A dozen little squares of paper later, I am starting to think that using a template and cutting stars is going to yield better results. I finally found a process that works for me (http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Colors/foldingpaperstar/foldingpaperstar.html). And a little bit of wonkieness can be accommodated in the applique process … But I think I am getting more than a bit!