The surprise ingredient in this project? Orange-peel motifs that have been cut with tiny cookie or canape cutters, and dried to form autumn embellishments.

Materials

• Orange peels
• Candle
• Autumn printed paper
• Gold vellum
• Mini canape cutters: acorn, oak leaf
• Waxed thread: ivory, beige
• Skewer
• Circle punches: 1/8-inch, 1/16-inch
• Computer (optional)
• Computer font (optional)

Orange Peel Motifs

Cut oak leaves and acorns from orange peel using canape cutters. Punch hole in each using 1/8-inch circle punch. Let shapes dry overnight.

Candle

Tear 1 1/2-inch-wide strip of printed paper long enough to go around candle and overlap 1 inch. Wrap paper around candle; tie in place using waxed thread. Thread orange-peel motifs onto ends of thread; knot. Wrap thread ends tightly around skewer to coil; remove skewer.

Place Cards & Invitations

Use computer to generate, or hand-print, party information or guest's names on vellum.

If desired, add autumn message:

I walked on paths of crisp dry leaves after, that flamed with color and crackled with laughter.

For place cards, cut printed paper 4 x 5 inches; fold in half lengthwise. Center 2 x 3-inch piece of vellum on front. Punch two 1/16-inch holes at opposite corners through both layers; insert thread through holes to attach vellum to paper. Thread orange-peel motifs onto ends of thread; knot. Wrap thread ends tightly around skewer to coil; remove skewer.

For invitations, cut printed paper 4 x 5 1/2 inches and vellum 3 1/4 x 4 inches; center vellum over paper. Finish as for place cards.

Copyright © 2005 All-Occasion Paper Crafting, House of White Birches. All rights reserved.