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!
