The ornaments are really not difficult to make, as Amanda said, the most time consuming part is making the strips. My strips were all 6 inches long and either 1/4 or 1/2 inch wide. I wasn't sure whether fabric would be stiff enough, but I think it worked ok. Each strip is four layers thick: I folded 1.25 or 2.25 inch strips in half, then in half again (like you would for a purse strap only without interfacing) then sewed down the middle. I assembled them with fabric glue and used mini binder clips to hold the corners down. I tried a bunch of different variations and had a lot of fun. My ornaments weren't quite as dimensional as hers were, I think because the fabric was so flexible, so I sewed a stack of four beads inside to hold the two sides apart and make them feel more open.
They're all 8 pointed except the one on the bottom right. I thought I'd try to do one that was 6 pointed, but I didn't think it through quite right and wound up with 12 points, too many strips, and difficulty in assembly; thus only one like that!
This one had extra layers of weaving. I like how it looked (in fact I kept this one) but it didn't line up quite right and turned out to be kind of a pain to make so I only did one.
Really, really cute! How big are they?
ReplyDeleteIn the description she said her strips were 6” long
DeleteCool idea thank you for sharing
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ReplyDeletecute. I particularly like the at the bottom, tawards the left (white outside/red inside), and the one in the centre, in the top row. The stack of beads was a smart idea!
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing! I can't believe all the work you went to--I hope they treasure them like heirlooms.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
I love these!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy making these ornaments. Yours are so very pretty!! In my version, I cut two squares of fabric to desired size (make mine 6 inches) and than cut a same size square of Heat Bond Ultrahold. Then using a dry iron, iron one fabric square (right side up) on each side of the Heat Bond. To protect my iron, before starting to iron, I lay another piece of fabric over the square to avoid getting that sticky stuff from the Heat Bond on the bottom of my iron. It's a pain to get off!! Now you are ready to proceed to cut the strips - up to 1/2 inch in width. I use 6 strips for each half of the ornament for a total of 12. The Heat Bond really works beautifully and gives a nice stiff texture as well as a nice dimension.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to stiffen fabric....
DeleteJerri,
ReplyDeleteDidn’t you have raw edges? Or did you still fold 4 times? If you folded, with the heat and bond, it must be pretty thick.
Please let me know what you did. Thank you
I've done these stars with basketry reed, but the fabric is a brilliant idea.
DeleteYou are working with just the squares. No folds. Once the three are pressed together the heat n bond prevents the fabric from raveling, even when cut into the six strips. Once you do one you will see what I mean.. Hope this helps...
DeleteThank you, I just found this page. Love your idea with the Heat'n Bond! Merry. Christmas!!
DeleteI have made these beautiful ornaments with Christmas fabric also. I came up with the idea of using the iron on Heat N Bond. I Cut 6 inch squares of two different fabrics and one of the Heat N Bond. Peeled one side of the bond off and pressed it to the wrong side of one of the fabric squares, peeled off the bond on that side and pressed it on the other fabric square. Cut six strips using my clear ruler and rotary cutter. WORKED GREAT!! I used the lighter weight bond (purple package). Gave them just the right amount of stability and flexibility. Also, be sure to use a dry iron and low heat setting when pressing the bond and fabric together. You're gonna love doing these this way. I promise...What a time saver!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have made these beautiful ornaments with Christmas fabric also. I came up with the idea of using the iron on Heat N Bond. I Cut 6 inch squares of two different fabrics and one of the Heat N Bond. Peeled one side of the bond off and pressed it to the wrong side of one of the fabric squares, peeled off the bond on that side and pressed it on the other fabric square. Cut six strips using my clear ruler and rotary cutter. WORKED GREAT!! I used the lighter weight bond (purple package). Gave them just the right amount of stability and flexibility. Also, be sure to use a dry iron and low heat setting when pressing the bond and fabric together. You're gonna love doing these this way. I promise...What a time saver!!!!
ReplyDeleteIs there a pattern for these and if so, where can I order? Those would be fun for kids!! I’m
ReplyDelete