Pie Tin Stars & Berry Baskets

by Claudia Cimini

Kids living in the Philippines make shiny star decorations called "parols" at Christmastime. It is a five-pointed star that represents the "star of Bethlehem" which led the three wise men to the newborn baby Jesus. The word "parol" comes from the Spanish word "farol" which means lantern, as early parols were lit with candles.

Today parols are made out of all sorts of materials: paper, bamboo, shells; even empty water bottles!

Follow these directions to make a parol from a pie tin:

Stuff you need:

• Aluminum foil pie tin
• Compass
• Protractor
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Paper
• Hole punch

Directions:

1. With the compass draw a circle on the paper. Make it the same diameter as the bottom of the pie tin.
2. Draw a straight line from the center of the circle to the edge of the circle (a radius). Place the center of the protractor in the center of the circle and measure 72 degrees from the radius you just drew.
3. Measure 72 degrees from your second radius and repeat until you have five lines.
4. Use the ruler to join each of the five points on the outside of the circle (circumference) into a five-sided shape (pentagon).

5. Cut out the pentagon. Trace around it onto the bottom of the pie tin. Mark the center of the pentagon through the pattern.
6. Cut the pentagon out of the pie tin. Use a hole punch to make a hole for hanging near one of the points (vertices). You can also make a pattern of holes.
7. Fold the foil upward from the center to each vertex (see illustration). Fold downward in between each vertex fold. Now you have your own parol to hang in your house or give as a gift!

   To see some parols on the web, go to http://sim.soe.umich.edu/parol

Philippine craftspeople are world famous for the baskets they make. Basket weavers usually use materials native to their region to create baskets in distinctive regional styles. With a berry basket, stuff you collect, and your imagination, you'll create a berry basket in your own regional style!