Frosted Candle Luminary

Frosted Candle Luminary

This is a very popular DIY craft right now, and it is very fun to make!

Supply List

• Glass vase
• Rubber bands
• Krylon glass frosting (found at craft/hardware stores)

Step 1: Arrange rubber bands on vase in whatever pattern you desire. The rubber bands are where there will be no frosting

Step 2: In a well-ventilated area, spray several coats of frosting evenly on glass vase, following the directions on the spray can.  Allow to dry thoroughly.  Frosting will become less transparent as it dries

Step 3: Remove rubber bands, insert candle, and enjoy!  The effect is stunning and is a great addition to any room.

This would also work as a flower vase - which was what I originally planned but changed my mind.  Also, I put a smaller candle in a glass container inside of the large vase so that I won't have to worry about cleaning up excess wax on the bottom. You could also experiment with stencils, doilies, and more!  Below are some other DIY frosted glass ideas that I found for your inspiration.  The original website is posted by each picture.

http://indulgy.com/post/YWYR58n4Q1/rubberbands-and-frosted-glass

 

http://craftingandcooking.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/frosted-vases/






http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2011/11/tutorial-frosted-stemware.html

Ceramic Crafts

Here are some ideas for ceramic projects. I did these 6 or 7 years ago, and will explain a little bit about each.  I hope these can provide some inspiration or ideas for home decor!

Leaf-print coasters, crimped edges: leaf-imprints maintained natural clay color by use of wax during glazing process. Glaze is a glossy dark forest green

Wheel-thrown bowl, interior glaze is dark blue-green; exterior is a dark brown. Texture added on the wheel with use of carving tools

Wheel-thrown with coiled handles. Outer surfaces glazed with glossy brown; inner surfaces and bottom painted a vibrant green

Wheel thrown, hand-warped. Rosettes created with watered-down clay, cake-decorating supplies in the same fashion as frosting rosettes.  Surface a matte white; interior a clear glaze

 

Part of a set, wheel thrown, matte black glaze with rim dipped in white.












Hollow balls in a drape-mold bowl.  One ball is beach-inspired with sand texture, shell imprints, and water design.  The other ball has raised and relieved geometric flower patterns.  

Close-up of geometric flower ball (pic with flash to show colors) - background an iridescent glaze over a coppery stain

 Close-up of bowl edge; sun-moon-star etchings with a gold glaze. Rest of bowl is a glossy black.  Bowl was made by draping rolled clay over a mixing bowl and trimming edges.












Pitcher/vase: wheel-thrown in two parts with handle added after body assembly

Drape-mold platter with textured edge; body stained clay, colored glaze/paint strokes with glossy clear glaze










 Slab-rolled mug with imprinted handle. Was used for beverages until it was dropped and the handle broke off (I glued it back on)

Wheel-thrown plate; part of a series. Three different glaze dippings

Wheel-thrown series, glaze dipped and dripped








Hand-coiled snake vase: Basket base textured and glazed a light brown; snake glazed with iridescent green and embedded with mirror shards.  Eyes are black glass beads. I have yet to add teeth!

Chicken Wonton Tacos

Chicken Wonton Tacos
I love finding new ways to recreate classics- even mixing different ethnic foods to make a hybrid.  I was at an Applebee's and tried one of their newer menu items called "Wonton Tacos."  The picture of the dish looked tasty so I thought, "Why not?  Half off Apps."  They turned out great and it got my wheels turning.  It took awhile to think of the best ingredient combination but I think I nailed it.  Wait!  I did nail it!  (Haha, sorry to toot my own horn)  Baking the wontons for a healthier choice, the sweet and spicy taste of the chicken, and the homemade Asian vinaigrette creates so many different flavors in each bite you'll notice your eyes widen with surprise.  These are great as an appetizer or a main food item.  Enjoy!

Ingredients
-  8 Wonton wrappers
-  2 Chicken breasts (cubed)
-  1/4 Cole slaw mix (Confetti slaw)
-  Thai style sweet chili sauce
-  2 Green onions
-  1/4 Red onion
-  Crushed garlic
-  Ground ginger
-  Crushed red pepper flakes
-  Peanut oil
-  Sesame oil
-  Soy sauce
-  Rice Vinegar
-  Sugar
-  Cooking spray
-  Salt and pepper

*Note:  I don't measure ingredients when I cook.  I will do my best to estimate but use your judgement.

Prep
1.  Cut chicken breasts into small cubes.  Place chicken into a gallon size plastic freezer bag.  Pour in about 1/2 cup peanut oil over the chicken, plus 1 tbsp crushed garlic, 1 tbsp ground ginger, and some black pepper for taste.  Close bag and mix around with your hands.  Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
2.  Asian Vinaigrette - 1/2 cup peanut oil, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp crushed garlic, 1 tbsp ground ginger, 1/2 cup sugar, salt and pepper to taste.  Whisk and set aside.

3.  Preheat oven to 425˚.





Cooking
1.  Lightly spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray.  Lay over a deep baking pan with corners pointing down (see picture).  Place into preheated oven and cook for 12-15 minutes or until wontons are light brown in color.

2.  In a large wok pan, cook chicken on medium-high heat until chicken is cooked all the way through. Add in a little soy sauce towards the end of the cooking process (1 tbsp).  Once chicken is cooked, lower heat, add in chopped green onions and stir.  Pour in some Thai chili sauce over the chicken and mix.

3.  Put cole slaw in a separate bowl.  Add in diced red onion to cole slaw mix (keep onion count even between green onions and red onions, about 1:1).  Remix vinaigrette and pour over cole slaw mix.  Pour in a little at a time, mix together and taste to make sure it is dressed lightly.

4.  To serve, place chicken in in bottom of wonton then add cole slaw on top.

(Makes 2 Servings)