ADVENT 'WREATH' 2018

I am excited to share one of my latest finds junquing in VA while visiting a dear friend.  I paid $17.00 for what appeared to be a raised serving tray.  A sterno cover was also with the serving piece.

When it arrived to my home, I noticed that a leg and cross piece had fallen off.  The price was right because someone had tried to solder them back on.  The solder did not hold.  Mr. Thrifty to the rescue.  He got his epoxy glue out and put it back together.

So now, I can share my unique Advent 'wreath' for 2018'

I picked 4 different glass candle holders out of my cabinet.  They had varying heights to them.

I picked up a set of Advent candles at Hobby Lobby for the low, low price of $3.00.

I was happy with the 'wreath', but something was missing.

I headed up to my Christmas decorations and pulled out a crystal laden garland and 4 crystal picks.

In no time, the 'wreath' was now a spectacular display to remind us of our preparation for the Christ Child.

  On December 2nd, we will light the first purple candle for the first week of the Advent Season.



HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2018

May all of you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family.

WEDDING COLLAGE 2018

We just returned from our latest family wedding. What a beautiful wedding it was!

The bride asked me to create a picture collage for the wedding reception.  It went through multiple iterations throughout the process, but the final design was approved.

 The bride sent photos of the two of them.  She gave me her ideas and I ran with them.

The wedding card.

I purchased a frame at 50% off at Hobby Lobby. 

 Too many pictures.

The great thing is that Hobby Lobby will take a finished project and paper the back and add hangers for under $4.00.  I am definitely using them for finishing future products.  

A beautiful collage for a beautiful couple.



CHINA MOSAIC VINTAGE MIRROR

Time for another handcrafted auction project.

While delivering Meals on Wheels months ago, my partner spied a mirror thrown in a garbage heap on the curb.  The mirror was in perfect condition.

The frame had some imperfections and since I was going to paint it, I filled the holes with spackling paste.  It dried overnight. 

Before priming, I sanded the entire frame, then primed and painted  it.

The actual cutting and placing the mosaics took about 8 hours.

                                      Once glued, the frame dried for 2 days.



I grouted the entire frame following the directions of the grout box.  I then let it dry for 2 more days.

The mirror is placed back in the frame. Closing the back up and adding hangers finishes this project up.

I hope this item brings in a lot of money at the auction!

RED PEPPER VODKA SAUCE WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE RAVIOLI

While shopping at Aldi's, one of my favorite stores, I came across a new item-Italian Sausage Ravioli.  I knew that I could create a sauce that would compliment the ravioli.  

Unfortunately, when I tried to recreate this recipe, Aldi's did not carry the frozen Italian Sausage Ravioli.  Walmart carried a brand.

I will have to say, Mr. Thrifty and myself liked the Aldi's brand better.  I will continue my search.  This brand still tasted good, but the Aldi's is by far, a better ravioli.

The cut colored peppers were sautéed in olive oil until they were blackened and cooked down.

The peppers were added to the vodka sauce.

Before serving, I  added about 2 cups of whipping cream.  Make sure not to cook this on high heat as the cream will break down.  The bowl of pasta was topped with freshly grated Parmesan.



I started by cutting up 2 yellow and 2 red peppers.  I cooked them down in a bit of olive oil.  I then added a jar of vodka pasta sauce.  I let that cook on low for about an hour. 

Right before serving, I added 2 cups of whipping cream.

To plate this dish, I laid the cooked ravioli down on a platter, added the vodka pepper sauce and sprinkled freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

This is going to be a new family favorite.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can make the pepper vodka sauce and freeze it.

 When you are ready to use it, thaw and cook up the sauce and then add the whipping cream.

I love these easy recipes!

DRIED LEAF GARLANDS AROUND THE HOUSE FOR FALL 2018

Around this time of year, I am happy that I picked up autumn leaves last fall to press them in books.

This year, I pulled out some twine and the glue gun and made some simple decorations.

This adorable cut glass cloche was a gift from my dear friend Tara.

This vintage vegetable poster was one of my purchases on our annual sister's weekend to Yorktown.

I can't wait to share the Christmas themed poster this December.