Packages of opaque or transparent colorful straws can be found in many Japansese gift shops, often used for making roses, or even stars. These straws are particularily useful because of the flexiblity of the plastic, however, in some cases, regular straws can be used if the plastic is thin enough(for example, straws from McDonalds). The use of plastic instead of paper allows for there to be enough resistance to hold the structure of the star. Technically, paper can be used, but it would take an enourmous length to do what plastic can do. Stiff plastic may also be used, if folded into a strip.
Tip: Fold the straw in half, and match up the ends to estimate the center.
1. Make a 45 degree FOLD in the *center* of the straw while flattening it somewhat. This will create a 90 degree corner. It is important to try your best to estimate the center of the star in order to make the best use of the material. In this image, the left side is overlapping the right.