A convex regular icosahedron serves as the foundation for constructing this great stellated dodecahedron. According to this Smithsonian article, this polyhedron can be created by attaching specially shaped triangular pyramids to the faces of a regular icosahedron. The term "stellated" means star-like, and through the process of stellation—extending the face planes outward until they intersect—a dodecahedron transforms into a striking star-shaped polyhedron. The great stellated dodecahedron features 12 pentagrammic faces, 20 vertices (forming the star points), and 30 edges.
The convex regular dodecahedron is one of the five Platonic solids. It has three stellations, all of which are regular star dodecahedra: the small stellated dodecahedron, the great dodecahedron, and the great stellated dodecahedron. I created the small stellated dodecahedron in a previous post and the great dodecahedron in another earlier post. Today, I'll be making the great stellated dodecahedron.
Please note: This model requires patience during assembly. While it's not difficult to put together, allowing adequate drying time is crucial. I used Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue for this project.
Here is the PDF. I used 65 lb. cardstock.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XFX6jUpF9myYPSNOoZZwakO_jxYyzTPv/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CaRSTpRXyUmiKqFd1aFJ9PhCx_0zOyK7/view?usp=sharing
Really helpful and clear explanation! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI made one of these thirty odd years ago, using a formula in an old geometry book for the dimensions. I use cardboard for the base, cut crosscuts on each face and put a string of tiny lights inside. I left one face unglued so the string of lights could be changed. This face had two tabs so they could be tucked in to the rest of the base and be flapping about. I then poked one light through each crosscut before gluing on the pyramids, which were cut from vellum. I used a seamstress marking wheel to create tiny perforations along each fold line of the pyramids. I made the pyramid opposite the top one two and a half times as long as the others. The cord for the string of lights came out of the face of the cardboard which was tucked in rather than glued. This served many years as the Star of Bethlehem in many Christmas Pageants! It was truly beautiful as the pyramids glowed, the edges twinkled and the one long pyramid pointed to the manger.
ReplyDeleteGlad that my posting allowed you to relive your fond memories! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
DeleteDo you have a copy of this with just the points?
ReplyDeleteIm trying to make a decoration for my preschool class and they were super interested in the small stellated dodecahedron i made from a book the art teacher had lying around.
Thanks!
They are simply the points of a regular pentagram. Each little pyramid is three of these around an equilateral triangle base. There are 20 of these pyramids around an icosahedron core. The picture of the the finished model at the beginning of this article is either badly distorted or as I suspect the model is incorrect. There are two length edges for the entire polyhedron they are in Phi proportion to each other.
DeleteThank you for your input. I have corrected my mistake.
DeleteThe PDF which is included in this posting has all of the pieces needed to make the star. You might be interested in my latest blog posting as it is a quick ornament to make (a little too hard for presschoolers) and uses some of the same concepts. https://papercraftetc.blogspot.com/2021/12/25-days-of-christmas-decorations-day-1.html
ReplyDeleteLooks like this is a stellated icosahedron, with 20 points emanating from triangular bases. A stellated dodecahedron has 12 point emanating from a pentagonal base.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Smithsonian article that I reference in this posting, the great stellated dodecahedron can be created by gluing appropriate triangular pyramids to the faces of a regular icosahedron.
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