Two companion Scandinavian style ornaments
available in separate files celebrate in
bold red and cream colors, constructed as
dimensional, non-functioning 'boxes' that attach together
as LID and BASE. Twine or ribbon holes run through wall layers
on each side of top point. Interior 'strut' support adds strength.
Fun and festive addition to holiday tree decor,
to hang between swag arches, or as focal point for wreath or package.
Each measures approx. 4.25” tall x .5” thick
(Hearts decoration description follows the assembly
steps that use the Sprigs variation; see Step 17.)
ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A LID front (includes 'L' cut into upper center)
B upper and C lower LID boxing strips
D BASE back
E upper and F lower BASE boxing strips
(include 'X' cut into end tabs)
G interior support "strut" with attachment tabs
H contrast "show-thru" for large (I) star edge circles
I large star J contrast 'narrow border' star
K sprigs front overlay L center punch circles (2)
2. Identify the LID star front which includes the 'L'
cut, and . . .
this image) and BASE (includes the 'X' cut into end tab.
tabs back, end tabs back, and vertical star point
perforations as "mountain" bends, and vertical mid point
perforations as "valley" bends.
It may prove helpful to arrange the strips as they will
eventually be attached around the star front panel,
though the vert. perfs. can be re-bent as needed
during assembly.
identified by the hang loop punch holes on each
side of perforation line.
Position the right-of-center tab flange under the straight edge
of the star's top center point . . .
of top center point, with straight edge of star overlapping
the tabs to the perforation line, and attach in place.
It may prove helpful to think about the attachment
of the boxing strips as pairs of tabs, one on each
side of the point, in order to assist with best alignment
of point, and of "valley" angle between points,
positioning and making necessary adjustments of
the two tabs simultaneously.
5. Continue to work around the right and left side points
by positioning the pairs of wall segment tabs along
the star straight edges . . .
. . . making adjustments to achieve best alignment.
NOTE that as the boxing strips are attached, it will be
helpful to invert the assembly face down on a flat surface
to apply pressure to the tabs on the backside
until fully attached.
Using a pointed tool such as the handle of this spatula
to reach into and apply pressure to the very points.
6. Position the lower LID boxing strip tab end at
the end of attached upper boxing strip, slide in place
so that the straight end edge of boxing overlaps tab
to perforation line, then attach tab securely
7. Continue to attach the boxing strip to lower points
of LID, then position the final tab (on end of upper strip)
to attach to straight edge of lower end, as done
previously in Step 6.
8. Repeat Steps 2-7 for the star BASE.
Then set aside.
9. Position and layer the sprigs (hearts design
components are similar) decorative front layers:
A) position sprigs front layer over the contrast "narrow
border" shape . . .
. . . using a pointed tool such as this stylus or a bamboo
skewer point to insert through center hole openings
to align centers, then adjust edges of both layers so that
an even narrow border shows all around; glue in place.
B) Position the front assembly over the main star
shape, position, adjust and glue together in
same manner.
C) Position the 'underlay' contrast behind the main star
and adjust positioning so that center holes align, and
edges are even and concealed behind the main star;
attach securely.
NOTE that it is a good idea when using liquid adhesive
to place the glued-up shape under a flat heavy weight
such as this fabric-covered re-purposed flat weight, or
a book or heavy wood block, etc., and allow it to dry
while being pressed flat to avoid warping or curling.
10. Position and attach star decoration to front LID
(and if desired, prepare a second set to decorate
the BASE). NOTE if possible, it may be best to use
dry tape-style adhesive in this attachment.
Insert and attach center "extra" punch circles to
fill in the center alignment hole.
11. Prepare the BASE interior "strut" support shape
by bending back on all upper and lower tabs, and
at segment perforation lines where cut-in tabs will
'pop out', including end tab.
12. Form the strut into a pentagon shape to position
and attach the end flange tab to the squared end
of the opposite strut end - NOT to the extended round
end tab.
13. Apply glue to the bottom set of five bent-back flanges,
then . . .
. . . slip into place inside the BASE, centered between
inward star "points", aligning pentagon corners
to position at inward points with rounded tabs
eventually . . .
. . . being glued in place to one wall adjacent
to inward point. Hold in place (flanges and tiny tabs)
until secure. NOTE the attachment is intended more
to secure the support from moving, not so much to
shape the BASE star.
14. Apply glue to the top set of flanges, then . . .
. . . fit the LID over the BASE, and push together completely,
taking care . . .
. . .that TOPS of each layer where punch holes align.
15. Distend the walls of BASE and LID and insert
applicator tip of selected adhesive (Fabri-Tack
quick grab glue is used here) to apply adhesive
between each wall segments, then immediately . . .
. . . apply inward pressure on each wall segment
to assist the LID to fit snugly as possible to BASE
all around.
16. Complete the ornament by threading twine
(or ribbon, if using the larger opening variation)
through top hang holes.
The sample project also includes a bead strung
onto the bow-tied twine.
17. For the Hearts variation, follow the assembly steps
through Step 16, except assemble the Hearts
front star decoration shapes:
A) position and attach the inner star
overlay onto the contrast main star, using center holes
as alignment guide; B) position and attach center "flower"
with center holes aligned, and petals outer shape offset
to match the star's cutout edge;
C) insert "extra" punches to fill in the center opening
as desired (these accidentally omitted in this thumbnail).
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