Michaels is a well-known national crafting store. But more than just selling supplies, the women who work at the local Michaels want to show their customers how to create their own pieces.

Carolyn Pentecost is a local Michaels employee who often leads the weekly classes offered at the craft store. Many of the classes don’t require pre-registration and are frequently free or cost only the price of materials.

“It’s a lot of fun to come and do something different,” Carolyn said, adding that she thinks the recent resurgence in crafting interest is due to people “getting back to their roots” and wanting something different than what they can buy at the store, especially for the holidays.

A festive Thanksgiving centerpiece or an elaborate wreath is often the cornerstone of a home’s holiday decorations.

This Autumn Votive Centerpiece might be just the right project for the Thanksgiving dinner host wanting to add a personal touch to the table or for anyone who simply wishes to enjoy a personalized, handmade decoration through the fall.

— Katie Holland

AUTUMN VOTIVE CENTERPIECE INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Use a pencil to draw one 15” x 4” rectangle and one 18” x 6” rectangle onto foam sheet.

Step 2: Wax serrated knife with candle stub or paraffin. Cut out foam rectangles. Center and glue smaller rectangle to top of larger rectangle; reinforce with floral pins. Let dry.

Step 3: Tear tissue paper into several 2” x 14” strips and several 3” square, or smaller, pieces.

Step 4: Mix one part white glue with two parts water in disposable bowl; stir with spoon. If desired, put on disposable gloves.

Step 5: Dip each tissue piece into glue/water mixture and smooth onto all surfaces of foam base until base is covered. Let tissue pieces wrinkle and overlap. Place base on waxed paper to dry overnight. Note: Hair dryer may be used to speed up drying process.

Step 6: Place small amount antiquing gel on paper towel and rub over tissue paper. Use clean towel to rub away excess, leaving light coat. Let dry.

Step 7: Glue small pieces of reindeer moss to bottom of base and to lower edges of each foam rectangle.

Step 8: Wrap berry vine around base; secure with floral pins. Use wire cutters to trim berry stems to about 3” long. Insert three stems into center of each long side of base and two stems into center of each short end of base.

Step 9: Trim nandina spray stems to same length and insert into base behind berries on long sides so they point toward short ends. Let some leaves extend around corners.

Step 10: Follow manufacturer’s instructions to spray paint candle holders yellow; let dry. Spray paint holders orange; let dry. Glue candle holders to top of base; let dry.

Step 11: Glue small pieces of reindeer moss around candle holder bases. Place candles in holders. Insert remaining berry stems into base between holders.

Step 12: If desired, remove each leaf and berry stem and apply glue to ends before reinserting stems into foam. Let dry.