Stars and Tags

Thanks to my friend Adam, I've been folding paper stars from strips of paper for years and years....and back in 2019 I taught Ellen how to make them after she saw them on the blog. I made her a video and she was off and running...then she taught her niece spreading the joy even further.

This past year I taught Jane how to make them. Her granddaughter plays with them in her toddler kitchen making star soup. 

When Ellen saw the skinny strips I posted a few days ago I cut with the wool cutter she wondered if they were wide enough to fold into a stars. The strips are only 3/8 of an inch....so I didn't think so.

But I took it as a challenge and gave it a try. 

It's tedious...but it can be done. The 3/8 inch strip folded into a 1/4 of an inch star! 

Question asked...and answered! 

I was pretty tickled to see one of my little tags attached to card Dotty sent to a friend on some of her handmade paper.

I saw it in a lovely post on her blog about the inflow and outflow of her art in her community of friends.

And just today I got these photos from Tracie.  I made her this small wall hanging many many years ago and it hung on her front door until it nearly faded away. I can't even remember what color it was but I'm guessing it was colorful and I think the colors formed a peace sign. 

Tracie repurposed the backside as a backdrop for the tags I sent her. 

 

Like Riding a Bike

You know summer is winding down when the the sedum starts to show its color. I love this early stage with all the subtle color and texture!

There are not too many things that bring me more joy than facilitating creativity.  Whether it's sharing supplies, ideas, or techniques...it ALL brings me joy.

I was pretty excited that several people asked me for my star video.  And I have to chuckle...because technology is just not my thing...so sending the video was more challenging than it should have been. But I responded to everyone....one at a time with an email and links from my computer...then an email to everyone from my phone with my video attachment.  For some reason I couldn't attach the video in my computer email.  Sometimes I just have to chuckle and myself.

I made the video back in 2019....and I think I should update it with better directions.  I tried to put it up on YouTube so there would be easier access than email....but YouTube wouldn't accept the format.  I need a tech coach. I need Clarke!

But seriously I do LOVE sharing!  Thanks for reaching out!

I had an unusually busy day out and about...and by the end of these recent days...I'm still pretty tired. But overall....I'm SO much better.   

Then....late this afternoon I took my Bob Dylan star box out to the patio...to refresh myself on making making stars...and put my feet up for a while.

You know how I love a good box....and this good box story is here: https://joyfulputtering.blogspot.com/2018/02/box-love.html  I'm going to start keeping this star box handy.

It was just like riding a bike!

I'm back in business!

I thought I would post here on the blog most of what I put in the emails to folks who reached out.....just in case anyone else is interested in giving stars a try.  I reference a post with a few links to instructions and and videos....and I found another YouTube video this morning.

Thanks for your interest in the stars!  

And as I look at my video again it makes more sense after you look at some written and visual directions I found online.  That's what I did for Elle...so my video is really some tips and tricks that help with the process after you read about it.  I should remake the video with more instruction...and maybe I can put it on youtube.  

The width of your strip is what determines how big your star is.  And it's probably easier to start on medium sized ones...maybe 1/2 inch or a little more.  

Check out the links in this post:

https://joyfulputtering.blogspot.com/search?q=blog+questions

And I found this video this morning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RntZNBrfrQo

I was terrible when I started....it just takes practice.  

Enjoy your day!  MaryAnn

Attachments are

Attachments areaPreview YouTube video ORIGAMI LUCKY STA

Teeny Tiny Stars

Sometimes all you need is a photo of a friend's granddaughter 
playing with my teeny tiny folded stars!  

Thanks Jane!

I've written about my stars over and over on this blog.  It all started with my collection from Adam....then he taught me how to make them....and I enjoyed making them for others. It' been a while....it might be time to fold some stars.

This was the first post way back in 2015 when I introduced my star collection for the first time: https://joyfulputtering.blogspot.com/2015/01/star-collectionsurrounding-myself-with.html

And this is my favorite star story where I first connected with Elle and taught her how to make stars.  I still have the video I made...if anyone is interested.

https://joyfulputtering.blogspot.com/2019/11/ripple-effect.html

Hand Painted Stars

I just discovered that the hand painted background papers I made for the handwriting lessons of Fodder School make wonderful stars.  

The paper is just copy paper...but the acrylic paint gives it some body so they pinch up into fabulous stars. I wanted to see how small I could go......and the answer is pretty darn small. Three of them are just 1/4 inch.

I didn't have long runs left of papers with the writing on it...I guess I'll have to make more. They could be stars with secret messages of sorts. 

I continue to play a little almost every day with the water soluble fabric.  Yesterday some of the class members met with the instructor Jayne Emerson on Zoom and it was so much fun. Jayne lives in the Cotswolds in England.....and others were from various places around the world.  It's mind boggling that we could all see each other and share our stories in real time.

This experiment started with some fused batik fabric strips....then lots of topstitching going both ways...some of it over some wool threads.  

Once the base fabric was washed away I was left with an interesting piece of lace fabric.

It looks like like sunshine!

Worse Before It's Better

We had about 6 inches of snow overnight in Portland...and it was a cold blowy morning for a walk.....I didn't last long. Then it snowed, and sleeted all day long....a good day to be working inside.

Sometimes things get worse before they get better.....and that's certainly the case at the condo.  Paul and I have been moving things to Maine for months....putting away the things we could and stashing the rest here and there.  Most of the pieces of furniture that things need to be put into...are still in Lexington. We've moved all the art and most of the decor, almost all of the kitchen stuff, lamps, and all my art supplies....etc etc. 

But then I threw something else into the mix that's making this week....even more crazy. The condo has hardwood except the two downstairs bedrooms.....and it's getting replaced on Thursday.  So today Paul and I moved everything out of both rooms....which includes 3 closets one of which had all the Christmas boxes.....and a lot more. The rest of the condo is buried for a few days.

But this is what retirement looks like this evening.  I guess we didn't move everything....Paul's chair and ottoman are the only things left in this room and in just over a week it will be reimagined....and reinvented.  Although it's a bit daunting thinking about reinventing the whole condo...I'm also looking forward to it. I'm just going to take it one shelf, one wall, one task at a time....joyfully puttering.

And....I couldn't help myself....I had to make a few more stars using papers with metallic accents. I've been mounting them on white card stock... then cutting them out leaving a white edge.  This not only gives them a little frame...but it makes them more sturdy.  

And just for the record...I had one in my pocket all day long. 

Smitten With Stars

Eliza and Oliver were at my house a few weeks ago and I gave them each a star from my jar. Yesterday, one of their mothers...Barbara, the next Senior Minister of Hancock Church, gave me this book....and I'm smitten. It's written and illustrated by Mary Lyn Ray and Marla Frazee...and it's an absolute delight.

I love the way Eliza embellished the "E" in her name.                                                         

Eliza has a flair for style...and all things colorful and bright.  She's a little girl after my own heart....I wrote about her in this post back in May:  https://joyfulputtering.blogspot.com/2020/05/reminder-of-joy.html

The book is about all the places we see can see stars....and not just in the sky.  When you look closely the moss that grows on the trees looks like stars. I hadn't really thought about that....but it's true.  

I had used this image on one of the reader pages for Liz's calendar back in 2016 and didn't know where it came from.  Now I do....and I love it even more.

Dandelion seeds, pumpkin blossoms, and snowflakes are some of the other places you see stars.  And....as the authors recommend...it's always good to have a star in your pocket because you never know when you might need one. And maybe keep an extra in case someone else needs one too.

Did I say I was smitten?

Eliza put a piece of her artwork in the book...and it makes my heart melt.

Eliza's enthusiasm got me thinking....and I have a project in mind for us to share. I think a little girl who loves color would be a good for me in the next phase of my life. More about about my plan a little later.

But for today I was inspired to pause and make a few simple stars.....maybe I'll put one in my pocket tomorrow.  I think I might need it.

Traveling Stars

This jar of paper stars has been sitting in the entryway by the back door in Lexington for almost 12 years...and just about everyone who comes into the house asked about them. 

They were made by my friend Adam as a gift when I moved to Madison years and years ago. I have quite a collection of Adam's stars and you can read about them here in this post: 

https://joyfulputtering.blogspot.com/2015/01/star-collectionsurrounding-myself-with.html

Adam made the stars in Maine and they traveled to Wisconsin then landed in Massachusetts.  Now they're all packed up ready to get hand carried back where they started....home in Maine.     

Believe

"I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed."  

Mary Oliver

This little elf is one of my favorite Christmas decorations....and every year she finds herself in a new spot in the house. 

An invisible Christmas elf played a major role while our boys were growing up.  She came every night from December 1st until Christmas leaving a little treat, a small toy, or a note on the coffee table for the boys adding a little excitement to the waiting.  And...her treats were incentive for good behavior because the boys really believed.  The tradition kept up until they left the house and she still shows up once in a while when they visit.

A teenager once told me that when you stop believing all you get is clothes.

We've had a couple of snowy days....perfect for long overdue cleaning in my house in Lexington.  We're having a party on Friday....just the incentive I needed....and the snow and Christmas music made it feel less like work.

But the highlight of my day was an e-mail and photo from Elle.  I connected with her about a month ago about paper stars she saw here on the blog.  

I taught Elle how to make them (from long distance)....and over Thanksgiving she taught her niece how to make them who will share them with friends at college.  Another ring in the ripple.....I'm just giddy.

If you're reading this on the actual blog site....take a minute and read the quote at the top of the page.  If you're reading it through e-mail you can click here to connect to the blog and read the Charles de Lint quote.  I do believe in an everyday sort of magic....and inexplicable connectedness.  

THIS.....is everyday magic!  Thank you Elle! 

I believe!

Traveling Stars

When I was talking with Elle about stars she got me thinking about alternative papers. So on our drive back to Lexington today I folded a few from an old atlas....traveling stars in more ways than one.

Paul brought home a brilliant red fuzzy fake flower petal....he knows how I love found objects. 

The petal will sit on the window sill with the birthday frogs for a little while then make its way into the jar.  As I mentioned today is Margie's birthday and next week is Paul's.

In January my friend Jane is going to borrow my collection of found objects as part of a lesson for her elementary school kids.  How fun is that!

Ripple Effect

I love when there's a creative ripple effect from something here on the blog. I've been at this for almost 5 full years and just a few days ago I crossed over 80,000 page views which kind of blows my mind.  Even if there's just a few positive ripples....it's worthwhile.

One of the jars of stars I talked about yesterday made its way to Elle in Maryland and I have her permission to share her story here. 

I've never met Elle....but she's the reader who reached out for directions for the paper stars a few days ago.  We've had a good time chatting back and forth through e-mail and I actually even made her a little "how to" video yesterday. I'm happy to report that she's having success and is now officially a star convert. Adam (my teacher) would be pleased at the ripple he actually started.  I'll be sure to let him know.

But what makes it more joyful to me is what might be the next ring in this creative connection. Elle hopes to make stars for "mailbox favors" for kids and parents at the Children's Inn at National Institute of Health where families of seriously ill children get to stay for free during research and treatment. How cool is that!


It seems fitting that there's a star in their logo.

https://childrensinn.org/

I think Elle's doing well! The one on the right is her most recent...I think she's got it!  Well done Elle! Spread the joy!

As I said a week ago...there are loads of directions and videos out there online...and  I've found a way that works best for me. If anyone wants to give it a try and is interested in my little video....just let me know and I'll e-mail it to you.  I've never done a how to video so it's a little rough but it gets the job done. Maybe I'll try it again and post one on youtube at some point.  

Sharing Stars

"For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream."
Vincent Van Gogh

Two little jars of stars recently made their way to new homes....and that makes me happy.

I better get folding again.

We've had some chilly nights and a hard frost is coming soon so it was time to pull up the annuals and dump the plant pots at the condo.  I enjoyed being out in the crisp fall air and I'm always relieved when those outdoor chores are done for another season.  There's more to do in Lexington...but that will have to wait because I'm in Maine all week.

Both the fan flower (Scaevola) and the verbena have a woody stem so were still doing OK even in this chilly weather.  But it's hard to enjoy them under the leaves and the hard frost is coming so off they went to the woods.

Here they were in their prime.  It's been a great year for the gardens!

The front of the condo faces east....and that makes for great conditions for plant pots.  This photo was taken way back in July and the plants pretty much doubled in size and I've enjoyed them all summer long.  

I was quite take by the roots from the sweet potato vine....they both were so interesting.  One was folded in half....and the other coiled up like a spring.  I learned that they're not edible....but they're pretty cool!  I also found these little acorn bottoms in the same plant pot....I wonder what little creature put them there.

And this was what came into the house with me....a colorful late fall haul don't you think?  I just can't help myself.

Blog Questions

"She believes in the smallest of things because she believes that is where magic lives." Jm Storm

I love hearing from people and am always happy to be as helpful as I can. So although I've responded personally to these questions....I decided to post answers here just in case others have the same questions.

Speaking of the smallest of things.....
the skinner the strip of paper
the tinier the star.

I got a comment on yesterday's post from Elle asking about a tutorial for making the stars.  I've written many many posts about these stars....but never a tutorial. I learned how to make them from Adam....and I will say I had to practice for a while before I was successful.  I have contacted Elle directly....but thought I would add a couple of links to directions I found on line here on the blog.

This site has pretty good pictures:

 https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/make-origami-lucky-stars-4107161

And here's a video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SG6e7blVS8

They take a little practice...and the hardest part is getting the hang of puffing them up at the end.  I found this one page instruction sheet here.

Several weeks ago Gale asked about the trivet on my counter in one of my photos.  I replied on the blog...but thought I would write more about it here.  

It was made by Ellen out of recycled magazines.  I believe she folded the strips in 1/2 and coiled them up tightly and glued them secure. She tied the coils together and coated the whole thing with a sealer.  I haven't officially put anything hot on it but I think it could handle it....I just love it sitting on my counter!  

I took a few close-ups....and I'm sure there are tutorials on-line for paper coils.

 

And...finally Linda asked me about the difference between watercolor pencils and regular colored pencils after reading this post.  Regular colored pencils are the most common.  They can be blended with a blending pencil or a tiny amount of baby oil on a Q-tip.  Watercolor pencils are water soluble so once you color in your area you can activate the watercolor with a damp brush and push the color around to blend or fill and area. Water pencils will always be labeled accordingly on each pencil. 

I always love hearing from you....creative connections are one of my favorite things!