12 Weeks of Christmas Ornaments Challenge 2023 Week 1: The Basic Star Pattern

By Staci Ann Lowry | September 25, 2023 |

Ready to start the ornament challenge? Me too!

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

... when I sent out the Frequently Asked Questions email a few weeks ago and asked who was doing the Challenge (which I do every year)....

we had hundreds more replying they were doing the Challenge.

I'm so excited to see your ornaments this year. 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 to 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.

This year, I made a 3-layer version (and widened the space between them), but make sure you scroll all the way down to see the different versions the rest of the OG Team made. (The Basic Star can be made in SO many ways).

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.

And don't forget to have fun with your embellishments!

This is Olivia's Basic Star:

Your turn!

Your challenge is.... to make your own Basic Star Ornament using your 3 chosen fabrics.... you can arrange your fabrics like we have, 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 (Tanya is doing TWO sets again this year, one for Christmas and one for Halloween!).

Darlene's adorable candy-themed Basic Star ornament:

Tanya's beautiful icy blue Basic Star:

Monica's stunning & dramatic Basic Star:

Kennedy's beautiful country gingham Basic Star:

My traditional/slightly vintage vibe Basic Star:

And, Tanya's Basic Star Bat! (Click HERE for tutorial)

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About Staci Ann Lowry

14 Comments

  1. Laurette Norman on September 25, 2023 at 9:20 am

    Where is Sarah’s ornament? I always love her work.

    Reply
    • Tina on September 25, 2023 at 4:15 pm

      I asked the same thing and she mentioned on the FB page she couldn’t commit to all of them this year. I just want her to pick my fabric for me?? I always want to make exactly what she’s made.

      Reply
      • Louisa Hughes on September 26, 2023 at 6:59 pm

        Hi Staci Ann,

        I’m participating in your Christmas Ornament challenge this year. I would like to get a paper template for marking the foam balls.

        Thank you,
        Louisa Hughes

        Reply
    • Sarah Cinocco on September 26, 2023 at 11:41 am

      You both are so kind! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  2. Anonymous on September 25, 2023 at 9:44 am

    The team ornaments are adorable. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Peg Rop on September 25, 2023 at 9:57 am

    Love all of these!

    Reply
  4. SueR on September 25, 2023 at 9:58 am

    Spectacular!

    Reply
  5. Melba Knight on September 25, 2023 at 10:46 am

    Love all the ornaments! Such a tallented group!

    Reply
  6. Marylin Morton on September 25, 2023 at 12:20 pm

    Thanks for the different design suggestions by the group! It stimulates the design choices we can come up with. I admit I haven’t made a Basic Star in a few years and I reviewed the tutorial for a refresher!! Thanks for giving us different designs every month to stimulate our design brain cells!!!

    Reply
  7. Cecelia on September 25, 2023 at 2:07 pm

    Love the different designs. Just finished cutting all my rectangles and gathering my supplies to start my first ornament!

    Reply
  8. Florence Canter on September 25, 2023 at 6:24 pm

    Gorgeous work ladies! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Theresa Taliaferro on September 30, 2023 at 11:58 am

    Can you tell me what the brown fabric is called in Darlene’s creation? They are all absolutely beautiful. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Sarah Cinocco on September 30, 2023 at 7:11 pm

      Of course! Here is what she is using: Hoffman Fabrics ‘Joyful Traditions’ # T7752

      Reply

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