I thought I'd share a fun project that I created just yesterday -- an ornament photo ball. I've made these before a few years ago, and I have to say that this time the project went together a lot faster, simpler and easier. :-) The differences were my Cricut & CTMH cartridges as well as the changes in our paper! So if you have made these before and felt they were a bit too time-consuming to make, you might want to try again. Here is an instruction sheet that I mostly followed, and I'll try to explain why it was easier this time around and include a template below when needed as well.
First if I recall properly, I think I used the Coluzzle to cut out all my circles last time (you need 20 of them). This time around I used my Cricut Artiste cartridge and cut out those 20 circles in a snap! They are all perfectly cut and the exact-same size/shape -- which also means that your ornament goes together a lot easier. I used the circle on p. 48 of the Artiste cartridge, or you can use the circle on p. 21 of the Art Philosophy cartridge. (For convenience, there is a circle and square shape on both cartridges, the rest are all unique shapes on each cartridge.) I used the Pear & Patridge paper, cutting 3 circles out of each pattern with an extra circle each for 2 patterns -- giving me 20 circles that coordinate together perfectly.
After cutting out your circles, you need to fold them. For 3" circles, you need to fold with a 2-1/2" equilateral triangle. I couldn't find that shape on either cartridge (if there is one, please let me know where), so I just made one myself and cut it out. I'm including a template for a sheet of them at that size, simply print out on cardstock and carefully cut out. You'll center the triangle and carefully fold up each edge on each circle. Take your time and fold with care, when you put your ornament together it will go together a lot easier.
After they are all folded, it is time to get ready to assemble the ornament. Before attaching the pieces together, quickly lay them out in front of you to try to keep identical patterns from being right next to each other. So you'll need 10 alternating pieces to form the middle (triangle point up, then down, etc.), just lay them out in a line and ensure that you don't have the exact same pattern right next to each other (don't forget the first and last -- they'll eventually come together). Then you'll need a circle of 5 for the top, then another circle of 5 for the bottom (all triangle points up and come together).
I started with the middle of the ornament. I just used an inexpensive acid-free glue stick (the ones I provide at workshops), applied the adhesive to the circle edge and ended up with a line of 10 folded circles. Then you attach the first to the last and have a nice circular center of your ornament. Next, I worked on the top and bottom piece. Not only did I try to ensure that I didn't have any colors side-by-side on the top or bottom piece, but I also tried to check where they would eventually fall when attached to the middle. You can move colors around as needed, then put together the top and bottom piece. Then I took my 3 separate pieces I just created (middle, top & bottom) and put my photo ball together.
Actually, you could easily stop at this point if you wanted. Add a loop with string or even an ornament hook to hang on a tree, and it is good to go. I think the stitching just adds a bit to the final piece, so I went ahead and added the stitching. I just used embroidery floss (3 strands), a tapestry needle, and a piercing tool. The last time I did this, the paper I used must have been a lot thicker. This time, I easily just poked my holes with the piercing tool on each side (it was quite an effort before to get those holes in). Then I quickly stitched around the ornament. I tried to hide any knots or string edges inside the ornament. I just carefully pried open the section and shoved the floss in with the tip of my scissors when needed.
When you are finished with the stitching, all you need to do is add a loop of floss to hang it with and photos. You can also easily add sentiments, journaling or stamped images to dress your ornament up too. Since mine is to be a Christmas gift, I didn't want to show the finished project before the holidays online. Here's another view of the ornament:
If you make any of these, please share a picture. I'd love to see them! Either on the Facebook page or email me.
Enjoy!
~Dani
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