CardMaker magazine is devoted exclusively to cardmaking. Looking to learn a new cardmaking technique, look no further! The expert advice and instructions will inspire long-time cardmakers and thrill those who are just getting started. Visit our Web site frequently so you don't miss any of the exciting things planned.

Was this newsletter forwarded to you?

Want it delivered to your inbox every three weeks?

Sign up here

• Sunflower Wreath -- Add a cheery touch to your front door with a sunflower-inspired wreath. Using a grapevine wreath, hot-glue silk or dried sunflowers, face side up, all around the front of the wreath. Flowers can all be the same size or various sizes can be applied. Let dry and then tie a pretty bow (a black check print would be cute) to the bottom front of the wreath or slightly off center.


• Halloween Wreath -- Reader Bev Traux enjoys making wreaths for Halloween. "I paint a grapevine wreath black and then add a lot of ghost picks (bought on sale the year before). I first paint the ghost picks with fluorescent paint, and then glue them to the wreath. I finish it with a big bow made from Halloween ribbon. The ghosts glow after dark, and I've had several positive comments about my wreath." For a glowing effect, check out Krylon's Glowz paint.


• Wheat Bundle/Grass Wreath -- To get a warm and rich look, first spray-paint your grapevine wreath a metallic gold. Krylon's metallic spray paint would be perfect for the job. Let wreath dry. Tie little bundles of wheat grass (or any autumnal grass -- available at your local craft-supply store) together using raffia and then wire them to the front of the wreath at a slight angle. Then attach berries for accent pieces and complete with a natural-color raffia bow. Another idea is to first wrap a pretty burgundy ribbon all the way around the wreath, leaving space so you can still see the gold of the painted wreath. Before securing the ribbon in place, tuck shafts of wheat and berries under the ribbon.

• Felt Runner -- Felt has the perfect texture for autumn crafting. You can use it to create a penny rug for your table. You can also sew a basic runner using cut out shapes of autumn favorites, such as leaves, pumpkins and berries. Another idea is to spell out an autumn word (blessings, harvest, bounty) and appliqué it to the center of a runner. It would also be fun to quilt a runner and then appliqué wool felt shapes to the top, creating a unique texture.


• Brown-Bag Centerpiece -- Reader Pam Jenner uses brown bags to create windowsill decorations, but I think they would also make eye-catching centerpieces. She notes, "I fill brown-paper lunch bags with pebbles (to weight them down), and then fill them with autumn picks, silk flowers and even pinecones. Then I loosely tie a raffia bow around the bag."


• Textured Tray -- Krylon has a line of textured paints that would pair perfectly with a wooden tray. To save money, consider transforming a wooden tray you already own. Paint the wooden tray a solid color or leave as is and simply stain. Decoupage paper in shades of autumn to the inside bottom of the tray and then apply a design (using stencils or doing it freehand) to the outer edge of the tray with textured paint. For added flair, hot-glue rocks and other finds from a nature walk around the outer edge of the tray.