This month we were to explore 3D projects. Batiks are perfect for a 3D Christmas ornament, a Danish star. I hope you enjoy the process I went through and consider making some yourself!
In case you hadn’t noticed time seems in short supply, which is true for so many of us during this busy holiday season. So, I opted for a smaller 3D projects. This one, the prep takes some time (drying time) but the rest is very quick!
Now, for a little about the process. We were asked to bring out our inner artist by using optical illusions, textures, trapunto, etc. Decision making has some how gotten harder for me – there are so many choices – but I found a project I liked. Thank you Island Batik for providing the fabrics for this challenge.
My first one, needs some work. It is supposed to be like a Filipino Parol, which is a fancy star. Well, mine is not so fancy. I found these instructions and really wanted to make it!!
I am not in love with this yet. I used the the patterns on my ScanNCut* with chipboard – unsuccessful. It’s a thick material and it broke my deep cut blade. This version uses file folder paper, which worked but I think the sturdiness of the chipboard would make it better. I am also in search of battery operated votives (mine disappeared), so you will see some adjustments to this next week, if it gets better.
I also plan on adding twirling ribbons of batiks from the points, but that will wait until next week, too. Fabric stiffening and drying is in order before I cut them. I won’t get back to this until mid-week, so we’ll have to see if it gets closer to my dream!
I can really see this working with batiks, but I need the right tools. You can see the instructions for a simpler version. I am determined as I love the look of batiks with the sun shining through them, so why not a Parol??? Well this version isn’t what I want, so we’ll see if adding the twirls of batik and light helps. If not, back to the drawing board!
Now, onto the successful 3d Danish Star! I have always wanted to make these stars, but tubes of fabric are not what I was going to use. Island Batik to the rescue!!! Batiks are perfect because they are two sided…they just needed to be stiffened.
I stiffened the fabrics using Beacon Stiffen Stuff Spray* (Michaels had some) and then cut 1″ strips. This worked like a charm. I sprayed it twice. I have been trying to get some Terial Magic Spray, which comes highly recommended, but that errand seems to have dropped to the bottom of the list. I think you could get away with a stiff starching too, again complete soaking and drying before pressing.
Warning Adult Content: All this talk of stiffening brings me back to a fun time on a quilting weekend. We had an ironing board cover that those new to the weekend would need to use to be “initiated”. It was all in good fun but one year we just got carried away laughing about “Mr. Stiffy” and I always think of Mary (who died a few years ago) and how much we all laughed. You can see a sample of a similar ironing board cover here. (OK this one is not available so I am on the hunt for one you can buy…12/18/19). You know, we all can get pretty silly sometimes….back to the project.
I used the instructions from We All Sew and found them very easy. There are only a few things to remember.
1. Get your first “criss-cross” set up.
2. Then flip and insert one piece in each fold.
3. Make sure you fold star points in the right direction. Yup, you can fold them the wrong way…ask me how I know.
I am made a whole group to put them on the fireplace in our cottage. For now, they are attached with a thumb tack, which was white and concealed with pigma pen – my sharpies are all missing.
Besides a table runner that I have designed (but need fabric), I also have one other idea is floating in my head. This is always the problem, not quite enough time.
And then there are these lovelies from Sew Can She. They are her mini baskets, great for storage of fat quarter collections, which I want to separate. I really want to know it is a full fat quarter when I pull it out of the bin. So keep watching…we’ll see when that happens.
In other news, I will not be serving as an Island Batik Ambassador next year. I do have plenty of stash so you will continue to see Island Batik projects. I am so proud and thankful to have served for two years and proud to share my alumni ambassador badge with you. I met some great industry people and other designers, and so many of you, who came to follow me. I want to thank Island Batik, and their industry partners, Accuquilt, Aurifil, and Hobbs Batting. It has truly been a remarkable experience. There’s lots to do in 2020, so stay tuned.
Coming Up:
Awesome Ocean SAL Block 3– 12/21
Tutorial on Converting Picture to Mosaic in EQ8
Island Batik Challenge December
Linking Up:
What I Made Monday
Color & Inspiration Tuesday
Wednesday Wait Loss
Put Your Foot Down
Can I Get a Whoop Whoop
December UFO WIP Link Up
2019 FAL Q 4
Love your stars! I made those a couple years ago, I must have given them all away as I didn’t see one in my ornament box.
They are terrific and fun to make. I will be making more I am sure! I know there are a few more strips that weren’t with these that will be fun to add in!
Awesome stars. They would be perfect to scrap strips. Good luck on your next adventure.
I love making them, hate spraying the stiffener but that’s a silly story. Off to make a few more.
Hi Kathleen! I’m still laughing about Mr. Stiffy . . . and isn’t it nice to think so fondly of your friend who has passed? She would just love that you are thinking of her and smiling. LOVE this idea of the stars! I would so want to make some if it wasn’t December 17th. EEK. I will PIN this post though so that in 2020 I can recall that I want to make a few. I’ll be around reading for sure – just a bit slowly today. ~smile~ Roseanne
It is a great memory and causes me to laugh every time I think of it. The stars are marvy and batiks are the bomb. They stiffen up nicely and blues and whites are perfect for the winter!!
I LOVE these little stars! They look amazing in those blue, purple and white batiks. I’m also a little pout-y over here because I want the ironing board you mention. Alas it us unavailable 🙁 It has been an honor to serve as an ambassador with you. I think a few of us alum should team up and have some quilty blog fun of our own!
The little stars are easy and fun to make. Only pain is waiting for them to dry. I don’t blame you for being pouty….now I will be on the hunt too!! And yes, totally on the alum fun, lets make it happen!
I love the display of stars across your fireplace! Thank you for showing us the process for the not-as-happy-with star as well as the very-happy-with star! So often we don’t talk about those projects that don’t work out as planned. I will MISS you in the IB group my friend, but, those two words, ‘my friend’ mean that we will continue to chat via email beyond our blogs, and of course I get your posts in my Inbox so I will be following you wherever you go!
Thank you! I thought about not showing it, but I spent quite a bit of time on it. I know I can get it the way I want, just need another day to work on getting the right weight cardboard and blade. I know we will be in touch; I depend on it!
Those stars are so pretty! I hope you figure out the Filipino Parol because I think it would be awesome! We’ll miss you in the Ambassadors but I know you’ll continue to make great things. Thanks for sharing them on Wednesday Wait Loss.
I will figure that out. I did get some votives, but not bright, but event that was much better. Looking forward to a bit of experimenting in January.
Thank you for linking up to Put your foot down. I’m excited to see what 2020 brings to your blog.
Thanks, Denise!
Always loved these stars, and I’ve made them of ribbon and of paper. But stiffened batiks would give me a lot of new options. I even have some Terial magic 🙂
It is so much fun, I will be making a lot more! Bought more stiffy to keep me in a supply forever.
Love those stars! They look fabulous hanging from the fireplace! Your ironing board story is hilarious–I had to follow the link and I’ve never seen a cover like that before!
So glad you loved the stars. I will be making more. The ironing board story is fun and I am sorry they seem to be “out of print”. I will keep looking.
I love your idea of using batiks for the stars instead of double-layers of fabrics, which always seemed like so much effort. I have an ornament on my tree made in the original way, and I can tell it took so, so much time. I love it, and it reminds me of the days when my cousin and his wife were in a tiny apartment with a little baby while he was a resident, just out of med school, and his wife–who really didn’t love “homemaking” crafts–but loved us, made these perfect gifts for friends and family. How glad I am to learn there is a less demanding way! Now I’ll get into the act.
I think remembering someone who has passed with a funny anecdote is one of the most natural, happiest ways to think of someone who is gone. Can you think of a better way to be remembered than to have your memory come up naturally, at a time when everyone is overcome with happiness and laughter? That is living on.
I’m sorry you won’t be an Island Batik Ambassador this year, but glad I “discovered” you through them. I ‘ve seen several other bloggers announce that they won’t be ambassadors in 2020 and I’d follow the “alums” on some kind of a “New Adventures Tour”. On to 2020!
I didn’t love the idea of turning a tube. I think you could do it with 2 fused fabrics, too. There was another star I almost did that used that technique. I’m glad it evoked a lovely memory for you.
You are so right about the way to remember a good friend; in joy not sorrow.
I’m grateful to the followers I gained and hope to do some fabulous things to keep you interested. An alumni group is definitely making noises about a hop or two!