In this episode of Creative Living, host Jane Clauss sits down with renowned floral artist and author Layla Robinson for an enchanting conversation about the art of dried flowers. Layla shares how she transforms foraged and homegrown blooms into vibrant works of art that last for years, bringing the beauty of nature indoors season after season. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or simply curious about refreshing your space with sustainable creativity, you'll pick up practical tips, inspiring stories, and heartfelt encouragement to try something new. It's a colorful, uplifting episode that proves creativity can bloom forever… and so can your imagination.

Check out this timecode breakdown so you can skip ahead to the parts you're most intersted in... although honestly, every minute of this conversation is worth it!

0:00:00 – 0:01:36 Setting the Creative Tone: An Invitation to Everyday Making The episode opens with Jane Clauss sharing her philosophy of everyday creativity and how dedicating even one hour a day can enrich your life. She introduces renowned floral artist Layla Robinson, author of Everlasting Blooms, and sets the tone for a conversation focused on making creativity approachable for everyone, no matter their skill level or medium.

0:03:43 – 0:05:04 From Fresh to Forever: Layla's Creative Shift Layla reflects on her early days running a fresh-flower business and how she discovered the beauty and practicality of dried florals. She explains why dried arrangements captured her heart offering longevity, emotional resonance, and the ability for her work to be appreciated long after it's made. This segment lays out the "why" behind her transition from fresh blooms to forever florals.

0:06:08 – 0:10:50 Inside the Process: Drying Techniques & Troubleshooting Layla breaks down her detailed process for drying flowers while preserving their color and natural movement. She shares clear advice on when to harvest, how to create ideal drying conditions, and ways to avoid common pitfalls such as brittleness and mold. Practical tips for storing and organizing blooms at home or in a studio give listeners actionable steps to start experimenting.

0:12:37 – 0:16:02 Tools of the Trade: Simple Supplies & Sustainable Practices Layla outlines the approachable toolkit needed for dried floral art using secateurs, wire cutters, floristry scissors, and simple wires showing how accessible this craft truly is. She also highlights her sustainability mindset, from organic growing to minimizing waste, and how dried arrangements can be reused or enjoyed for years, blending eco-friendly values with creative expression.

0:19:40 – 0:26:46 Inspiration Blooms: Versatility, Beginners' Tips & Creative Confidence In this uplifting segment, Layla recommends starter-friendly florals like straw flowers, shares honest stories about learning through trial and error, and offers tips for sourcing materials even without a garden. She connects dried florals to broader creative disciplines, inspiring painters, textile artists, and makers of all kinds. Her insights encourage listeners to experiment freely and embrace the emotional connection that comes from working with nature.

"Once you've opened that door, it's like opening onto a magic world that is so vast and such good fun…it's just the most rewarding, beautiful thing to get into... Once you've got it, you've got it for a lifetime." — Layla Robinson

Layla's new book is called Everlasting Blooms: 30 Floristry Projects to bring the magic of dried flowers into your home.