12 Weeks of Christmas Ornaments Challenge 2021 Week 1: The Basic Star Pattern

Ready to start the ornament challenge? Me too!

Last year, we had hundreds of people participating in this Challenge. But....

... the other day when I sent out the Frequently Asked Questions email and asked who was doing the Challenge (which I've done for the last couple years)....

we had even more people than last year replying they were doing the Challenge. Each year I'm more amazed than the last!

And I'm so super excited because I love seeing everyone's ornaments. It's easy to put off making these sometimes, but this Challenge really seems to inspire people to get going on them, and it always makes me - and YOU - so motivated!

As always, we're starting with the easy one: The Basic Star Pattern!

We're starting with this pattern because it's nice and easy. And also, it's awesome. ;)

This is the one that's based on the old-fashioned ‘Quilted Star’ technique that has been around forever and ever. Over the years, I changed it up a tad and put my own little spin on the techniques I use to make it. I started calling it the 'Basic Star' because once you master this one, our other patterns will seem so much easier.

And guess what? If you're new to this, you can learn how I make them, for free (yes, FREE). I have a 3-part video workshop, teaching this pattern step-by-step. I'll lead you through it all.... what you need, what to do, and how to finish it. Click RIGHT HERE for the videos.

So, I'm actually totally cheating this year, but I'm giving myself a pass because not only am I hard at work on the upcoming bundle (wait til you see it!) but also, last year, I'd made TWO versions. (The Basic Star can be made in SO many ways).

The two ornaments below almost look like 2 different patterns, but there are actually only TWO differences: I did a different number of layers on each (one has three layers, and the other has four), andI put the fabrics in a different order. You can also vary this pattern up by simply widening layers, or bringing them closer together.

TIP: Make a layer wider if you've got a fabric with a larger print on it.. so more of that print will show.

That's what I LOVE about this pattern – just change the order of fabrics, or the width between layers, or one of a zillion other details... and you will be able to create totally different looks.

Your turn!

Your challenge is.... to make your own Basic Star Ornament using your 3 chosen fabrics.... you can arrange your fabrics like I have above, or better yet, mix it up!

Remember, if you don't know how to make the Basic Star, you can learn it for free right HERE.

Then, show me what you've got by posting it on Instagram using the hashtag #OrnamentGirlsChallenge so we can all see it!

(And, if you're an Ornament Girls Club Member, please post it in our private FB group!)

I'll see ya in a week, with Challenge Pattern #2.

Happy Ornament-ing!

Staci Ann

p.s. If you bought your foam ahead of time based on the Supply List I gave you, this week uses an 8-Lined Ball. But, don't worry if you don't have a pre-lined ball... this one can either be done without lines, or you can draw your own.)

p.p.s. Here are some of the OG Team's Week #1 ornaments:

15 Comments

  1. Michelle on September 26, 2021 at 11:03 pm

    Totally inspired! We have a beautiful new collection of fabrics at the quilt shop I work at that I’ve been dying to use. They are reds and creams (Cranberries and Cream by 3 Sisters). Since I decorate my tree in red and cream I think the ornaments would be beautiful in those fabrics! Can’t wait to go to work Tuesday and buy fabric!

  2. Linda Anderson on September 27, 2021 at 11:10 am

    I have been practicing this week with my alternate fabrics, so I am ready. I love the 6 layer version, so that is what I will do!

  3. Wendy Durison on September 27, 2021 at 11:17 am

    I made 2. I’m going to try to make 2 sets. Thanks for the challenges!

    • Debby on September 27, 2021 at 11:37 am

      I chose a sparkly plaid material for one of my challenge fabrics but now I’m thinking it might not go as good with some of the other patterns. Do you have any thoughts on this.

  4. Deborah Peek on September 27, 2021 at 11:41 am

    Would you please post the names of the fabrics used to make the first ornament, the red and lime green? Thank you!

    • Janelle - Ornament Girl Support on September 27, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      Hi Deborah, sure thing! Here you go.

      Red print: Marcus Fabrics, Frosty ‘n Fun Collection, #0497
      Shimmer: Kate & Birdie Paper Co. for Moda, Juniper, #13205
      Green: Kona by Robert Kauffman, Tarragon color #316

      Janelle

      • Deborah Peek on September 27, 2021 at 4:31 pm

        THANK YOU! I love these colors!

  5. Barbara Duncan on September 27, 2021 at 1:22 pm

    What is the secret for the point to come out even.

  6. Jessica on September 27, 2021 at 1:52 pm

    Is it possible to find the videos for the basic star pattern easier? I have already signed up and somewhere in my emails i have it. But its super inconvenient to have to search my email for it. I would have to look over a years worth of emails to find it. My phone doesnt have any emails over a year old, so I would have to use my computer. Could you possibly email them to me again, so I have access on my phone? Thanks

    • Janelle - Ornament Girl Support on September 28, 2021 at 10:55 am

      Hi Jessica, yes there actually is – yay! You can log into your account and navigate to the pattern page and find the basic star package there. Please send us an email if you need your login information. I don’t want to post that on this public page. Thanks so much! https://ornamentgirls.com/help/

  7. Michelle M. on September 27, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Hi
    I am not sure if I sent my reply to participate in the challenge or not. Is there a way to find out?

    • Janelle - Ornament Girl Support on September 28, 2021 at 10:51 am

      Hi Michelle, I actually don’t see a reply in our email but this comment works too! We’re so glad to have you joining us.

  8. Teresa on September 27, 2021 at 8:50 pm

    All foam is sold out. Any idea when they might be replenished or another source?

    • Janelle - Ornament Girl Support on September 28, 2021 at 10:49 am

      I’m so sorry about that. The craft stores should have some this time of year. Also, LA Crafts should have some as well.

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