DIY "Silk Screening"

Mike and I wearing our "formal wear"

I fell in love with the art of silk screen in college when I was fortunate enough to be the first class at Umass  Amherst to have this as a studio option. While we didn't silk screen t-shirts as most people do, (We were way to artsy and formal for that) I found a love for the art and couldn't transfer it to my life outside of class. I realized this isn't a skill that can be practiced easily without all the proper equipment. What I would like to show you is the closest thing I have been able to do on a small budget outside a proper silk screen studio. I have used this technique a few times to achieve a silk screen effect including for my husband's thirtieth birthday party. Below you will see how I made our party shirts that looks professional.

*I do realize that not everyone has a degree in art or a knack for painting but with these steps I bet you could do a lot more than you think by keeping things simple and sticking to basic shapes and colors.


Supplies

Pen
Scissors
Iron
Paint brushes
Water
Puff paint
Reynolds' freezer paper

Plan out what you want the stencil to look like and then carefully cut it out. For this technique you need to keep it simple, so don't try to cut out a very complicated design.

Lay the stencil on the garment you want to paint shinny side down. Once the stencil is exactly where you want it use a hot dry iron to adhere the stencil to the garment.

Paint in your design using watered down puff paint. I use puff paint because it is a cheap paint that works on cloth, but I like to thin it with water to make it more like an acrylic.

Once the paint dries peel away the stencil to reveal a clean crisp line much like a screen print.



One of the down falls of this method is the stencils are only a one time use :-(

I used this method to make fun party wear but you could use this for team tees, bachelorettes, kids birthday parties, etc.

Beautiful Budget Brunch

Bridal showers and bridal luncheons have become more and more extravagant and normally brunch is the meal of choice. If you are looking for a DIY brunch that will rival any fancy restaurant try these recipes. You will look like you slaved over this extravagant meal but still having time to visit with friends and family.

...and as always it will be much less expensive then a $16-$22 per person brunch at a local restaurant.

Seasonal Quiche

1 1/2 to 2 cups Filling (Fully cooked)
Pie Crust (Store bought - no one knows the difference)
Cheese (The more the merrier)
Eggs (5-8)
Milk, cream, or half & half

Fillings can be seasonal vegtables, meat, or any combo you want that would sound like a good omlette.
Here are some I really like:
Bacon, broccoli, and onion with parmesan cheese
Mushroom, spinach, and onion with munster cheese
Sausage, Peppers, and onion with American cheese

Cook up filling and season with salt and pepper. Place one pie crust in greased pie pan. Put filling and cheese in pie crust. Beat eggs with a splash of milk and pore over filling.

Place quiche on cookie sheet (to protect from spillage)  in oven at 325 degrees for aprox 45 min or until top is brown and the center if firm.

Cool slightly and server or store in frig or freezer and reheat when needed.

Caprissi Salad

Tomatoes
Mozzarella Cheese
Basil
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt

Thinly slice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. (to get beautifully think slices of cheese make sure the mozzarella is cold and use a bread knife to slice it). Organize the tomato and mozzarella on a plate alternating the two. Chop up basil leaves and place on top of the dish. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Finish off this simple dish with a pinch of salt.

Bread with Herb Butter

I love this dish because it is ridiculously simple and a huge hit with all ages.

Stick of salted soft butter
Herbs of your choice
Garlic Powder
Bread

Some herbs I have tried in different combos are:
Rosemary
Green onion
Basil

Finely chop herbs and mix with soft butter and garlic powder. Serve with bread or your choice.




Fruit and Dip


Seasonal fruit
Fruit yogurt (6-8oz cup)
Cool Whip


Fold fruit yogurt into a container of cool whip. Place dip in a fancy bowl and serve with assorted fruit.

Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

Boxed brownie mix (made by box directions)
Peanut butter chips
Can of chocolate frosting
Peanut butter cups


Make brownies in mini cupcake wrappers and place a few peanut butter chips on each brownie before baking. Place a dollop of chocolate frosting (I used the can for this recipe to save time) on top of the cupcake and then place half a peanut butter cup in the frosting.




Champagne Punch

Inexpensive champagne
Ginger Ale
Juice (I used V8 splash)
Ice
Fruit (Optional)

Mix a bottle of each drink together in a nice punch bowl with ice and fruit.


I hope this spread inspires you to take brunch head on.