Make Primitive Star Bowl Fillers for Primitive or Country Decor

Bowl fillers are a whimsical and quirky addition to primitive or country decor. They are a collection of items displayed in a bowl, and more often than not, they are handcrafted. As a crafter who sells what I make, bowl fillers are hot sellers. Since they are fairly small, they are quick to make. Having a variety of choices is a must.

Make stuffed star bowl fillers for yourself or for sale. I like to display things in uneven numbers, so three or five of these stars would be all you would need for a bowl or basket. They are simple to sew and because they fall into that category of "primitive" crafts, mistakes and imperfections are embraced. They are a wonderful way to use up leftover scraps of fabric.

I added a scented stain to the stars and embellished with strips of fabric stamped with words. The words seem to personalize the stars and catch the eye of customers.

Step 1
Make a pattern of a star on lightweight cardboard. I like to recycle cereal boxes or old gift boxes for patterns. My star is about 7-inches. You can enlarge a clip art star on your computer or draw one free-hand like I did. I started with the criss-cross star we all seem to learn as a child. You know which one I am talking about. It's the star we coveted when our teachers would mark it at the top of a really great paper. I fattened each leg of the star and rounded the inner and outer points. When you are satisfied with your star, cut out the pattern.

Step 2
Place two layers of your fabric together with the right sides facing. Lay the star on the fabric and trace around it. Be sure to include at least a 1/2-inch of space between the star and the edge of the fabric. Pin the star through all layers, but do not cut it out yet.

Step 3
Stitch all the way around the star on the traced line. Cut out the star 1/8-inch from the stitched line. Cut a 3-inch slit in the middle of the star through one layer. Turn the star right side out through the slit. Fill the star with stuffing. Do not over stuff. If the opening slit gaps open, you have too much stuffing. Cut a 1-inch wide by 4-inch long strip of matching fabric. Apply craft glue to the wrong side of the strip and place it over the opening slit on the star. This is the back of the star.

Step 4
Cut a 1-inch wide by 4-inch long strip of muslin. Mix a 1/2 cup of tea, coffee and water with a 1/2-teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. Apply the mixture to the front and back of the star and the muslin strips using a sponge brush. Allow the pieces to dry thoroughly.

Step 5
Stamp a word on the muslin using 1/2-inch rubber letter stamps. Lay the ribbon across the front of the star and pin each end with a small gold safety pin.