Ready to start the ornament challenge? Me too!
I have to tell you... yesterday when I sent out a 'Frequently Asked Questions' email, I asked if you would reply and let me know if you were doing this challenge....
...and we got hundreds (I mean, hundreds!) of replies saying "YES! I'm doing the challenge!" In fact, the yes's are still coming in. It is incredible. I am so excited. I can't WAIT to see all these ornaments.
We're starting with an easy one: The Basic Star Pattern!
I’m starting with the Basic Star, because it was my VERY first pattern, and it's 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.
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 to sign up.
The two ornaments below almost look like 2 different patterns, but there is actually only ONE tiny difference: I made the white layer wider in the second one. That's it! And, they look like two entirely different patterns.
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.
(Wouldn't a tree covered in different variations of these, look amazing?)
(and I hope my family likes the idea of an all black & white tree. I think we'll be having one this year haha.)
Staci I just wanted you to know that I am going to do the challenge but will have a late start as my fabric won’t arrive until this Friday…
I have not received any emails about the ornament challenge and I am aclub
(I didn’t finish my e message)—I am a club member and haven’t received any emails about the challenge.
I’m a club member and have not received any email about the challenge. Thank goodness for Facebook or I wouldn’t know about it.
Jane… I am glad you saw it in facebook! I just posted in our Facebook group about this issue. Will you read that post and see the suggestions I listed help?
I can not figure out where or how to get the video? I am a club member! Thanks
Hi Joyce.. you can access the Basic Star Videos right here: https://ornamentgirls.com/basic-star-workshop/access-basic-star-workshop/
I am a club member and haven’t received any emails about the challenge.
Hi Staci Ann,
Thank you for your beautiful designs, you are a magician.
I am definitely enjoying your stile, unfortunately I am still trying to figure it out what is my signature.
I can recognise your work possibly from hundreds.
Anyways, I am delighted to read your emails.
Kind regards
Roxana
Roxana, that is so nice of you to say.. thank you so much! I think it just takes time to develop a signature look, but I promise it happens after awhile, so stick with it! :)
I can’t wait to get started, but how do you know how many of each fabrics to cut??
Hi Barbara…. If the original pattern doesn’t call for 3 different colors (like in this instance with the Basic Star), the best thing to do is figure out what each layer takes, decide which fabrics you’ll be using on each layer, and then calculate accordingly.
In this pattern, the layers (from the center, out) are:
Layer One: 4 Pieces
Layer Two: 8 Pieces
Layer Three: 8 Pieces
Layer Four: 8 Pieces
You can look at your fabrics, decide what order you want them in (which layers), and then add up the # of pieces you’ll need.
With all that being said… many of the patterns DO call for 3 different fabrics, and that will make things a little bit easier and there won’t be any ‘figuring out’ needed.
I will try and do a better job of helping out with details like this in the future emails! This was a question I didn’t think of ahead of time.. sorry about that!
Staci. I accidentally press the negative for the 12 week challenge, but I do want to participate. Can I be put back on the list. Sorry to be so much trouble. Enjoy your designs
Mary Alice Strickland
No problem Mary Alice, I will fix that right now. Thank you!
I am new to this and am wondering what you used for the embellishments. I can”t tell if it is a sequin with a pin or a bead. How are they attached? Thanks!
Hi Peggi.. great question! I totally forgot to mention the embellishments! I used a tiny clear crystal beads, and I just pinned it on. Also, I show this in the Basic Star Workshop, in Video 3, which you might find helpful if you haven’t seen it yet! :)
My biggest challenge now is getting my fabric. I have two guess i will cut out fabric. :-)
yay!
Challenge? You bet your basic star (bahaha) ….. I’m in! I’m so excited to be a new OG… woohoo!!
HA! This made me laugh out loud! I’m so happy you joined us Amanda, and I hope you enjoy doing this challenge!
Please add me to the challenge.. cmsewer1@sbcglobal.net
Thanks soooo much!!
Karen Hubbard
I am a club member and would love to do the challenge.
I did not receive your e-mail regarding the challenge and I’m a club member.
I’m sorry you didn’t get that. I will also be posting each challenge here on the blog, every Monday, in case your email doesn’t get to you.
Thank you so must for the additional notes on the 3 fabrics. Now i will start with confidence instead of nerves! So excited!
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Hi! I’m not a club member, but I signed up for the challenge and didn’t get any email. I did see it on Facebook, however. Thanks for posting there.
Hi April… I’m so sorry you haven’t gotten the emails. I will keep posting it on Facebook and here on my blog, each Monday.
I did write a post about some steps you can take if you signed up, but did not get the emails (because sometimes it has to do with your email service provider or spam filters)… you can read more about that here if you’d like: https://theornamentgirl.com/blog/behind-the-scenes/email-issues/
I thought you were going to send something about a 2 day only special pricing on the patterns for each weeks challenge. Did I miss something? I prefer to have a paper pattern an would like to download it and it’s not one I have access to but would like the special price and I’m already an ornament girl :)
Thanks!
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie… you know, to be honest, I didn’t even think to put the Basic Star pattern for sale (I didn’t even promote it ALL actually) since I teach the pattern for free in the workshop. Sorry about that!
I’m going to send you an email!
Hi Staci,
I just wanted to tell you that I think you are so imaginative with your fabric choices. They are really beautiful!!
I get into the fabric store and I just get so overwhelmed that I can’t make a decision.
I’ve been trying to make a few of the basic star patterns and have problems getting both sides to match up, so I’ve been concentrating on that. I do what you suggest with the tape measure but it doesn’t seem to work for me,
I just hope that when I do finally get one to match up, I’ll be able to remember how I did it!!
Christine, thank you for the compliment!
It can take a little practice with getting the two halves perfectly even. Be sure you’re really taking your time on Side one, because the ‘straighter’ everything is on that side, the easier it will be to find the center on the second side.
But just have fun and don’t worry too much because I promise it gets much easier after you’ve made a few!
I accidently clicked on the I Do NOt want to receive link. Wrong….I Do want to receive the 12 weeks of Christmas Challenge emails
Cynthia, I will fix that for you right now. Thanks!
Stacy Ann. Did you received my note about my payment change of card? I will use my other Email if my original is not working. I’m so upset that I have not heard back from you.
Stacy Ann. Did you received my note about my payment change of card? I will use my other Email if my original is not working. I’m so upset that I have not heard back from you.
Different e-mail address