These are commonly made in Switzerland and Germany, where there are several experts still making them.
     
    Stars can be very simple, or very complex, up to 1 metre diameter. They can be made from whole straw, or split straw or flattened straw, or from a
    combination.
     
    Simple stars can have just 8 points, but they can be combined to make complex looking stars with layers and beams, and extra stars added for decoration. Split straw
    can be added to provide a filigree effect.