Thursday, November 25, 2010

12 Days of Christmas Ornaments - Day 12

Hi there..Elaine here to reveal the final ornament for the 12 Days.  Can you believe we have reached the 12th day already?!?  It is most fitting that today's ornament is a beautiful star for your tree top.  Before I begin, you must understand I am completely geometrically challenged ... ask my friend Hilary about my paper cutting attempts.  I am telling you this so you won't be afraid of this gorgeous tree topper ..because if I can pull it off, anyone can.
 
The supplies you will need are shown below.  I used the Snowflake embossing folder from Cuttlebug and Bronze art metal from Ten Seconds studio. (We carry it at the LBH ) You will need one 9 x 12 piece of metal.

 Cut 5 stars points using the Sizzix die Star, 5 Point 3D - we are an ordering point for Sizzix at the LBH.  Come in and check out the catalog.  You will also need to cut 5 star points in chipboard.  For this project I cut them separately because I found it was easier to fold the points on the score lines and break down the chipboard before I attached the metal.

 Emboss your metal star points in the Cuttlebug.  Designs that have a lot of negative space look really good on this project.
 After you emboss..you will need to sand the star points. How much you sand is completely up to you.  Start off lightly sanding..you can always sand more off - but you can't get the finish back when it's gone :)
 Aren't these snowflakes amazing!  This one is debossed - if you are not familar you will see that the body of the snowflake is recessed into the negative space.  After you sand the metal, it is always good to wipe it off with a towel to get all the sanding dust off.
 This one is not sanded yet but the snowflake body is the raised or positive portion.
 You will need 5 embossed and sanded star points and 5 chipboard star points.
Tape all edges of chipboard star points - it should be a really strong tacky tape.
 I then just folded and gave a little "peench" to the chipboard score lines.  It helps to break it down a bit so the metal once attached will be easier to bend.
 Attach the metal to the taped chipboard star point then bend on score lines
 This is the back side of star point.
Use a decorative wheel (Ten Seconds studio) to go around  the edges - it helps to burnish the metal to the chipboard.  I also used the Frayed Burlap distress ink from Ranger to ink all the edges of the chipboard.  Now if at this point of the tutorial you are saying " I have no dea what all this metal stuff is about but I want to know more" - then join us at the Little Blue House for Hot Metal Mammas - trust me...Miss Tracy will teach you everything you need to know....and more!

Put tacky tape - (Red double sided is great) on the folded back edges of the star points.



Peel tape and squeeze flaps together - check the front to make sure everything is aligning ok.

                                                               After the star is all put together - I formed it to the shape I liked and then I placed it on chipboard and cut out the chipboard.  The stars are all slightly different depending on the embossing folder you choose and how you shape your star.

 Ink only around the edge of the front part of the chipboard star and I inked the entire back.  I wanted it to have some color but I did not want to use paint (impatient for drying) and I thought it might cause it to curl.
You need about 18 inches of ribbon for the back. I used "bling" from Want 2 Scrap.  You can also dab  alcohol inks on or paint the metal and sand off.  I decided to just add the bling since I had turkey day cooking to get to. I attached strips of rhinestones and pearls on the seams where the points came together.
I also added a few pearls to the centers of some of the snowflakes.

 Attach the ribbon to the back of the star.
 It's all done..I wish you could see the crystals and pearls better..they are so pretty.

 
My husband loved this so much he wants me to make some more to put in the mantel garland. I love it when he likes my crafting. :)

Today's question for the chance to win the tree top star is this -"How many ornaments have you made or how many do you plan to make?"  We have had such fun creating these ornaments with and for you.  Now put down your crafting ...check on that turkey in the oven...Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving and we can't wait to see you at The Little Blue House.  Don't forget to register for the Lil' Somethings Workshop.

One more thing...here is the winner of Day 11's Ornament...

Lizzie
Congratulations Lizzie! Please contact the LBH to claim your ornament. Be sure to check back tomorrow...Miss Tracy will be posting the winner of this Beautiful Tree Topper!

Happy Tree Trimming!






23 comments:

  1. Elaine, you have out done yourself. This star is gorgous! I want to win it soooooo bad. I love that your husband loved it too. My husband is very involved with my crafts. I send him to the LBH with a supply list all the time. He now calls when he is on his way home from work and asks if I need anything from the LBH. Got him trained well. Hehehe!!! I have not made any ornaments yet but plan to make a few a attach them to some of my special gifts that I am giving. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us.

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  2. I have made dozens over the years but plan to make several of the ones you've shown us. These are all such fabulous ideas.

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  3. What a beautiful end to this wonderful 12-day treat! I've made 4 of the ornaments already and will be making all the others over this weekend. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing in this with ALL you fabulously creative ladies! Happy Holidays!

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  4. happy Thanksgiving and happy 12th day....this is stunning...you did a great job and the directions are welll..just awesome too...!!!

    what kinda questions is that? you know I am making atleast 12 right...lol...I could never count every year I add a few and send a few and create a few...love ornaments...

    Thanks so much for these

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  5. Love this ornament! It is simply gorgeous and I love your husband's idea of adding it to garland! I've made countless ornaments over the years and I'm thinking whatever I make this year will be on the tops of packages :)

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  6. Gorgeous! I am making all the ornaments this year with my kids. Quality time and great projects! Merry Christmas!

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  7. I think this is my favorite ornament of all. Thanks for the great projects! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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  8. Very nice, I love them all. Thanks for the ideas

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  9. Thank you for a beautiful star! Metal, embossing, rhinestones and pearls...doesn't get any more fun than making something beautiful that has some bling. I love this star. And to answer your question...all of them!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Happy Thanksgiving and blessings to all.

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  10. What a beautiful ornament! I plan on making some of the 12 day ornaments & need to come visit for supplies. TFS such beatiful ornaments, :( is over!

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  11. You saved the best for last!!! The Star is beautiful!

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  12. Spectacular, Elaine!!! The pearls really add a lot!! Thanks for the directions--maybe next year I'll make one.
    Thank you to all of the LBH girls and the fabulous ornaments!! I hope, like Tim Holtz, you'll continue this year after year!!

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  13. Elaine - This star is absolutely gorgeous!! Love it!! This will be a beautiful tree topper. I have had so much fun seeing each ornament! I am sad that this is the 12th day. You ladies will have to come up with another idea like this. So fun!! Thanks for all of your beautiful designs and hard work!!
    ~Shonda

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  14. How beautiful! Just love the directions. Such amazing ornaments!! Thank you for the inspiration.

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  15. the star is beautiful!!!! I love it

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  16. Elaine, this is STUNNING!!! You should teach this one as a class. I think we all want one!

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  17. I love this. I'm looking forward to seeing your other projects for the hop.

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  18. WOW!! That was amazing!!! Sooo gorgeous!!! ~Melissa Samuels

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  19. Love this ornament! Amazing work and looking forward to seeing much more.

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  20. Wow....inspiration overload. I LOVE this star. TFS!

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  21. wow wow this is stunning luv Sue x

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