Brass starbursts are a retro home decor item repopularized by designers like Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler. You can make your own shimmery accessory for less than $2 with dollar store playdough, barbecue skewers and gold spray paint.

Project estimate:

  • 1 package of Dollar Tree craft dough, $1
  • 1 package of bamboo skewers, $1.50
  • Gold spray paint, on hand or $1 and up

Total: $2.50 and up for two starbursts

You will need a package of mini craft dough tubs, which I found at The Dollar Tree in the toy section. Skewers can be found at most grocery stores.

For each starburst, open two mini tubs of dough. Combine the two pieces of dough and roll into a ball.

If you want to hang your starburst on the wall, take one of the tubs and turn it over. Heat a nail over a flame and punch a hole in the bottom of the tub. Wiggle around to make a large enough hole for hanging on a nail later.

Stick the dough ball into the tub and push in firmly.

Working from the center outward, insert barbeque sticks pointed side down.  I used about 50 sticks per starburst.

Set the starbursts aside and allow the dough to harden. The dough may crack while drying but the sticks will hold in place. (If you’re worried, just squirt some glue in the crack and allow to dry.)

Spray the starbursts with gold spray paint.

Allow to dry and then enjoy your dollar store decor.