Staining wood for decoupage

Hello there

Choose a stain that works well with the other wood furniture in the room.
A light to medium tone tends to be less formal than a darker one. Cut the motifs out compare them against swatches of differing tones. The first coat should be lightly applied. If you want the shade darker or richer shade, simply apply another coat to darken it. Lightening a stained piece is much more difficult, as the color must be sanded off, wiped clean, and the stain reapplied. As with all pieces should be protected with a clear finish when completed. A water-based polyurethane looks professional and is easy to apply. While it dries quickly, it is best to let each coat dry overnight before applying the next.

1 Sand wood surfaces smooth with fine sandpaper. Wipe with tack cloth to remove excess dust. Be sure wood is dry and free of all dust before applying stain.

2 Use commercial mixture or add enough stain to polyurethane to get desired tint.
Apply color with bristle brush to bottom surfaces of objects like a foot stool, brushing in the direction of the wood grain. repeat on top. let dry completely.

3 Carefully cut out motifs using form brush, apply thin coat of medium to back of motif. Position motif; smooth with fingertips. Let dry. Apply thin coat of medium over entire top of stool are object. Let dry completely.

*** If using a stain finish with decoupage, select a water based finished so the decoupage medium will not bend up and remain sticky. For furniture pieces that will be getting a lot of use, like the footstool apply three to four coats with heavy activity on the and around the object.

Good Luck
Happy Crafting

Sparkling Fruit Bowl

Hello there step on in and make some cool stuff here.

1 package (10 ounces) drypacked frozen raspberries
1 package (10 ounces) drypacked frozen strawberries
6 cups of water
1/1/2 cups sugar
10 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon
6 strips (3 x 1/2 inch each of orange zest
2 cups orange juice
2 cups club soda

In a large, nonreactive saucepan or dutch oven over moderately high heat, combine the first eight ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

place a large sieve over a large pitcher. pour the berry mixture through, straining out the solids, do not press the solids, let the berry mixture cool to room temperature. Stir in the orange juice.
just before serving, stir in the club soda. Serve the punch over ice
makes ten servings

Happy Holidays Yall

Holiday Wassail Cool Yule Drink

Here is a tasty drink try it for your christmas party and holiday fun.

1 quart of hot brewed tea
1 cup of sugar
1 bottle (32 oz) of cranberry juice
1bottle (32 oz) of apple juice
3/4 cup of lemon juice
24 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, sliced

In a large nonreactive saucepan or Dutch oven over moderately high heat, combine the hot tea and sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Add the juices,12 cloves, and the cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a boil the 2 minutes.

Remove saucepan from the heat. Pour the punch into a heatproof punch bowl. Insert th rest of the cloves into the orange slices and float them on the punch as garnish. Serve the punch warm are cooled to room temperature. makes 12 to 16 servings.

found a little history on this wassail are our punch is (welsh,Anglo-celtic)
was used at halloween/ Samhain back in the day here
as a delicasy, now used at christmas time are yule this was made as a ritual which honored the apple tree in Autumn. I can say there are about a 100 recipes on this one some use cooking sherry 1 cup of it and irish whiskey 1 cup of it. Well i like the virgin punch myself no need to whipe your self out at christmas i want to see what everybody got under the tree there will drink responsibly out there and remember never drive with a couple of drink in you have a stright driver take you home peace out for know im going to sleep for now nice talking with you.

A cool wreath to make

I had a great idea build a beautiful wreath for any season i hope i will get a camera soon to show off my crafts my camera was stepped on by accident my husband needed work space i had his desk clogged up with files and papers and he put it down on the ground and they fell and when he got up he stepped on the camera. well any way here is the craft

One foam wreath any color
glass rocks the one in the craft section that are round and oval made for bowls one side needs to be flat. next hot glue the colors on the wreath you can add fabric and the fluffy knit at the store i wrapped mine then i added the glass and i also put small shells by hot glueing them im going to wrap it with this jewelry wire next with beads are some bells for christmas for my friend it's ringing in the new year it has a ocean beach vibe and new year celebrations all together play with your creation. get to crafting

Egg Nog Delight

I love this stuff i guess it was a celtic tradition began from the Celts always wondered how they can up with it so here it goes.

12 Pasteurized eggs, separated
1 lb confections sugar
1/1/2 cups whiskey, ale, or dark rum are no alcohol at all maybe ginger ale instead are sprite
2 quarts whipping cream
3/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup of water
1 cup rich milk

mix the egg yolks, sugar, alcohol, and salt together and let stand in the refrigerator overnight so that their flavors can marry. next day beat the egg whites untill they are just stiff, and mix them and all the rest of the ingredients together untill slightly thick. serve and chill.

If you drink be responsible and have a driver that is straight to take you home never try to drive.

Happy Holidays

Hello there this is my first blog i want to add recipes and crafts to this page i hope people will find it. I have not started work yet on here but will be up and running soon adding flair and favor to all that come in so come on in and see what i found.