How to Fold a Pentagon from a Straw

This little pentagon made from pieces of a straw is not only simple but hides a clever feature – it's also a coin holder! Ideal for storing a treasured coin or for giving as a gift, this is a fun craft that won't take long to assemble.

1. 

    Cut the straw so you're only working with the straight, long section.
   Cut the straw so you're only working with the straight, long section. Discard the bendy part, and the short piece from the other side from the straw's flex.
2. 

    Cut along the entire length of the long straw piece.
   Cut along the entire length of the long straw piece.
3. 

    Open the piece with your fingers.
   Open the piece with your fingers. Flatten it down by pressing along it with the back tip of the teaspoon. This is best done over a towel, to provide traction.
   • 

      This is how it will appear when it has been flattened.
     This is how it will appear when it has been flattened.
4. 

    Tie a knot as shown, leaving one end longer than the other.
   Tie a knot as shown, leaving one end longer than the other.
   • 

     
   • 

     
5. 

    Turn the piece over.
   Turn the piece over.
6. 

    Fold the long end across at the base.
   Fold the long end across at the base.
   • 

     
7. 

    Tuck in the long end and push it through the piece that crosses it.
   Tuck in the long end and push it through the piece that crosses it. This will form the pentagon shape.
8. 

    Cut off the excess.
   Cut off the excess.
   • 

      Discard the cut-off pieces.
     Discard the cut-off pieces.
9. 

    Insert a coin if desired.
   Insert a coin if desired. See the image for an example.
   • 

      Other uses might include making lots of these little pentagons and stringing them together to form a Christmas or holiday season decoration.
     Other uses might include making lots of these little pentagons and stringing them together to form a Christmas or holiday season decoration. They can be especially effective in a window, as shown by this image where the pentagon has been held up to the sun – you should be able to see the shape of a star inside in lighter straw colors.

• You can adjust the size of the coin sleeve by adjusting the thickness of the straw piece so that the coin fits snugly.

• 
  Plastic straw (for the use, 6mm / 1/4 inch diameter and 15cm / 5.9" length).
• Pair of scissors
• Towel
• Teaspoon