The retreat was so much fun. We all gathered at Jean's house at 9:00 am. We had breakfast, a hot from the oven, Sausage-Cheese Strata. I will include the recipe at the end of this post.
The first project we did was soldering. Sandi walked us thru the whole process and we all did fine with soldering. This is a technique that takes time to perfect. To get really good, we have to keep doing soldering projects. You know the old saying, practice makes perfect.
Angie's front & back.
Jump rings were a challange
Beth looks like she had things under control.
Sandi has this soldering thing perfected.
Angie got adventuresome.
This will look great with a bow attached. Looks like a piece of Jolly Rancher candy doesn't it??.
Next we moved on to the fairy dolls.
These are so cute and everyone had fun with this project.
These dolls speak for themselves.
Each of these dolls have their own personality. Everyone enjoyed this project.
After we finished with these fairies, we broke for lunch. We had barbeque, salads, fruit, desserts. It was a great day. Next we were on to the final project and it was the most time consuming but it gave stunning results. Great things come to those who wait.
Metal etching - the last project.
Combine muratic acid and peroxide then stamp for the resist and then put the metal in the acid bath for 15 minutes or so while the magic happens. This is a process that must be done in a well ventilated area and saturday the weather was perfect for this project. We worked outside and everyone was pleased with the results. Here are a few,
It was so great to see the beautiful results we obtained doing the metal etching project. Especially after the metal sat in an acid bath for 15 or so minutes. We were all wondering what the outcome would be. All the projects were fun and exciting
After the third project, we were done for the day. The time flew and it was over in the blink of an eye. What a great day.
A big thank you to Sandi, Beth, Carla and Angie for all their work and pre-retreat efforts to have everything ready for this fun day.
Next month we will be meeting at the Kenton County Library 6:00p.m. - 8:30p.m. on Monday May 17.
The recipe for the Sausage Cheese Strata:
10 cups french bread cubed 1/2" to 3/4"
1 # breakfast sausage, fully cooked and drained
1 4oz. can of mushrooms drained,(I use stems & pieces)
10-12 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 1/2 C milk
7 beaten eggs
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
I make this in a 9X13 sheet cake pan. Grease the pan and cover the bottom of the pan with 1/2 of the cubed bread pieces. Top with the cooked and drained sausage and mushrooms. Sprinkle the cheese next and then add the remaining cubed bread pieced to the top layer.
In a large bowl combine eggs and milk salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture over the layers in the baking pan.
Bake uncovered in 325 degree oven for 50 - 55 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving. Makes 12 servings
TIP: You can make ahead, prepare as above, cover and refrigerate over night. Bake and serve as above.
Hope you enjoy this dish, its easy to make and is always a hit!!
