Super Simple Paper Covered Star Tutorial

Want to make a cute star like mine?? My mom wanted me to make her a Halloween star so I took a few really quick and wobbly photos of the process. It's super simple and fun! Best of all, you can do it with any occasion you want. Here's what you need:

• Metal star - any size but best to not go bigger than your paper.
• Several different scrapbook papers. I had got six different papers and used five patterns. I just played with it until I liked the combinations. You could do as little as two different papers just alternating patterns. It's all part of the fun!
• Ribbon to co-ordinate. Optional.
• Regular Mod Podge and Glitter Mod Podge. Glitter Mod Podge is optional, but it's fun!
• Foam brush.
• Paint - spray or acrylic.
• Ink to match your papers.
• Plain paper and pen/pencil/marker/crayon to make pattern.
• Paper cutter and/or scissors.

Here's how:

1. If your star looks like mine, spray paint it quickly to make a solid background. I used matte spray paint to make a nice rough service to adhere the paper to.
2. Make a pattern of one of the star arms. One side is enough, but both sides of the star arm work too. I made a pattern of one side of the arm and flipped it over to trace the pattern for the other side of the star arm.
3. Trace pattern onto scrapbook paper. First one side, then flip your pattern over and trace the other side of the arm.  Cut out with your paper cutter or scissors. 
4. Play with your pattern until you like it. I flipped some of the patterns and found that I liked a combination of six papers the best.

5. Ink all the edges of the paper. You can distress it lightly or heavily. It's all up to you. This step really makes a difference because you are blending the white core of the paper in with the star.
6. Add a light layer of mod podge to your star and start sticking them on. Make sure that you get all of the edges down smoothly. Continue until you have all the papers adhered to your star. (Disclaimer: I admit, I am a lazy crafter.  Mod Podge can be messy.  It's best to done on a table and not on your family room floor with nothing but an old record to protect the floor because your table was covered with ribbon and fabrics.)
7. Smooth out any bubbles adding more mod podge to any areas that have unstuck. Then let dry and add another layer of mod podge on top. When that layer is dry, add a layer of glitter mod podge to make it fun.
8. Add ribbon if you like, then hang up and enjoy! (Yes, I forgot to take a picture of her finished star. I was under a need-the-star-for-a-party-tonight deadline.)

Voila! Super simple and your options are limitless. You could make it girly, boyish, taylored, festive, fun, bright or subdued. If you make one, let me know! I would love to see it and post it on this blog.