DIY

from Sioux Falls Woman Magazine - August/September 2021

by Sioux Falls Woman, LLC

Home Feature

DIY: Leaf Trinket Dish

Story & photos by Emily Olson

Usually leaves that have turned the beautiful shades of autumn are used in fall craft projects, but this is a perfect “fall” project to complete in the final weeks of summer before the leaves have lost their chlorophyll. Vivid green leaves that are moist and pliable are ideal to create a leaf-impression out of clay. This impression can be used as a trinket dish to hold jewelry or keys or display simply as an end table accent.

SUPPLIES • Fresh leaves • Air dry clay • Rolling pin • X-ACTO knife or scissors • Paint

DIRECTIONS

1. Pick a healthy leaf free of tears and holes.

2. Using a rolling pin, roll out the clay to 1/8 inch thick.

3. Place the leaf face up on the clay and roll over it with the rolling pin to create an impression into the clay of the veins and outer edge of the leaf.

4. Remove the leaf from the clay.

5. Cut the leaf shape out of the clay with an Z-ACTO knife or scissor. If you are using an elm leaf, a pinking shear works great to replicate the jagged edge.

6. Lay the clay leaf over or in a bowl or other object to create the desired curl and curve.

7. Let the leaf dry in position for 24 hours to fully harden.

8. Once the leaf is completely dry, paint as desired. The finished leaves shown have a base layer of metallic umber spray paint with a light top coat of metallic copper spray paint for dimension. n

INTERIORS ETC.: A New Generation

Interiors Etc. has been an interior design firm in Sioux Falls since 1975. It started in the home of owner Mary Kelly and has moved locations several times over the years. At its founding, Interiors Etc. was the first independent, woman-owned design firm in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. Now, Mary and her son and business partner Richard Kelly look forward to moving Interiors Etc. to the Jones building on north Phillips Avenue, across from Levitt at the Falls. They hope to be up and running in the new location in August. The new location will bring back a full retail store featuring furniture, accessories, lighting, rugs, art, florals, and more. There will also be a library of resources for people to access and look through, such as fabric and wallpaper samples. Interiors Etc. has always been known for their unique items, and Mary and Richard hope the new store will offer an interactive experience for everyone who walks in. They will assist clients with both residential and commercial design needs and focus on quality in both design and product. “We love going to market,” Mary said. “Richard and I have been going to market together since he was a child. As trends continue to change, it’s fun to see what the future of home design looks like.” Current is a word that could be used to describe Interiors Etc. Their focus is to help create spaces that are current yet long lasting. Working out of a small design studio for the past eleven years, they are excited to once again have a storefront. “Over the years, customers have become more educated, so the design process has become a lot more interactive,” Richard said. “People want to be part of it. With HGTV and all the DIY television shows, people are

able to do a lot more than they could before. We are here to assist them in that process.” “Richard and I have enjoyed mixing our different styles to create environments that appeal to everyone. While Richard is more contemporary, I am more traditional,” Mary said. Interiors Etc. moving their business downtown also presents the opportunity to be around other local businesses and bring in a new generation of clients. “We are really excited about the area and all the development going on,” Richard said. “We are also excited about the amount of traffic that’s downtown. It’s just good energy.” Visit siouxfallsinteriors.com to learn more about Interiors Etc. and follow them on Instagram @ interiorsetc – look for the big IE.