Patchwork 3D Star Ornament

Five "patch" dimensional point panels are built using 

different card stock prints. 

Each "patch" is then fit into position on the slot base, 

inserting tab pairs into corresponding slot pairs 

and lining up needle holes on edge flanges. 

Star rim is fit over assembly, then soft twine or perle cotton 

is laced through lined-up needle holes. 

Use one of two back bracket styles to finish as

 a wand (dowel) or hanging (ribbon, shown with bead).

Ornament measures just smaller than 

4.5" wide x 4.25" tall when finished. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A main star base (with needle holes, slots)
B raised star points (5)
C stitching rim (non-punches alternate
shape is available in the cut file also)
D star back cover.
E twine loop back bracket
F dowel want back bracket

2. Prepare the raised point shape by

bending back on all angle and wedge tab

perforation lines, bending forward on

needle hole top side flanges,

slot tabs.

3. Bend the "side/boxing" panels back
to align bottom seam edge with
corresponding wedge tab perforation line
and glue in place.
Complete side seams in similar manner.

Also complete the point (top) seam in similar
manner.  NOTE it may prove helpful . . . 

. . . to use a thin blade tool such as the spatula

shown here inserted behind the top point seam

to help provide a press-against surface.

Complete all 5 raised star points in this manner.

4. Position the raised star unit over one arm

of the star and insert the bottom tabs into slots.

On backside, gently work tabs through completely,
press tabs toward each other, and glue in place.

5. On front side, adjust the positioning of

flanges so that needle holes of both layers

line up. This may be easy done . . . 

. . . by poking a darning needle of appropriate gauge

through the holes to adjust,

then glue flanges in place.

6. Continue to position remaining star points

and insert tabs through slots, noting

that adjacent units will share slots,

until all are in position.

7. Position the rim over the raised points
(needle hole version shown here;
alternate non-punched rim also available
if stitching is not desired, which will cover
the punch holes) . . . 

. . . and press down to fit the rim snugly

around the star points and flat against

the flanges and base star,

and glue in place.

LACING:

8. Cut a 30-36" length of contrast perle cotton (shown)

or soft narrow gauge twine, floss, etc., and

thread through a blunt needle with the smallest

shank size that will allow stitching media to

be inserted through eye.

Secure the tail on the backside of star assembly

with a small piece of cello tape.

9. Insert needle through bottom hole of one star

arm, and push through to the front,

drawing twine through completely.

10. On front, insert the needle into the next hole,

push through and pull thread through fully

(here and throughout) to complete the first stitch.

11. Continue the up/down sequence to complete
stitching all around star.

12. When final stitch is complete, needle and

thread will end up on the back.

Trim excess to approx. 3/4" tail,

and secure on backside with cello tape.

13. Position and glue back star cover in place

to hide construction.

14. Prepare the bracket of choice to hang or

hold star.

LEFT - Wand style bracket: bend ends forward

RIGHT - Hanging style bracket: bend

in half, then bend ends forward; glue touching

surfaces together.

For WAND style, position and attach on the back,
centered over guide perforation marks,
gluing only the center flat portion.

Use a 1/4" dowel cut to desired size,

painted if desired, with ends inserted through

circle openings of bracket, with shaft

also glued in place securely.

For HANGER style, position the bracket

behind the TOP point, center and glue

the flat lower portion in place.

Thread soft ribbon or twine through holes

and tie ends decoratively.

Here is the sample star in hanging style,

with rayon ribbon threaded with wooden bead

with bow and streamer ends.