More Matisse!

Large Decoration with Masks 1953. National Gallery of Art, Washington. Artwork c succession Henri Matisse/DACS 2014.

The Parakeet and the Mermaid 1952. Digital image c Stedelijk. Artwork: c Succession Henri Matisse/DACS 2014.

More Matisse is always a good thing. The very lovely Make it in Design blog has posted an expanded version of my Matisse: the Cut-Outs exhbition review. There's more on how Matisse was inspired by Hawaiian quilts. More about the Blue Nudes, too.

Blue Nude III, spring 1952. Digital image c Centre Pompidou. c Succession Henri Matisse.

Puffy Star Ornaments

Three colourways.

Two sizes.

Xmas on the 4th of July! Yesterday's project - using the same patchwork star motif - was a cinch. Today's 3-D patchwork stars are more challenging to make - in a good way. Each ornament is made of two interlocking pieces. It is fascinating to see how the star points join in a zig-zag configuration. And when you are done, you've got a very attractive decoration that looks just great either solo or in groupings.

Here are your printables-
Hand-cut:
PuffyStarsBlue.pdf 
PuffyStarsRed.pdf 
PuffyStarsGreen.pdf 
PatchworkStarCharms.pdf 

Digi-cut:
PuffyStarsBlue.svg 
PuffyStarsRed.svg 
PuffyStarsGreen.svg
PatchworkStarCharms.svg

I've given you two star sizes, with the print positioning different in each to add variety when grouped. The charms are the same as for the
Patchwork Star Matchbox Ornaments, so they will co-ordinate perfectly. 

Now I'll talk you through the making-up:

Crease folds as above.

Okay. You've got your two star pieces, front and back. Score the folds and crease them as shown in the pic above. All the folds are mountain folds, except for the little tabs at the base of the star-front triangles - these are valley folds... in the valleys between the star points.

Start at the top.

Use tacky PVA glue to join the star together securely. Apply it with a cocktail stick. Start gluing at the star apex (where the hanging holes are). Make sure that you have positioned the front and back star pieces correctly, with a hanging hole to either side of the apex.

The stars join together in a zig-zag formation:

One side up, next side down, front to back, back to front - all around the star. Make sure that the little inter-star tabs are placed underneath the adjacent flap.

Pic above shows gluing an flap upwards. The adjacent flap has been temporarily folded back out of the way to allow clear access. (You can see one of the little triangular tabs just below the bent-back flap.)

Above, the flap that was bent back in the previous pic has been bent downwards and glued in place.

A look inside.

Above, an inside view of the star (looks like a clamshell - or Audrey II).

I like to star gluing at the star apex, go partially the way around, then return to the apex and proceed in the opposite direction. I then complete the gluing at the bottom of the star. This ensures that the star
apex is all neat and tidy. 

If you want to add the element of sound, pop a jingle bell inside before you've finished gluing.

Star's finished now. Just add the hanging loop and charm.

Remember that these Puffy Stars are designed to co-ordinate with the 
Patchwork Star Matchbox Ornaments:

Patchwork Star Matchbox Ornaments

... the cold drinks are in the fridge. I'm thinking of making a summery Greek salad... time for crafty Xmas in July, of course. I thought I'd kick off with a fun and easy project. These pretty ornaments have a secret compartment... the "treasure" drawer is just the right size for stashing sweet treats (choc coins would fit) or small gifts.

Of course, you can size the ornaments up or down. And you don't have to wait until Christmas to make them. They are suitable for all-year-round use. 

Here are your files:
Hand-cut:
PatchworkStarMatchboxOrnamentBlue.pdf
PatchworkStarMatchboxOrnamentRed.pdf
PatchworkStarMatchboxOrnamentGreen.pdf
PatchworkStarCharms.pdf
Digi-cut:
PatchworkStarMatchboxOrnamentBlue.svg 
PatchworkStarMatchboxOrnamentRed.svg
PatchworkStarMatchboxOrnamentGreen.svg
PatchworkStarCharms.svg

There's no tut for these ornaments because they are really simple to make - basic matchbox. 

Here are capsule how-tos:

Cut out the pieces, score the folds, crease the folds. For the wrap, fold down the hang tag and glue the end inside. Overlap and glue the side flap. For the drawer: turn up the sides, glue adjacent short tabs, then turn the flaps to the inside, and glue them down. Pop the drawer into the wrap, add a craft thread hanging loop - thread on a charm as a finishing touch.

More patchwork-inspired decs and makes to follow.