Print out one of our free star templates and cut around the shape, leaving a bit of a border around the outside.You can find the link to the star templates in the materials list above. Check below this tutorial for more details on what star we used and for links to the tree and ornament shapes.
Make loops with painter's tape and attach them to the back of the template.Make sure the tape is within the lines of the shape (not too close to the edge).
Attach the star to the front of a blank card, centering it as best you can.
Open the card up and place the front of it on a cork trivet or corkboard.
Use a large needle to punch holes around the outline of the template, going through the card.Be sure to place a hole at every point or corner of the design, and make your holes a little over 1/4 inch apart.
Once you've made your way all around the outline of the star, peel off the template from the front of the card.
Step 3: Make a border around the star
String a needle with embroidery floss. You'll want to start with a length of string about 2 feet long (24 inches).If you have too long a thread it can tangle easily, so kids might want to start with a shorter string. It's fine if you need to use several different strands to make the card.
Open the card and insert your needle into one of the holes from the inside.
Pull the string through to the front, all the way until only 1/4 inch or so remains on the inside.Tape the string into place. You can use a whole piece of tape, but this can get in the way of the holes in the card, so we cut a piece of tape into smaller pieces.
From the front, push the needle back down through the next hole in the border.
Inside the card, push the needle back to the front through the next hole up. Once you've pulled the string tight to the front again, go back down to the previous hole.
Continue this pattern, working your way around the outline of the star.
Once the border is complete, tape off the string on the inside of the card and cut off the extra thread.(If you happen to have a lot of string left, no need to cut off the thread - you can just continue on to the next step.)
Step 4: Make a string art pattern across the card
Now that the outline of the star is complete, start a new thread, taping it into place inside the card.Bring the string across the center of the shape, going back down through one of the outside holes. Go randomly across the shape with your thread, at different angles.It's best to hold the thread across to see what it will look like. This also helps make sure you don't go outside the shape.
Continue decorating the inside of the star by bringing your string across from different directions, creating layers of thread.You can leave gaps between the string, or keep adding more layers until the inside is almost full. It's up to you.
Once you're happy with the look of the card, tape and cut off the string inside.
Step 5: Add a card insert
Cut a piece of printer paper to 6-1/2 by 9-1/2 inches and fold it in half. (Or half an inch smaller than the outer card size).Add glue tape (or double sided tape) to one side of the paper, along the edges and a bit in the center as well.
Line up the paper insert so there's an even amount of space on each side and then close the card, pressing down.
This will connect the insert to one side of the card, covering up the inside stitches and tape.
Repeat, attaching the other side of the insert to the back of the card, and then write your holiday message inside.