I love making fun Halloween decorations! Here is how I created this Altered Metal Star. You could create this for any occasion or season.
Supplies:
Metal Star (Michael's Craft Store)
Patterned Papers (I used 5 different patterns)
Decoupage medium
Foam paint brush
Paint (I used black spray paint).
Instructions:
1. Spray paint the star. This should be a bold solid color that will frame your patterned paper. Let dry completely.
2. Measure one triangle of the star. Your 5 point star will have 10 triangle sections. I placed thin computer paper over the triangle and outlined the shape of the triangle. Cut inside your outlined shape so that the triangle is a bit smaller than the metal triangle. You will want the painted outline of the star to outline your patterned paper.
3. Now do the same to outline the mirror portion of your triangle. Together these two outlines should form one of the five points on your star.
4. Cut one of both of these shapes from each of your 5 patterned papers. If you are using patterns that should face in a certain direction (stripes, faces, etc...), make sure you cut each triangle with the pattern facing the same direction.
5. Next, you will be cutting each of these triangles in 2. First, take two of the shapes that form one point of the star and use a ruler to measure and mark a diagonal line on the back of each triangle. This will be your cut line (but, don't cut yet). You will want to mark each section of the star to keep from getting these mixed up once they are cut. (The smaller they are...the more they look alike). With the underside of both triangles (one point of the star) facing up, mark the top of one star (above cut line) 1A and the bottom (below the cut line) 1B. The opposite triangle (mirror image) will be 2A (above cut line) and 2B (below cut line).
6. Cut triangles on cut line. You now have 4 pieces that make up one point of your star. Use these portions to make "cut lines" on each patterned paper triangle. Mark each triangle portion as 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B as above. Cut each triangle on cut line.
7. Arrange triangle portions on a table to map out how your star will look. Remember each point of your star will be made up of a 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B. I arranged triangles so that the paper patterns did not repeat on each point and tried to avoid having the same patterns close to each other.
8. Once your pattern is mapped out, you are ready to assemble. Begin at the top of the star on one side of the star point and use foam paint brush to apply decoupage. Cover entire side of star point with moderate amount. Decoupage will appear white, but will dry clear. Apply top and bottom portion of triangle arranging with space between each part for paint to show through. Apply second layer of decoupage over triangle pieces pressing down to remove air bubbles under paper. Continue applying decoupage, paper triangle, decoupage to additional points of star. This is not a perfect science. You may need to slightly trim some triangles to fit into their portion the way you like. Have fun!
Any questions? Feel free to email me.
