Framed Barn Stars for Christmas, and ...

 

... the revived Fusion challenge! We are back with a whole new set of fun challenges for 2014. And we have a design team call searching for 5 awesome new designers. Why don't you consider it?

  
For this challenge I focused on the white pillow with the red deer head. So very simple and striking. Here's my train of thought on what I was going to make:
  

 1) white card with a red tree,

2) a bunch of framed red trees,

3) a bunch of framed red stars

4) a bunch of framed 3D red barn stars

5) a bunch of framed 3D ombre red barn stars

6) a bunch of framed 3D ombre red barn stars with a "sentiment" below

And there you have it. A project that even my 9 year-old son commented on when he got home from school today.

 This rough wood frame ($2 from a garage sale) is perfect for this project. The folksy wood with the modern design gives a nice contrast.

After making the barn stars in four different shades of red (see general how-to description in prior post), I arranged them inside my mat and took a photo so I'd have a reference in case they (or I) got messed up.

As it's a relatively simple design (solid colored stars), I like that it's dimensional to give it a little more interest. Having it next to a light source brings out even more shades of red. I will admit that gluing the edges of all those stars took some time, but I was excited about the result so I didn't mind.

The popped up gold letters are a nod to the holiday season. And to Taheerah's inspiring post on all things gold in the Moxie Fab World

Now, where to display it?

My original plan was for it to hang in the guest bathroom downstairs.

I thought it would go well with my red and white Marimekko hand towels. Since the bathroom is small, I always keep holiday decorations there limited to one color + white so it stays fresh. 

I also like it on top of the living room armoire with the long pine needles.

SIDE STORY: You would not believe the stress involved in getting this photo. 

By the time I thought to take the photo, I had only minutes to put the frame up and snap away. You see, the bus was arriving with my kids who are militant about making sure no one comes close to touching Charlie, our Elf on the Shelf. Once he's touched, he loses his powers. They've watched, with horror, kids touching elves in their boxes at Barnes and Noble, and lamented the poor soul who unknowingly buys that now-powerless elf. They've roped off an entire room to make sure no one inadvertently touches Charlie after he fell from his shelf during a wrestling match. They're serious about protecting Charlie, and their lifeline to Santa. And I'm serious about protecting their belief in Charlie, especially since my oldest is 9 and reaching the non-beliver stage any minute now.

So, in my haste to remove the frame from behind our Elf, Charlie gets knocked down. Seconds later my 9 year-old dashes into the house on his way to the bathroom. Panic! Do I attempt to put Charlie back and risk getting caught (by either the one who finished peeing, or the one who hasn't come into the house yet), or do I leave Charlie on the floor and have to answer a million questions?

I take a chance, and throw Charlie back into place. His legs won't bend back into his arms. DARN. IT. I fumble; he tips over. I fumble again. Finally, in what seems like minutes, I get him to stay in approximately the same position he started in. 

"Mom, did you move Charlie?"

What the heck. How does bathroom-boy remember exactly what direction Charlie was facing?!

I quickly "confessed" that as I was photographing the framed stars, I accidentally bumped Charlie with the frame. "You didn't touch him then?" I assured him that Charlie is fine. Which is true. Kinda/sorta.  

Anyway, thanks so much for looking! I hope you'll consider the Fusion Design Team Call, and while you're there, think of a card or two to enter. Lots of inspiration in this one!
-Kelly

Sharing with:

 for their challenge to use wood and/or a frame (yes, and yes) Thanks Lyndal for letting me know : )
Ginger Snap Crafts,Creations by Kara, Handy Man Crafty Woman, What I Learned Wednesday, My Girlish Whims,