Ready to start the ornament challenge? Me too!
Each year, we've had hundreds of people participating in this challenge. And....
... when I sent out the Frequently Asked Questions email a couple 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 you - and ME - so motivated!
As always, we're starting with 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.
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....Darlene and Cheri each used 5 layers!)
You can do them with a different number of layers (use 3, or 5! Or...)
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.
And don't forget to have fun with your embellishments!
Here is Olivia's Basic Star. She did 3 layers also:
Good morning Staci,
I love your ornaments, they are gorgeous!!!! I can’t wait to start this challenge! Can you tell me the measurements for the 4 and 5 layer Basic Star ornaments, please? They are beautiful and I would love to make some that way also.
Thank you so much, Connie
Hi Connie, I’m so glad you love these variations!
They are all done a little different, but checked with everyone and here is what I have for you :)
For Darlene’s five layer Basic Star:
Layer 2: 3/8″
Layer 3: 1/4″
Layer 4: 1/2″
Layer 5: 1/4″
For Cheri’s, hers varied a little bit on each layer, but she thinks that layer three, four, and five were all about 1/4″ apart from each other.
Tanya’s four layer pattern looks to follow the original four layer Basic Star pattern, which is 3/8″ for layer two, 7/8″ AND 1-1/4″ for layer three (outer and inner layers) and 1/4″ layer four.
I’m so glad you found them inspiring!
Hi there…. I am really confused. Are you measuring from the center of the ornament each time? As I looked at the measurements and at the pictures, they don’t seem correct. Can you help. They are so beautiful!
I think she means that you start from the middle and then the next measurements are from the previous layer.
Hi Mary, each layer is measured from the tip of the previous layer. So layer two would be 3/8″ from the center of the ball where all the tips of layer one meet. Than layer three would be measured from the tips of layer two. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
So excited Staci, got my fabric order and foam after 3 orders lol, and have already made the basic Star, posted on Facebook and our group…hope all are well and I’m ready to get started, Thank you and your team for all you do, your so special, far more than you know????
Thank you so much for the lovely comment Gloria!! I saw your ornament in the Facebook group! Simply beautiful!
These are all so beautiful. It’s really very interesting how fabric can change the whole look. I never thought about more layers and how that gives such a different look. Beautiful job.??
I agree! The Basic Star pattern is one that can be made over and over again and it will always look like a brand new pattern!
I am BRAND NEW to ornament making. I’m going to participate in the challenge this year even though mine may not be as good as some of the OG makers. I can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity.
Absolutely gorgeous ornaments all! Love everyone’s fabrics too! You have inspired me to do all the variations too!
I’m so glad you’re feeling inspired Johnnie!!
BTW: Cheri, what are your beautiful fabrics? I would love to use these to make my Mother a set of ornaments for her 97th birthday in January.
BTW Cheri, what are your beautiful fabrics? I would love to make my Mother a set of ornaments in these for her 97th birthday in January! She would love this combo because Pink is her favorite color.
What a lovely gift idea! Here are the fabrics Cheri is using:
Green: Olive R650861D
Floral: Cream R651143D
Rose: Pink R650861D
Lighter Pink: Blush R650861D
Absolutely Beautiful! You all have a wonderful eye for coordinating colors! Thank you for reminding us of the many possibilities with this Basic Star.
We’re so glad to hear you love all the options! I hope you are feeling inspired!
Im at little confused. So instead of a plump sum to get started with the Christmas challenge we are doing a fee for each??
Hi Kimberly, this live pin a long is just for the Basic Star pattern, and not required to participate in the challenge. We also don’t charge any up front fees to participate in the challenge. Each week, we will announce the pattern we are making together. If you don’t already own it, than you can purchase it on sale that week, but if you do, then you are ready to get pinning!
For this live stream, we know many members enjoy working together where they can ask questions and see the steps live, that is what the ticket gets you for the live pin a long of the Basic Star. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I’m always happy to help!
I will be on vacation for week three and would love to bring my ornament with me to make. Is it possible to get that I formation in advance with a private message.
Hi Roberta,
Thanks so much for reaching out! We do not share the pattern information a head of time so everyone can pin along together. Since everyone is going to be using a different combination of colors, there really isn’t a way for us to give out exact cuts needed. I’m so sorry! If you would like to know which foam to bring along with you, you can defineitly reach out and we’ll be happy to help! The challenge can also be done at your own pace, so you can also enjoy your vacation and know that it will be there when you get back.