Crisp cool air in the mornings is a definite clue that Fall is just around the corner. Oranges, reds, browns, and gold are beginning to make an appearance in the Northern Hemisphere as well. Flowers are making a last glorious show… Fresh apples from the tree. Pumpkin vines revealing their orange globes and so much more evoke fond memories of years gone by. Celebrate Fall by creating a tiered tray display featuring a few of those favorite things.
For this version of the display, a few things from the “stash,” – a fun collection of Autumn papers (Autumn Burning Papers, designed by Queen Brat Digital Designs).
A quote that shares many of the things we enjoy doing or that evoke memories from years past (Harvest Hayrides Apple Cider Bonfires designed by spoonyprint) and the square frame collection (Square Box Frame Svg Cut File Collection, designed by gentlemancrafter) were used. And don’t forget a fun fall image (Sublimation Fall Pumpkin Graphic, designed by artdee2554) for another addition to the display.
Let’s make: Block pumpkins, lightweight plaque and a framed quote
For all projects, you’ll need:
- Digital Cutting machine and software (Skycut C24 and SCAL5 Pro)
- Copy paper or cardstock
- Printer (inkjet or color laser)
Block Pumpkins
You’ll also need:
- 2 inch blocks (unfinished – 3 were used for this project)
- Cinnamon sticks
- Autumn Papers
- Jewelry Wire (22 Gauge) 3 pieces at a length of 5 inches each
- ¼ “ dowel
- Wire cutters
- Matte Gel medium
- Foam brush
- Ink
- Blender tool and foam
- Glue gun
- Copy paper
How to create:
1. Select three (3) patterns from an Autumn Background paper collection. Open the SCAL5 software. Create a vertical rectangle 1.875 x 8 inches. The paper should just reach around the block with no overlap. Create a 1.875-inch square for the top of the block. Using the Color palette and pattern fill, fill the square and the rectangle with one of the images you previously selected. Repeat the process 2 additional times to create 3 strips and 3 squares. Check the preview to make sure that all of the registration marks are within the printing guides for your printer. If the marks are outside the print area, just print and use a paper trimmer to cut the images. Cut with your cutting machine if you are able.
2. Brush a small amount of gel medium on one side of the block. Carefully align the paper and smooth in place. Crease at the side and repeat all the way around the block. If desired, add a thin coat of the medium over the top of the paper and let dry. Adhere the square to the top of the block with the gel medium. Let dry. Ink the edges of the block all around as desired.
3. Cut a cinnamon stick into 3 pieces (each piece should be approximately 1 inch in length).
4. Wrap the jewelry wire around the dowel to make a coil. Remove from the dowel and pull just a little to separate the coils. Slip one end of the wire into the bottom of the cinnamon stick. Using the hot glue gun, glue in place on the top of the block.
Repeat steps 1 – 4 for the remaining blocks.
Fall Plaque
You’ll also need:
- Fall Pumpkin Graphic
- Extra piece of card stock in contrasting color
How to create:
1. This is a super simple way to create a lightweight plaque to use on your tiered trays.
Select a rectangle from the library and place on the mat. Size to your desired finished size minus ¼ inch. In the color palette, make the stroke white or none.
2. Import the file into your software and size as desired. Make sure the image is set to Print + Cut Print.
3. Print the image. Cut the image with the machine.
Select your contrasting cardstock and place on the mat. Cut a rectangle ¼ inch larger than the previous rectangle.
4. Adhere the image to the contrasting color and you have a lightweight plaque ready to add to your tray. TIP: use as a card front for another project.
Framed Quote
You’ll also need:
How to create:
1. Open your software. Place a 4-inch square on the mat.
2. Select your quote. Import the SVG file to the mat. Size to fit within the 4-inch square. Since this is an SVG file, you can change the color using the Gradient tool in the color palette. Here’s a couple of fun tips:
3. Add several colors – 5 were used in this image and move the sliders around a little bit to play with how they’re used. Change up the colors if you don’t like how they’re looking. The Radial option was chosen so the center of the image was the lightest area overall. It was so much fun to play with some earthy colors.
4. Check preview and make sure that the quote is set to Print + Cut Print.
Print and cut the image according to your software and machine’s instructions.
5. Open the 5-inch square frame SVG and cut. Using a small amount of adhesive, center the image in the frame. Fold the sides using the score lines as guides. The straight edged sides will tuck under the angled edges of the alternate sides. and secure with a bit of tape or glue. And it’s done. And it doesn’t add a lot of weight either to your tray.
Arrange your items in the tiered tray as desired and your display is ready for enjoyed viewing.
Additional items used were:
- Mini wooden apples and pumpkins
- Tatted lace doily
- Fall leaves
- Paper flowers
- Small vase
- “Books” with removable covers
- A favorite small quote book with quotes and a tag.
- Birdhouse
- Small jars
There are so many options using paper, wood and found items to fill a tiered tray. Share your tiered tray inspirations using Creative Fabrica files with us. We’d love to see what you have done.
Check out Jan’s author page here at The Artistry or her blog for other crafting ideas.
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