(For the 24 weeks leading up to December 1st, we’ll be making a Christmas ornament, giving you enough to fill an advent calendar.)

This week’s ornament is inspired by mid century starburst clocks and wall hangings. I love the look and thought it would make for a striking ornament.

I did just eight arms on this ornament, but to make it even more detailed you could add shorter arms between the long ones. I kept it natural wood, but think it would also look great pointed gold or silver.

Mid Century Modern Starburst Ornament

Supplies:

• 1″ wooden ball (mine had a flat side which became the back)
• pencil
• small braid nail
• hammer
• four round toothpicks
• scissors
• exacto or other sharp knife
• tacky glue
• eight beads that will fit on the end of a toothpick
• embroidery floss

1. Mark eight evenly spaced spots around the wooden ball. Use the hammer and nail to make holes at the spot, about 1/8″ or so in. Twist the nail around in the hole a bit to widen it. This is the trickiest part of the whole project.

2. Cut the toothpicks in half (mine were soft enough to use scissors), each half should be about 1 1/4″ long. Use the exacto or sharp knife to carve the cut end into a point to go into the holes. Make sure the carved end fit into the holes. Widen the holes or carve the toothpicks more as needed.

3. Put a small bit of glue on the carved end of the toothpicks and insert into the holes. I used a small paintbrush to clean up any excess glue. Make sure the toothpicks are as straight as you can get them. Let dry.

4. Put a small drop of glue on the end of each toothpick and add a bead. Clean any excess glue. Let dry.

5. Tie a strand of embroidery floss on under one bead and then into a loop for hanging.

And here’s your Advent Calendar Project flashback…
2013’s Week 3 Ornament – Victorian Cone

2012’s Week 3 Ornament – Felt Rocking Horse