the cinema that you think might be worth watching at home write down the title on a wishing star strip. When you are in the mood for an at home movie open a wishing star and see if the film is available for you to watch (Netflix, Redbox, On Demand, etc).

It can be easy to forget the authors whose books you have enjoyed, but who do not publish regularly. List an author on each wishing star strip. When you are in need of something different to read pull open a star. Check the bookstore of your choice and see if this author has any new books.

It is easy to play a few playlists over and over again. Write the name of a musician, album, song, or playlist on a wishing star. When you feel like something different open up a star and listen to the suggested music.

Inspiration- Friends, Family, Dates, and Outings

Social and family life easily falls into a routine. Brain storm a list of fun activities and write each idea on a wishing star strip. Allow yourself to be random. Maybe there is a nice garden nearby that is perfect for a chat with friends. Maybe it has been ages since you want to the ballet, a movie, or taken the family to the petting zoo. Pull out one of the wishing stars when you need to add some variety to your life.

This also works for activities at home. Do you and your husband love to play Scrabble? It is time for a family talent show night?

Inspiration- Cooking

Cooking is one of the more obvious uses for wishing star inspiration. As you find interesting recipes write them on a wishing star strip. Then when you meal plan open one of the stars as inspiration for the week’s menu.

Inspiration- Religious and Spiritual

It is easy for your spiritual life to get into a rut. On a wishing star strip list prayers, Bible verses, meditation topics, books, music, or anything else that helps you rejuvenate your spirit. Also consider listing practical ways of showing your faith such as volunteering. When you feel like you are in a rut open a wishing star and use the suggestion to add some vigor to your spiritual life.

Notes and Linked at

The outings picture is from PhotoVaco. The meal picture is from Public Domain Pictures. The Celtic Cross is from Wikimedia Commons.

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