Sunday, January 11, 2015

Snowflake with Dimensional Points #2 with Stand

Another unique snowflake (they're all unique after all)
to create and display with your winter time decor.
This one is dimensional with built-up layers of
the outer  and the inner hexagon flakes and point shapes,
with folded-into-shape tip triangles.
A center hole through all layers accepts a contrast brad.
A hanger loop hole at the top tip prepares it to be
displayed in many ways,
including this companion dangler stand.
Graceful arch provides a place for the hang loop
of any lightweight ornament up to 4" in diameter,
supported by a three-layer scalloped circle base.
Vertical support glues to base 
and slots together with arch.


ASSEMBLY:
Identify and cut the shapes:
A large snowflake front (glitter)
B large snowflake mid layers (2 white chip)
C large snowflake back (glitter)
D dimensional points (6 white chipboard)
E points accent shapes (6 L, 6 R glitter)
F small snowflake front and mid layers
G small snowflake points (6 chip, 6 glitter)

H stand bottom base
I stand mid base
J stand top base with decor cutouts
K arch left, right arms
L arch mid layer
M vertical supports left and right
(not shown: vertical support mid layer)









NOTE: This snowflake design becomes dimensional by using multiple thick layered cutouts. For instance, as shown in the shapes layout, the large star will have a front and back "glitter" (or decorative) layer, with two white chipboard or heavy card stock inner layers.

2. Layer the large snowflake front & back decorative layers with the strength/build up plain layers in between. Take care to line up all edges, center and top point punch holes.





3. Layer the small snowflake decorative face and middle plain layers. 

NOTE: the backside of the plain layer will show through to the back view of the snowflake, as you can see in the image with Step 11. To avoid this, cut a reverse small star decorative layer and add to the bottom of this assembly.


4. Build up the points of the small snowflake by adding plain and decorative points in layers.













5. Position the small snowflake over the front of the large snowflake, adjust for exact and accurate alignment with center hole and edges, and glue securely in place.

NOTE that the long windows of the large snowflake will line up with the outer snowflake arm edges.







6. Prepare the dimensional points for large snowflake by folding back each point base on the perforations.

Attach corresponding left or right "glitter" decor triangles to the corresponding faces of the plain point base, taking care to align edges with base edges or perforation lines.






7. Fold the point shape into a pyramid shape to bring opposite straight edges into alignment. Apply glue to one edge, then abut edges (no tabs) and hold until seam is secure. Repeat for all 6 points.












8. Apply glue to the pyramid back (plain) side, then align point pyramid over the point of the large star. Adjust to align edges and hold in place until secure.

Repeat for all points except top hang hole point.













9. Prepare the modified top dimensional point by folding on perforations, adding decor shapes, folding into a tube and joining seam as for the other dimensional points.

NOTE: the decor shapes for the modified point will need to be trimmed to size to fit the modified point base faces.








10. Position and attach the modified point at the lower portion of the top point.
















11. Insert a decorative, contrast brad through the center hole. 

Attach the circle cover to hide the prongs on the backside (cut away excess prong length with wire cutter pliers as necessary).

Attach a twine, thread or lightweight wire hang loop through top hole.









12. Prepare the stand base by layering the base circles from back (largest) to front cutout (smallest). Middle opening should line up for all three shapes. 

Take care to also line up the slot opening.








13. Assembly the three layers for the arch: left and right outer layers with bottom tabs, mid layer with no tab.














14. Assemble the vertical support layers in similar fashion to the arch assembly.

Here you can see the front and back layers with bottom tabs bending in forward and backward respectively. A middle layer without the bottom tab should also be cut and joined between these two.

Allow all three parts of the stand to fully "CURE" (i.e. harden) before proceeding.









15. Insert the arch curved top end through the base slot from the backside. Work fully through until the bottom tabs seat completely against the backside of the bottom base ring.









16. Fold the tabs outward and glue in place.
















17. Begin to position the vertical support by sliding the top half slots of arch and support together.













18. Slide the support bottom slot over the arch bottom front edge. Adjust the support with gentle pressure until it is perpendicular to the base ring assembly. Glue tabs in place on base.

NOTE: card stock thickness will impact how the vertical support slots together as well as whether it can be adjusted to be fully perpendicular. It may be necessary to cut the top slot of the SUPPORT slightly deeper through all layers to achieve this. If it is necessary, snip tiny amounts, re-check, then snip more as necessary.



When the stand is complete, hang the ornament loop over the "hook" portion of the arch to display.

Adjust the length of the hang loop as necessary to allow the ornament to hang freely and not touch the display surface.











Here is the completed stand.


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