How To Paint a Dollar Store Mug That Look Like a "Master" Piece

Start with a base sealer and apply to entire cup.  Place a pre-printed template of your design choice within the cup.  Apply glass or acrylic paints as you wish.  My design turned out very different from the template above, but gave me a guide to work from.  The final coat sealer (center) will be applied when you are finished painting the cup.

 I painted the grapes with a lavender paint first then embellished them with purple and outlined and highlighted the with black curly cues. The same process was applied to the green leaves.  I also applied a copper brown and copper metallic paint on the leaves.

Apply grape vines with a black or brown Sharpie pin.

Choose your desired shade of green scrapbook paper and stamp cut leaves from the paper.  Have raffia ribbon and wire ready to finish the wrapping of your cups.

Insert white tissue paper into cup so that the design will be easily seen,  Insert cup, that has had final sealer coat applied and dried (for ten days) into a cellophane bag.  I added Hershey Bliss chocolates wrapped in purple foil on top.  Secure the bag with raffia ribbon. Poke a whole in the green leafs with the wire and tie the wire around the secured bag. Insert two leaves, one on each side of the wire and curl the wire over a paint brush or pencil end to achieve a viney look.

Several of these were made as Leadership End-Of-Year gifts.  It is an inexpensive way to give many an artistic gift that carries much more value than its Dollar Store origin.  Everyone who received them seem to be delighted with them.

Jesus said, "I am the Vine, you are the branches."  John 15:5 was our scripture verse for the year.  It was written on the bottom of the cup and sealed so all of the women could have a sweet memory of our 30-week study of John.

Summer Hat Embellishments

 

 

With summer days approaching and the bright sun shining upon us in So Cal, I am wearing hats more these days.  Several colorful headbands purchased at Target will allow me to coordinate hats with the different outfits I wear this summer.  Desiring a beaded look to go with certain outfits inspired me to create the above design with elasticized cording for the small beads, along with chain and earring findings for the larger beads.  Achieving this unique look has inspired me to make even more.  Additionally, I constructed earrings to compliment this design.  I'd love to know what you think, or if you would ever make these yourself.  Sounds like a summer class may be in order.  

 

Spring Luncheon

Spring is in the air, birds are chirping louder, I hear neighbors enjoying their swimming pools, I can smell the tender smoking meat on barbecues, and am enjoying the warmer weather.  Southern California is so beautiful year round, but especially in the Spring.  Flowers of all types are exploding with life, vigor, and colors of every hue.  I can think of nothing I would enjoy more than having a few treasured friends over for a nice luncheon and to meet my roses.

I am using my Fiesta Ware dishes in orange, red, yellow and green.  The orange and white polka-dotted fabric square set atop the bright yellow tablecloth highlights the orange flowers on the watering cans.  The red flatware highlights the flowers on the plate and the lady bug name tag holders and lady bugs on the watering cans.  I am filling the clear glasses with lemonade to bring in more yellow, and will more than likely tie these elements together with a bright green napkin like the frogs belly. 

Scanning a preponderance of magazines, cookbooks, and Pinterest saves, I will surely come up with many delightful surprises for my guests.  As I view my set table, I'm wondering "What can I fill those cheerful frogs and felt watering pails with that will activate the oohs,  ahhs, and wows!" (I am open to suggestions!)  I'm sure by mid June, then summer, I will have found something that I can't wait for my friends to discover as they take their seats to share sweet friendship, delicious offerings and little surprises.  I couldn't wait to set the table, so I did!   I can hardly wait to host this luncheon.  I think for this event I will invite some friends from church that I haven't had over before.  Perhaps, I'll alter the table slightly and have two separate luncheons.  Summer really stimulates my hostess genes. 

Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Scones

These are, by far, the BEST scones I have ever eaten.  And I have had many types of scones.  Each February, I host a Tea for about 28 women and we ALWAYS have to have the Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Scones on the menu. I have shared this recipe with many.  Janice makes them each year for our Tea.  She says she freezes them before bringing them and I think there is something magical about that!  We warm them in the microwave just before serving.  It's almost, well it is, starting the Tea with dessert first!  Because of these, by the time my guests get to their real dessert, much of it is taken home in creative to-go containers.  See: Unique To-Go Container  I like that, because my guests are able to enjoy another Tea at home, perhaps sharing it with a loved one.

These scones are delightful with raspberry jam and my recipe for Old Fashioned Clotted Cream.   The other scones shown here are White Chocolate, Apricot & Pecan Scones.   They are also out-of-this-world delicious. All three recipes are posted here for your enjoyment.

Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Scones 

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled

1/3  cup milk

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled to room temperature

1 large egg

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly butter a cookie sheet. 

In large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Cut the butter into 1/2" cubes and distribute them over the flour mixture.  With a pastry blender, cut the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  In a small bowl, stir together the milk, chocolate, egg, and vanilla.  Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and knead together to combine.  Knead in the chocolate chips.  Roll the dough into a ball and then with a rolling pin flatten to about 1/2" thick.  Cut the dough into desired shape with cookie cutter.  Place on un-greased cookie sheet, and bake for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a scone comes out with only a few crumbs clinging to it.  Remove from baking sheet, serve warm, or cool completely and store in an airtight container.  Makes 8 scones.

 

Apricot White Chocolate Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/8 teaspoons salt

1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 large egg

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cup chopped apricots

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Lightly butter a baking sheet.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Cut the butter into 1/2" cubes and distribute them over the flour mixture.  With a pastry blender, cut into the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  In a small bowl, stir together the cream, egg and vanilla.  Add the cream mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combined.  Add apricots and nuts.

With lightly floured hands, pat the dough into a 1/2" thickness on a lightly floured cutting board.  Using a floured cookie cutter cut into desired shapes.  Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.  Remove the baking sheet and cool for 5 minutes.  With a spatula, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool.  Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container.  Makes approximately 14 scones.

 

Old Fashioned Clotted Cream

4 ounces sour cream

4 ounces heavy whipping cream

1/4 to 1/2 cup light brown sugar

This mock clotted cream possesses an old-fashioned, but delightful flavor.  Guests always ask for the recipe.

 Whip the cream until stiff.  Add the sour cream and mix together.  Add brown sugar to taste and spoon into divided dishes, or footed-candy dishes.  In the other side of divided dish, place raspberry jam.  Chill until ready to serve.

 

Mary Carlson's Chilled Raspberry Soup

 

Mary Carlson's recipe for Chilled Raspberry Soup is beyond wonderful.  With a hint of spice it makes your mouth dance with flavors and refreshment.  This is perfect for a Tea or luncheon and everyone always wants the recipe.  You can add a mint leaf, flower or raspberry to the sour cream dollop for a sweet embellishment.  Hope you enjoy making this very delightful Spring/Summer soup.  

Here's the recipe:

Chilled Raspberry Soup

3 quarts fresh raspberries

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup white wine (optional)

1 cup cranberry juice

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

5 whole cloves

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 (8 ounce) cartons raspberry yogurt

1 cup sour cream

Mash berries, water and wine together. Place in blender and puree. Place in a large pot. Add cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Bring just to a boil over med heat.  Strain and cool.  Whisk in lemon juice and yogurt. Chill.  Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a raspberry and mint leaves, or an edible flower of your choice.

Pinterest Boards Have Blessed Me

 

Do you know about Pinterest? It's a place to create your own virtual scrapbook of "pinned" images that you can share and re-visit over and over again. I don't know about you but I find delight in viewing and adding to my virtual Pinterest Boards. I am just in awe when I see God's creation and other people's creativity.  I just want to say how much I appreciate the people who take the time to add beauty and delight to other people's lives as well as their own.  

People so generously share what they've learned and recipes they love.  People share pictures of extraordinary places they've been.  I especially appreciate the many skilled cooks that link recipes to their blogs where you can glean even more ideas to enhance your domestic life. 

You are able to find virtually anything you are interested in and meet people from all over the world.  I am a Pinterest fan.  I hope, if you haven't already, that you will enjoy the experience of "pinning' and it will bring delight to many of your days. 

Edible Pineapple Floral Dessert

 

Source: duitang.com via Pamela on Pinterest

Try this very clever tasty floral treat.  I think it would work well in tropical drinks and smoothies too.  So easy, you need only follow the pictures.  This author/creator's website is in another language!

If you can only have one dessert this week!

Source: restlesschipotle.com via Debbie on Pinterest

This pie looks and is dangerous...but what a way to go!  Check out Marye Audet's Pinterest  posts or go to her website: restlesschipotle.com for this and many more delightful offerings. :-)

I made this amazing pie on Tuesday.  Wow!  I made a couple of changes to the recipe (which you can access by clicking on the picture).  I added crushed peanuts and swirled caramel on the top of the pie when I served it.  I also froze the pie before serving it.  It was incredible...and worth every calorie.  Won't make it often, but I'm glad I made it. 

Citrus & Sunflowers

 

I attended a dinner about a week ago in which the tables were so beautifully set.  They were stunning from the moment we laid our eyes on them.  Set atop a long natural burlap runner, the fruit placed throughout the table was so vibrant and fresh. The sunflowers added an element of delight as did the bright silver buckets.  Because there were over 25 of us at this dinner, paper plates were used.  The nature design featured a bird and flowers that complimented the  whole ensemble.  

We shared a delicious salad and cheese bread much like the legendary bread  served at The Smokehouse in Burbank, CA.  Look for my rendition of that recipe in a future blog :-).  I warn you, it's addicting! Our dessert was a scrumptious strawberry shortcake. I hope you enjoy the beauty of these tables as much as we did.

Table Design by Kristen Davey

Photographers by Janice Kupratis

Scrumptious Tuna Casserole

My sisters and I didn't know we grew up poor until we got older. When my mom served Tuna Noodle Casserole we felt very well-to-do. I revised her simpler version recently and it was quite a hit. Everyone had seconds!

Here's my recipe: 1 Package of thick long noodles Boil according to package directions and place in large bowl with these premixed items: 2 Cans Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup

1/2 Can Milk
2 Large Cans White Chunk Tuna, packed in water (I like Bumble Bee brand).
(You may have to crush some pieces with a fork.)
8 Ounces Sour Cream
1/2 of a chopped onion (not sauteed). Once mixed together, pour into an oil-sprayed 13 by 9 inch casserole dish. Cover with crushed potato chips, shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese to cover. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 to 40 minutes, until it starts bubbling and cheese is melted. This is one of my favorite home-cooked casseroles. It's absolutely delightful!