Simple Fall Clay Craft: Make Your Own Leaf Dish

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Fall always gets me in the mood to try something creative.

With the leaves changing, I wanted to make a fun little fall project.

It all started when I researched the best clay to use for stamped ornaments.

Once I started researching, Facebook showed me hundreds of clay videos.

In one of the videos, I watched them press a Fall leaf into the clay.

Since I had just bought the clay, I had to give it a try.

As I was looking into different clays, I kept seeing people recommend DAS air-dry clay*, so I decided to give it a try.

To make a Fall Clay Leaf:

  • I pressed the leaf onto my rolled clay and gently rolled over it again with a rolling pin.
  • I cut around the edges with a knife.
  • Once I removed the leaf from the clay, I smoothed out the edges with my finger, which was dipped in water.  I molded the clay leaf slightly using the inside of a rounded bowl.
  • Then came the hardest part:  waiting for the clay to dry.  It is recommended to allow at least 24 hours for the clay to dry and possible a little longer depending on the thickness of the clay.
  • You will need to turn the clay over at some point during the drying process to make sure that it dries on both sides.

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*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

  • Once it was dry, I painted both sides of the leaves with a variety of fall acrylic paint colors.

  • To finish off the clay, I used Mod Podge* to coat and seal the leaf.

If you’re looking for simple and fun fall craft, I definitely recommend

giving this a try—you might be surprised by what you can create!

Christmas with Heart: Holiday Cardmaking Workshop

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I’m happy to let you know I’ll be teaching my Holiday Cardmaking class again this year at Tremont Gallery/Pearl Street Stamping in Tremont, Illinois.   

November 13th and 14th

10:00-12:00 and 1:30-3:30 

Cost: $25.00

Kick off the holiday season by creating cheerful cards with Penny Black’s Bundled Snowman stamp and die sets. Learn easy watercolor techniques using ink pads and markers to bring your designs to life. We’ll also craft a pair of festive holiday tags and a charming, stamped heart ornament.

If water coloring is not your thing, feel free to bring colored pencils or your favorite markers.

Students Bring: 

  • Water brush or Small Paintbrush
  • Tape Runner
  • Foam Mounting Squares
  • Scissors
  • White and Gold Gel Pens (if you have them)

Call Tremont Gallery to Sign Up:  309-925-4438 (Store Open Wednesday-Friday)

Tremont Gallery Pearl Street Stamping-109 West Pearl Street-Tremont, IL 61568

DIY Flower Pounding on Fabric

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How to Make a Flower Heart Bag using Flower Blooms. 

This year at my local greenhouse, I found some unusually colored

petunias for my pots. They’ve been stunning all summer.

But as my Summer flowers started to fade, and I wanted to replace

them with mums; I decided to do something with the blooms.

First, I preserved the seeds and created seed packets for next year.

Then, I picked several blooms for a Japanese flower-pounding technique

I wanted to try called Tataki-zomë.

Tataki-zomë is where you place fresh flowers and leaves on fabric

and gently hammer them to release their pigments, leaving a natural print.

You’ll need for the Flower pounding on fabric:  (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

How to create the Flower Heart Bag.

  • Pick several fresh blooms from your garden and flower pots.
  • Stick a piece of cardboard into the fabric bag to protect the bag from the flowers bleeding through to the other side.
  • Place the bag onto a hard surface.  (I took mine outside and used a couple of wide boards.)

  • Arrange the flowers face down onto the fabric.  I decided to make a heart design with the flowers.
  • Cover the design with parchment paper.
  • Gently tap with a mallet or hammer.  Start on the edges and work your way in.  Be careful when hammering, as the flowers shift while you pound.

  • Remove the parchment paper and flowers to reveal your design.  If you’re not completely satisfied with the fullness of your design, add additional flowers and pound again.

  • Place words on top of the heart with the shiny protective coating facing up.
  • I transferred my vinyl onto the fabric using my Cricut Easy Press*.  (You could also use an iron.)

I love how easy and fun this project turned out.  Flower pounding is such a simple way to save a bit of summer, and every bag comes out a little different.  Hope you give it a try!

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Like the idea of preserving your own flowers? 

Check out my post called Preserving Flower Seeds in Fall.

Welcome Home: 3D Arched Window & Flower Box

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Bring a touch of whimsy to your crafts with this 3D Arched Window & Flower Box project.

Build a charming arched window and fill the flower box with colorful flowers. Easy to assemble and fun to customize, this project makes any space feel a little more welcoming.

Bearly Art Precision Glue®

The generous folks from Bearly Art gave the Eileen Hull Design Team a bottle of Precision Craft Glue® to try.  I love that it comes with a fine tip, ultra fine tip, and a storage tip.  The tips were very easy to use, and it holds really well.  It was perfect to use for my window project.

Window and Window Box Details:

  • I used several of Eileen Hull’s Sizzix dies for the pieces that create my window and window box frame.
  • I die-cut and glued several pieces of the arched window die to create the window.  I glued strips of matboard on the top and bottom of the window for added stability.
  • The shutters and window box was made using matboard glued together with Bearly Arts Precision Glue.
  • I painted all the pieces with acrylic paint and aged them using Deco Art One Step Crackle Finish.
  • For the curtain, I pleated a strip of thin one-sided scrapbook paper and glued it into place.
  • I placed a small piece of painted Styrofoam into the window box and glued the tiny flowers into place.
  • Used 3D foam strips under the window and window box to put inside my 8″ x 10 frame.
  • I created the words “Welcome Home” using Black Matte Vinyl from StyleTechCraft.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

A little extra details.

I die-cut tiny hearts to decorate the window and window box using the Sizzix Stitched Heart Die.

Create a layered arched window and fill the flower box with bright, cheerful blooms.

This project is easy to assemble, simple to customize, and brings a warm, welcoming feel wherever you display it.

Happy crafting!

Eileen Hull Educator Logo

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Eileen Hull Inspiration Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own.

Personalized Vinyl Labels for Back-to-School

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Getting ready for back-to-school is always exciting,

especially when you can add a personal touch to their supplies.

My sweet little granddaughter Mae just started pre-K this month,

filling our hearts with a mix of pride and disbelief at how quickly she’s growing up.

But she was excited and is loving going every day.

She was ready.

To prepare her supplies for going to school,

my daughter asked me to make personalized name labels out of

vinyl for her.

I cut a variety of sizes of her name using my Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*

with StyleTechCraft White Glitter Adhesive Vinyl.

I mailed the vinyl and some StyleTechCraft Clear Transfer Tape* to my daughter.

She had never used vinyl, but was pleased at how easy it was to use.

Now she’s thinking of upcoming seasonal uses for vinyl.  (That’s my girl!)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

I use vinyl all around the house for various purposes, I think a little creativity and some vinyl can make everyday things extra special.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Easy Door Hanger Idea for late Summer

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Not Quite Ready for Fall Decor…

As summer began to wind down and my patriotic decorations came off the door,

I found myself searching for the perfect transition piece-

something cheerful enough for late summer, but with just a hint of fall

The Welcome sign has “fall-ish” colors while still being summer themed.

Butterfly Welcome Door Hanger

I made the door hanger using a 10″ Wood Circle*, decorative scrapbook paper,

and StyleTechCraft adhesive vinyl.

Additional Materials used:  (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

How I made the Butterfly Welcome Door Hanger:

  • I used my Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to the back of the butterfly scrapbook paper.  (You can also use a liquid adhesive such as Mod Podge or a spray adhesive.  Whatever works best for you.)
  • Trim around the edge of the paper using a Craft Cutting Mat and Craft Knife*.  For a smoother edge, lightly sand edges with a fine grit sanding block*.
  • I cut a 3 1/2″ strip of woodgrain scrapbook paper to add to the middle of the circle.  It gives me a plain base to add my greeting.
  • To make the woodgrain stand out, I used a thin border sticker on the top and bottom of the woodgrain strip.

  • I cut the word “Welcome” using a Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine* and black matte vinyl from StyleTechCraft.
  • I transferred the vinyl onto the front of the door hanger using transfer paper.
  • I made a simple orange bow to add to the top of the door hanger.
  • Drill a couple of holes in the top of the wood for hanging.
  • The door hanger would look great on its own or as part of a simple wreath.

Just a heads up—I didn’t seal the paper on this door hanger, so be sure to hang it somewhere protected from the weather.

Pretty in Pink Door Hanger

I dug deep into my hoarded collection of paper for the right one

for this project.  And because I couldn’t decide which papers I liked best,

I made a second one.

These door hangers are such an easy way to add a little cheer

to your home as summer winds down.

I had a lot of fun making them, and I hope you give this project a try too!

 

 

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

DIY Butterfly Vase with StyleTechCraft Glitter Vinyl

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DIY Butterfly Vase

Transform an ordinary vase into a dazzling centerpiece

with StyleTechCraft Transparent Glitter Vinyl,

perfect for adding a whimsical butterfly touch to your home décor!

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

To Make the Butterfly Vase:

  • I used my Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine* to cut the butterfly image. I cut it four times, one each in the different colors of StyleTechCraft Transparent Vinyl Royal Blue, Sky Blue, Teal, and Orange.
  • I inlaid the inner butterfly pieces onto the design instead of layering the vinyl. I used a pick tool to carefully place the image inside the design.

  • I used an inexpensive clear glass vase from Dollar Tree*.
  • To help the vinyl stick to the glass, clean the glass vase with rubbing alcohol* or an alcohol wipe. This will remove any oils or residue left on the surface.
  • Place the transfer paper over the image and gently rub with a vinyl scraper tool to transfer the image.
  • Place the image on the glass and gently rub to transfer the image onto the glass. Remove transfer paper.
  • I would recommend handwashing the vase.


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The great thing about StyleTechCraft Transparent Glitter Vinyl is that it has glitter

on both sides of the vinyl.  And it comes in some pretty amazing colors too!

Now you have a sparkling butterfly vase that adds a touch of whimsy and brightness

to any room—simple to make, fun to display, and uniquely yours!

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Celebrate 250 Years with a Fun Patriotic DIY Sign

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4th of July Sign Decoration-Celebrating 250 years-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeeldred.com

Ready to add some extra sparkle to your 4th of July celebration?  

I always enjoy making new decorations for the holidays,

and with the USA celebrating 250 years,

I knew this was a milestone worth going big for!

This year, I decided to make a patriotic sign using StyleTechCraft vinyl

and my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutter.

Not only is it a fun way to show off some red, white, and blue,

but it’s also a great project to mark such a special anniversary.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

4th of July Sign Decoration-Celebrating 250 years-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeeldred.com

To make my Patriotic Sign I used: (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

To begin, I painted an 8″ plain decorative wood sign with white paint.

For faster results, white spray paint also works well.

You can find several different sizes of wood signs on Amazon*. (click on the link)

I used the Eagle Holding American Flag SVG File from The Silhouette Design Store

4th of July Sign Decoration-Celebrating 250 years-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeeldred.com

  • Size the design to fit onto your wood sign.
  • I cut the design using my Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine* and the Eagle Holding American Flag SVG File.
  • I cut it twice, once with navy vinyl and once using red vinyl.
  • Once the design was cut, I weeded the design using a vinyl craft pick*. Weeding vinyl is the process of removing excess vinyl from a cut design, leaving only the intended shapes, letters, or images.
  • Using the design image as reference, remove the parts from the blue design that will be red and vice versa with the red design.
  • Be careful around the numbers, as the thin shadow line is tricky to weed out.
4th of July Sign Decoration-Celebrating 250 years-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeeldred.com

  • Place the navy blue design onto the sign first using transfer paper.  I gently rubbed over the transfer paper and sign using a vinyl scraper tool*.
  • After the words have transferred to the sign, remove the transfer paper.
4th of July Sign Decoration-Celebrating 250 years-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeeldred.com

Here’s my tip: When transferring the red design, take it slow and line up small sections

one section at a time. I tried to transfer the entire design all at once and ended up having

to redo parts of it-trust me, working in smaller sections will save you time and frustration?

4th of July Sign Decoration-Celebrating 250 years-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeeldred.com

I hope this fun patriotic sign project helps you celebrate America’s 250th in style!

If you enjoyed this craft, be sure to check out some of my older posts for even more

holiday decoration ideas and inspiration.

Click the images below to discover more 4th of July projects featuring StyleTechCraft vinyl.

Patriotic Star Shirt for Mae

Patriotic Banner for the 4th of July

Patriotic Banner for the 4th of July

Patriotic Themed Summer Party

Wishing you a festive, creative, and colorful 4th of July!

Samples using the New Release Sizzix Dies by Eileen Hull

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The May 2026 release from Sizzix designer Eileen Hull

is brimming with vintage charm, florals, and creative possibilities for makers of all kinds.

This exciting collection features seven new products,

including the return of the beloved Garden Gate Album die* by popular demand,

five new Thinlits die sets, and a beautiful new embossing folder inspired

by watercolor florals.

Designed for journaling, cardmaking, mixed media, and dimensional projects.

The collection blends Eileen’s signature style of storytelling, texture,

and interactive design with endless opportunities for customization and creativity.

The Garden Gate Die* makes the perfect stand for a sweet floral photo.

I used the Garden Gate Die* along with the Home Sweet Home Die Set*

and the Painterly Blooms Die Set*.

I cut the garden gate out of Sizzix Mat Board* for a sturdy base

to the photo stand.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

The Watercolor Rose Card was made using the Watercolor Bouquet Embossing Folder*,

Stitched Heart Die Set* and the Nora Alphabet Die Set*.

For the base of the card, I used the “debossed” side of the paper.

I used dye inks to watercolor the design.

I loved watching the color pool in the debossed areas.

The raised rose on the front of the heart was cut out using a watercolored rose

from the embossed side of a second piece of paper.

Eileen Hull New Release Party at the Creativation Trade Show.

You can find Eileen’s live on the Eileen Hull Fan Club Facebook Page.

Get ready — the new Eileen Hull Sizzix Collection is here, and we’re celebrating LIVE from the show floor at Creativation!

Join Eileen and Susie as they broadcast the Sizzix Release Party straight from Eileen’s tiny vintage trailer, Daisy, bringing together her amazing creative team from all around the world. You’ll get an up-close look at the fabulous project samples created by the team, sneak peeks of the new products, and maybe even a glimpse of the excitement happening on the show floor!

The May release includes seven exciting new products:
• The fan-favorite Garden Gate Album die — brought back by popular request
• Five brand-new Thinlits sets
• A beautiful new embossing folder

We can’t wait to see what YOU create with the new collection! Be sure to share your projects in the Eileen Hull Fan Club so we can continue inspiring each other and celebrating creativity together.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey with us — see you at the party!

Eileen Hull Educator Logo

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Eileen Hull Inspiration Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own.

The Baby Hedgehog Banner

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DIY Baby Hedgehog Banner

My sister recently hosted a charming hedgehog-themed baby shower for her daughter.

At the shower she created a backdrop with a balloon arch with little

forest friends.  It was so cute.

To make the backdrop even more special, she asked me to help her

create a baby hedgehog banner.

Materials Used:  (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

To make the banner:

We cut the images and letters using a Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*

and vinyl from Styletechcraft and mounted them on Wood Banner Pieces.

We layered each part of the image using StyleTechCraft Clear Transfer Tape*.

The banner was strung on a large piece of twine with strips of plaid material between.

The Finished Banner.

We all took pictures in front of the backdrop for a little memory book

for the new mother.

I wish I could share the banner with the balloon arch, but the photo I took

wasn’t clear enough to share.  (I took this photo at home.)

It was a beautiful shower with friends and family gathered for a special little boy.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.