Cheap Eats and Thrifty Crafts

Leafy Tree Centerpiece

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I am always trying new materials to die cut. Today, I tried die cutting leaves from my camellia tree for a leafy tree centerpiece.

I used them to spell out the message “GROW.” I clipped them onto a branch with tiny clothespins. The last element is a favorite wine bottle that has a label featuring mannequin torsos.

I should also mention this is a project you want to do right before a special event, as the leaves will dry out and turn brown. This may not be a bad effect in certain cases.

How to die cut leaves

First, gather up nice fresh green leaves. You want them to be fresh because if they are brittle, they will crack when cut.

I first tried die cutting leaves and flower petals using the Sheena Perfect Partners Victorian Floral Pansy out of the leaves. However, what I ended up liking more than the die cut shape was the opening on the leaves themselves.

So, as someone who loves to add words to everything I make, I tried the Die’sire Classiques Alphabet.

Two of the letters have a floating shape in the middle, so I needed to back the leaves with something. Well, it just so happens I had pulled out some brown coffee filters to try die cutting with next. They made the perfect backing for the leaves. Once I glued the backing coffee filter to the leaf, I could then glue the middle die cut letter part onto it.

The stick came from my yard. I simply trimmed it down until I had a shape I liked and it fit nicely into my wine bottle. I used tiny clothes pins to clip the leaves to the branch.

I can’t wait to try other leaves and swap out the letters. It will also be interesting to see how each of the leaves dry out. They may still stay useful and pretty, just dried.

What will your leaves say?

Stefanie Girard is a crafter with a re-purpose. She has been cutting stuff up since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors in her tiny hands. She earned her degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute and move to Los Angeles to work in the entertainment industry first as a Set Decorator and Prop Master then onto TV Producer specializing in How-To TV shows for HGTV and the DIY Networks. After writing 5 craft books for the Quarto Publishing Group she now spreads the crafty word online through book reviews and original projects with a focus on recycled elements at SweaterSurgery.blogspot.com.

What’s your favorite craft to make with leaves? Let us know below in the comments!

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