How to make Grubby Candles

 






Hello my friend!

It looks like a mess, but I promise it's not that bad.

I'm going to show you how I made 

some grubby candles using a battery powered base candle.

I had some that were old and wax was cracking....but they still worked fine.

You may have some already on hand.

Everything I used today was from the Dollar Tree.

Yes, they have the candles for $1.25.

First add your batteries, and make sure they are working.

You will need:

a battery powered candle

matte or gloss Mod Podge 

dry instant coffee

cinnamon or pumpkin spice

1'' wide brush

plate or pan to mix dry spices

Mix spices together,

 no measuring needed

about a Tbsp. of each

Use your paint brush to Mod Podge the opening.

Use a spoon to add the spices and roll the candle

side to side.

Mod Podge the brim and sides.

After all sides are covered,

dab Mod Podge over everything to seal the spices.

Allow to dry.

Mod Podge will dry clear.

If you want your candle darker you can add another layer.

I liked it the way it was so I only painted one layer.

I just couldn't wait to turn on the switch!

It has a wonderful glow.

Feels like Fall, but nice for Christmas too-

I put the candle in a wood bowl with some berries

and leaves.

Beautifully bumpy, lumpy and grubby !

These really smell wonderful!

Thank you for visiting.

XO Lisa S

Note: This technique can be used on the outer portion of regular candles

if you use a pillar that burns on the interior only.

Do not burn candles that have been covered by Mod Podge!

Here's another way I used a battery powered

candle to make a personalized gift

Faux Birch Tree Candle

Mexican Pizza

Hello my friend ! 

I'd love to share with you a family favorite-

Yes, it's a copy cat recipe from Taco Bell....

but so much better and

so easy and great for a busy weeknight dinner.

Here's the ingredient list then we can walk it through-

You'll need:

1 lb lean Ground Beef

1 Pkg. Flour Tortillas

(We love Trader Joes Habenaro Tortillas )

1 Can Refried Beans

1 jar or can Red Enchiladas sauce

1 Packet Taco seasoning

or

Make your own Taco Seasoning-

2 tsp. Chili Powder

1 1/2 tsp. Paprika

1 tsp. Onion Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp. Cumin

1/2 tsp. Oregano

1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

Mix together dry ingredients.

Save in a jar and use as needed.

You will use this seasoning when you brown the ground beef.

I also add a chopped onion if I have one on hand.

Season to your family's taste

I add a Tbsp or so and also add alittle water.

Brown the meat, season and set aside.

To assemble your pizza:

Start with

2 flour tortillas per pizza

We love these Trader Joe's Habenero Tortillas!

I lightly sprayed both tortillas with avocado oil spray, 

cook in a skillet on the stove top so

they would be crisp.

On a cookie sheet, place one crisp tortilla.

Spread a layer of Refried Beans, then top with

a layer of cooked and seasoned meat.

Top with another crispy tortilla.

Cover the top tortilla with enchilada sauce.

Add toppings over sauce.

Toppings can include

grated cheese, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes,

and even sliced black olives.

It's fun to let everyone add there own toppings.

Bake at 350' about 10 min.

 or until cheese has melted.

Your pizza will be crispy and delicious.

 

                                           Cut into wedge slices like a small pizza and serve hot.

So yummy!!!

Have a wonderful week.

xo Lisa S

Just Getting Started- A little FALL Decor

Hi friends,

I was at the Dollar tree 

getting something else when

I saw these Maple leaf stems.

I know I could spend more and get better quality

floral at Hobby Lobby or just about anywhere else.

I had an idea and I wanted to see if it would work.  

I love the brown and beige tones.

I bought 2 stems for $1.25 each, so not a big investment .

Found some old book pages in my paper stash.

I used one of the leaves to make a pattern.

Then cut some Maple leaves from the book pages.

You could even stain your pages 

with coffee, tea or watercolor paints.

I folded the leaves down the center.

Then glued the leaves to a center piece that 

did not have a leaf...

but looked like it needed one.

It made the stems nice and full !

I put one stem in an old cider jug...

It works for me-

nothing fancy!

Here's a close up of the leaves.

I put the other stem in a white pitcher.

This year

I plan to decorate with my brown transferware, 

lots of browns and neutrals.

It turned out like I was thinking....I like it-

Okay... tell me what you think. 

Are you thinking about Fall?

Or are you 'enjoying' 105 degree weather like I am ???

Have a great week!

xo Lisa S

Faux Cinnamon Roll

 Hello!

I found air-dry clay at the Dollar Tree.

It looks like it's a terra cotta color

I wanted to test it out-

I immediately thought about cinnamon rolls....

Who doesn't love cinnamon rolls year-round ?

I cut the moist slab of clay

 in half lengthwise and rolled it out

 with a rolling bin wrapped in parchment paper.

I rolled it into one large cinnamon roll.

It was easy to roll.

The edges were smoothed out 

with a little water and fingertips.

It dried overnight-

The clay is dense and weighty-

No cracking.

I painted the swirls with Matte Mod Podge and real cinnamon.

I decided to paint the clay with acrylic paint.

I used white paint for the icing and let it drip over the sides.

After the paint dried, I went over just the icing with

GLOSSY Mod Podge.

The icing stayed glossy.

It looked real to me-

A delicious paper weight!

I enjoy making faux foods- it really fools the eye!

This clay was a win!

Definitely worth a try.

An 8 oz. package made 1 extra large roll or

 could easily make

4 mini rolls.

Have a great week!

xo Lisa S

Trash to Treasure- Monocraft Wood Cabinet

 Hi there!

The other day my Mom asked if I wanted this very old cabinet-

It's stackable-The top drawer is a separate piece.

YES!

I'll take it !

The drawers have dovetail corners.

It needed some work-

and a little wood glue.

One of the drawers still had

some dividers.

Some drawers had the dividers removed.

We used a sharp, flat scrapper to remove the

glue and wood pieces left-

It soon became a Mr. FreshVintage project!

 

We wiped it down and cleaned out the drawers.

I had this 'Old English'

Scratch Cover on hand.

It does an amazing job when you don't want to

refinish the piece of furniture

The color blends so well and the scratches disappear.

The cabinet was made with inexpensive wood.

It needed to have a bit more

 stain coverage in some areas.

I had some old stain-

I just used a soft cloth on the edges

 and in the dovetail sides.

It's nice and clean now.

I left the old labels just because I like it that way....

I can't help it.

The cabinet is a dark Mahogany color.

I immediately moved in-

The small sections are just the 

right size for all sorts of things.

Thank you for visiting!

I really appreciate you so much.

xo Lisa S