Creations Galore Blog: Autumn Is Here!

Hello bloggers! The leaves have started changing colors here in Wisconsin which has inspired me to make all kinds of autumn decor. Today I'm showing a little tutorial on making this beautiful (and easy!) banner...

First, you'll need to decide:

What your banner will say
The size and shape of each hanging piece
Which papers and inks you'll use

For this banner, I started with the leaf die cuts - creating them with our Cricut's Designer's Calendar Cartridge. We've created extras and made them available at the store for anyone without a Cricut. However, you could use leaf stickers, stamps, or other die cuts you may have.

Next, I used We R Memory Keepers Autumn Splendor papers. The collection has warm colors in fun patterns. Plus, a few had owls -- I have a soft spot for all things owls. We R Memory Keepers has four double sided papers in each collection that have a reverse side of four 6x6 designs. This is perfect for this project! Rather than buying 8-10 different papers, I only needed to buy 2 to have 10 different patterns!

The bottom layer of each hanging piece was created with the Extra-Giga Marvy Lever Punch - creating a 3 1/2 inch scalloped circle out of the patterned papers. The next layer was created with the Mega Marvy Lever Punch - creating a 2 1/2 inch circle out of milkweed cardstock.

You can choose to assemble the pieces as shown; however, I chose to add some Distress Inks with the Foam Applicator Tool to add some warmth and dimension to each layer. The leaves and scalloped circles were both distressed with Black Soot, and the small circles and letters were distressed with Vintage Photo.

I created the letters using our AccuCut and Dies - available in our Crop Room. However, you could use chipboard letters, stickers, or any other dies you have available. For more information on using our dies, click here.

After distressing each letter, add foam risers and adhere to the assembled pieces. If you're using stickers and still want a raised effect, the Powder Tool by EK Success is an easy way to achieve the look. You'll first add the foam risers to the back of the sticker - don't remove the backing just yet. Next brush the Powder Tool over the back of the sticker. This will get rid of the stickiness. Now you can remove the riser's backing and adhere the letters to your banner.

Lastly, punch a hole at the top of each piece and string together. You now have a beautiful banner to hang anywhere you'd like to add some fall warmth.