Create Your Own Folded Star Christmas Ornament: A Step-by-Step Guide

As the holiday season approaches, adding handmade ornaments to your Christmas tree can be a delightful way to personalize your decorations. One unique and elegant choice is the folded star ornament. This guide will walk you through the process of making this intricate yet beautiful ornament from start to finish. Let's get started!

Materials Needed

3 fat quarters or a quarter yard each of light weight fabrics in complimentary colors (about US/CAD 10 for 4 ornaments) Scissors and/or rotary cutter and cutting board 350 pins A 3 inch 7.5 cm Styrofoam ball 12 inches 30 cm of 2.5 cm wide lace to cover raw edges 18 inches 45 cm of 3 mm ribbon hanging loop (for hanging)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Obtain Materials

The first step is to gather all the necessary materials. You will need light weight fabrics in complimentary colors, a Styrofoam ball, pins, lace, and ribbon. For 4 ornaments, expect to spend approximately US/CAD 10. You can adjust the size of your fabric pieces based on the circumference of your Styrofoam ball.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric

Measure the circumference of the ball and divide it by 8. Add half an inch or a centimeter for the height and width. Cut the fabric into 2 inch by 2.5 inch rectangles. This will be your starting point for the festive ornament.

Step 3: Place Fabric on Ball

Once you have your fabric cut, place a square or a rectangle on the ball and pin it in place by its corners. This initial placement will set the base for your ornament.

Step 4: Start the Pinning and Folding

Poke a pin through the center of the starting square and then into the ball. This will serve as your starting point. Poke a pin through the center of a piece of fabric, then into the cloth covered area of the ball near the starter pin. Fold the cloth down in half over itself, then fold the corners down the center from the pinpoint to form a folded triangle. Pin the bottom edge of the triangle with 4 pins, one for each end of the raw cloth edges.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

Repeat the pin and fold action to make three rows per hemisphere. If you have not reached the equator of the ball with the raw edges of your folded points, unpin and repin the rows with more or less spacing to compensate. This step is crucial for achieving a balanced and symmetrical design.

Step 6: Cover the Poles

Find the center point of the ball and mark it. Repeat the process of making rows of points from there. By now, the ball should be totally covered with a row of raw edges, creating the appearance of poles.

Step 7: Cover Raw Edges

Pin and/or glue the ribbon or lace around the equator to cover up the raw edges. This also acts as a secure way to attach the hanging ribbon.

Step 8: Add Hanging Loop

Finally, pin and/or glue a loop of ribbon to allow you to attach the ornament to your Christmas tree. This provides an elegant and sturdy hanging solution.

Step 9: Display Your Creation

Graciously accept your friends' compliments and show them how you made your beautiful folded star ornament. Sharing your creativity can inspire others and add warmth to the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of fabric for the ornament?

A: Yes, you can experiment with various fabrics. However, it's best to use lightweight fabrics that will fold neatly and hold their shape well.

Q: How long does it take to make one ornament?

A: The time involved can vary, but generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to create one ornament, depending on your speed and experience with the craft.

Q: Can I make this a gift for someone?

A: Absolutely! This is a thoughtful and personalized gift that your loved ones will cherish. You can customize the colors and pattern to match their preferences.