| Tips and Tricks (continued) |
| “Rusting” Glass: You need to put something on glass so the paint will stick so to speak, if you want a solid look get some spray sealer like Krylon and spray then paint it. Use an all purpose sealer and then after it dries, paint it. You could start out by painting it a solid colour like a burnt orange or a rusty red, the after it dries sponge on the opposite colour and some brown. There is a primer also that is a reddish colour in the spray paints that I have used, and I have seen where others have used it too, then sponge on the orange and brown paints till you get it like you want (compliments of Huckleberry Arts) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ New Coffee staining recipe: 2 -3 cups of flavored coffee 3 or 4 tablespoons of cheap instant coffee 3 or 4 tablespoons of Tasters Choice (gives a nice dark color) (You can use more instant coffee if you want) About 1/2 oz. of scented oil 5 or 6 tablespoons of real vanilla (I use the Mexican kind that you can get a Wal-Mart in the Mexican food section - $6 for a quart) 1/4 cup of alcohol (use 90% if you can or at least 75%) I just add cinnamon by feel and how thick it gets You can adjust this as needed. I keep it in the fridge and heat it before I use it. Add to it when need +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Salt dough recipes: (compliments of Huckleberry Arts) (Picture from Skunk Hollow Country Store) The art of salt dough making is an ancient one, dating as far back as Egyptian times. Salt and wheat (flour) were two of the most common foodstuffs available to the Egyptians. Bread was the staple diet of most Egyptians and natron, a natural salt found in Egypt, was commonly used as a food preservative. (It was even used in the mummification process!) In many past cultures dough modeling was tied up with religious beliefs and ceremonies when sculptures would be offered as gifts to the gods, or presents to people on important occasions. Examples of these would be weddings, christenings, funerals etc. In Europe the craft was much favored, especially in Germany where the art was used widely in home decoration, especially at festive times. The materials needed to start dough making are very inexpensive, the majority of which you will probably have in your kitchen cupboard. A wide variety of moulds, cutters, knives are available from most stores. And you can use many objects that you probably have lying around the house as templates or texture makers. SALT DOUGH RECIPE: 2 cups of Plain Flour 1 cup of table salt 1 cup of water OPTIONAL 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (makes it a little easier to knead) 1 tablespoon of wallpaper paste (gives the mixture more elasticity) 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (makes the finished product harder) METHOD Put plain flour, salt and any, or all, of the optional ingredients into a mixing bowl and gradually add the water, mixing to soft dough. This should be neither too sticky, in which case add more flour, nor too dry, in which case add more water. When mixed remove from the bowl, place on a flat surface and knead for 10 minutes to help create a smooth texture. If possible it is best to let the dough stand for approximately twenty minutes before beginning a project. Unused dough can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container or cling film, for up to a week. Children always love making models, and as long as you don’t add wallpaper paste all of the ingredients are natural. So if they are tempted to put it in their mouths, all it will do is taste incredibly salty. DRYING The drying of your work can either be done naturally in the open air, or it can be baked in an oven. However it is not recommended that you have your oven hotter than 100C (200F/Gas Mark 1/4) as this can cause unsightly bubbles and cracks in your pastry. Personally, I tend to start at 50C and after 30 minutes increase to 100C. The drying time needed for each piece varies according to size and thickness, but an average time for natural drying is 30-48 hours, whilst oven times are generally reduced to 3-4 hours. These figures are only offered as a rough guide and remember that both sides must be dried out. (See ‘A Few Tips’) When your model is dry, turn off the oven and leave it inside to cool down. The projects I have shown here are all relatively easy to make and should give you a good starting point from which to generate your own ideas. But don't panic if something goes wrong, it surprising how a mistake can teach you something. For example, I was trying to make a lemon with my fingers and that’s how I discovered how easy it was to do strawberries! And my first roses looked like lettuces. Be creative, use your imagination an above all don’t get discouraged. It helps to remember that someone with years of experience probably created the glossy, near perfect examples in a book you’re trying to emulate. Therefore view yours as an individual piece of art that stands on its own merit. Recipe #1 (The recipe that I use is) 1/2 cup ground cinnamon 1/3 cup applesauce 1 Tbsp. Tacky glue Mix in bowl and stir until well blended. Work mixture in hands for three minutes to form a ball. If it is too dry, add applesauce, if too wet, add more cinnamon. Knead ball on cinnamon-sprinkled surface until it holds together well. I roll this out and use cookie cutters for the shapes. I also use a drinking straw to cut a hanging hole. These can be air dried for 24 to 48 hours. Turn several times. They can also be baked in a slow oven. Recipe 2: 1 lb. powdered cinnamon 3/4 c. applesauce 1/8 c. orris root powder (optional) 1/8 oz. apple fragrance (optional) Add scent to the orris root and mix well. Combine with the cinnamon powder and add the applesauce. Add a tiny bit of apple cider if it's too dry, or more cinnamon if too wet. Roll out no thinner than 1/4" and cut out shapes. Use a straw to cut a hole at the top if making a hanging ornament. Dry in a dehydrator or air-dry. Let dry thoroughly and sand the rough edges with a fingernail file and paint with fabric paints. Recipe 3: 1 4-oz. can of cinnamon 1 T. cloves 1 T. nutmeg 3/4 cup applesauce 2 T. white glue Mix dry ingredients and add to wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Roll out and cut shapes. Let dry several days, turning over frequently. Do not eat!!! Recipe 4: 1 c. cinnamon 1 t. nutmeg 1 t. allspice 1 t. ground cloves 1 c. applesauce Combine dry ingredients. Add applesauce a little at a time, mixing thoroughly. Roll out and cut shapes. Allow to dry 4-5 days. Paint after completely dry. Recipe 5: 1 Cup Cinnamon 1 Tbsp. Cloves 1 Tbsp. Nutmeg 3/4 C Applesauce 2 Tbsp. White glue Combine cinnamon, cloves & nutmeg. Add applesauce & glue, stir to combine, work mixture with hands for 2-3 minutes. Divide into 4 parts. Roll each to 1/4" thickness. Use straw or toothpick for hole. Place on wire rack & allow drying at room temp. Turn after a day. (Takes about 2 days to dry). I use white fabric paint to decorate, looks like frosting. Optional Non Edible Gingerbread Men What you need: 3 Tablespoons Shortening 1/2 Cup Sugar 1/2 Cup Molasses 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda 3/4 Cup water 3 1/2 Cups Flour 1 Teaspoon of cloves, ginger and cinnamon What to do: Preheat oven to 350 DEGREES. Beat shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, Stir in molasses. Sift the dry ingredients together. Stir into the shortening mixture in 3 parts, alternating with a 3/4 cup of water each time Dough will be stiff. Refrigerate over night. Cut dough into 3 pieces. Knead to warm dough slightly, and then roll each piece out to 1/4 thick. Cut out gingerbread pattern of your choice. Use a straw to punch a hole in the center (if you wish to hang) Place cookies on a cookie sheet and baker 20 mins, turn oven off and let cook in oven. Remove from cookie sheet and place on a rack to dry for about 3 days to totally harden. IF YOU WISH YOU CAN SEAL COOKIES WITH 3 COATS OF CLEAR ACRYLIC AND DECORATE WITH COLORFUL ACRYLIC PAINT Non-edible Gingerbread Men What you need: 1 1/2c ground cinnamon 1 c applesauce 1/3 c Elmer’s glue What to do: Mix together, Knead until it turns into firm clay. Roll out to 1/8" thick. Cut out your shapes etc... Place on waxed paper and turn twice a day until completely dry. {Usually 4 to 5 days.} |
