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Orzo with Spinach, Ricotta, and Parmesan

Orzo with Spinach, Ricotta, and Parmesan

This is a throw-it-together on a weeknight recipe, a serve-it-up as a get-together dish, and a makes-a-perfect-accompaniment to a sexy dinner for two alongside just about anything dish. Are you with me here? This recipe is so easy and so forgiving; change up the spinach 

Decoupage with Dried Flowers

Decoupage with Dried Flowers

I admit I’m hooked on the beauty and fluidity of decoupaging. I remember my mom decoupaging when I was a kid and it’s definitely seen a resurgence in the past few years. With all of the decoupage mediums available, I thought “why not use dried 

Jewelry Box with Paper Napkin Decoupage Tutorial

Jewelry Box with Paper Napkin Decoupage Tutorial

I’ve had such a fantastic response on Pinterest to my previous post on how to decoupage with paper napkins that I wanted to do a full tutorial on making over a small wood jewelry box using this technique.

The jewelry box I’m using here is a very inexpensive one that I got from a local craft store for a whopping $1.99. It was unfinished and measures 5″x3.5″ and is about 2.5″ tall.

How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula

After removing the hardware and doing a little sanding, it’s just a matter of a few layers of inexpensive craft paint, preparing and applying the napkin with Mod Podge or similar glue, and then a final coat of Mod Podge to set everything in. Reattach the hardware and you have a beautiful jewelry box for yourself or to use as a wonderful gift.

How to Makeover a Wood Jewelry Box with Paper Napkin Decoupage

Here are the tools you’ll need to complete this project:

  • Unfinished wood box
  • Fine grit sanding block or sandpaper
  • Screwdriver
  • Craft paint – I used a total of 3 colors here; a blend of 2 for the interior of the box and 1 for the exterior
  • Foam paintbrush (optional – can use a small, regular paintbrush instead)
  • Small paintbrush(es) for painting interior edges of box and lid
  • Newspaper or parchment paper to protect your home surfaces from paint
  • Small disposable dishes or plastic lids for paints and Mod Podge
  • Printed paper napkin with extra backing/layers removed so that it’s only 1-ply (more on this later)
  • Scissors
  • Mod Podge – I used the Gloss finish for this project but use Matte if you prefer
  • Decoupage or craft roller, or a rolling pin
  • A scrap piece of cardboard (an old box, broken down to lay flat will work fine – this is just to protect your work surface when using the razorblade)
  • Razorblade or X-Acto knife

Instructions:

  • Using a screwdriver, remove the hardware from the box and set it aside
  • Using fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block, gently sand the box all around, being sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain. This just removes any rough spots and/or edges.
  • Wipe the box inside and out with a damp paper towel and let dry.
  • Put a small amount of the paint you’ll be using for the inside of your box into a small disposable dish or lid and, using a small foam paintbrush or small regular paintbrush, paint the interior of the box. The type of brush you use is mostly preference, though I find the foam brushes leave fewer streaks.
  • For the interior of this jewelry box, I used a combination of blue and pearl white that I blended together before applying. Later, you’ll see where I decided to add an extra coat of just pearl white, to lighten and brighten it up even more.
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula

You can see in the photo above that my paint job isn’t perfect but after a few coats of the exterior paint, you can’t even see those little flubs.

Next, paint the remainder of the box with your exterior color. For this, I chose a satin paint called Red Barn, which perfectly matched the red base of my printed napkin.

Over the course of a few days, I applied 4 coats of paint to the bottom piece of the jewelry box to get a deep, rich color. A recommend always doing the front of the box last during each application as you go through the course of painting.

How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula

Even though I knew I was covering the lid, I did apply 1 coat of color to it – this is optional. The thought process here was if the napkin experienced any small tears during the application or made any slips with cutting the napkin too short, these things wouldn’t be noticeable with the underlying coat of paint. I’m happy to say, there weren’t any tears.

Here’s the box with just one coat of paint and before I applied the extra coat of pearl white in the interior:

How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula

And here it is after I’d completed 4 layers of color (only 1 on the lid) and I brightened up the interior with an thin coat of just pearl white paint:

How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula

I love the way the addition of the layer of pearl white gave it a little bit of sparkle and shine. Sometimes, when I’m working on projects such as this, I change my mind and adjust things from my original vision as I go. Don’t be afraid to play around a little and let your creativity go wild.

Now we’re going to start the decoupage process:

  • First, you need to remove any extra layers from the napkin so that you’re only using the top printed layer. Most napkins are 2-ply and some are even 3-ply.
  • Removing the extra layer(s) can be a little tricky (aka: frustrating) but trust me, you CAN do it. I recommend starting at a corner of the napkin that you know you’re not going to use, as it may get a little ripped. Sometimes I intentionally give it a little rip and then rub the layers in between my fingers to loosen things up.
  • Don’t worry too much about wrinkling the napkin – those wrinkles will smooth out in the decoupage process.
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
  • Next, place the napkin over the box lid, to get an idea of where you want the print on the napkin to be placed on the finished lid. I knew I wanted the big flowers to play center stage but also wanted a nice section of the blue flowers, to coordinate with the blue interior of the box.
  • Then, still leaving a couple of inches excess, trim the napkin down.
  • If you’re cautious like I am, you’ll do this in at least a couple of steps.
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula

Now you really want to zero in on the placement of the napkin design so get it placed and flip it over so you can adjust it.

How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula

Here, I intentionally creased the napkin a bit, to ensure the pattern was going to go down right where I wanted it to and then trimmed it again, still leaving some excess napkin.

How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
  • Note – again, I still left some excess napkin here – it will get trimmed off after gluing it down with Mod Podge.
  • Now, using a clean paint brush or foam brush, apply a thin but even layer of Mod Podge to just the very top of the lid.
  • Gently stretch your napkin tight and place it on the wet surface and then immediately but gently smooth it out with the roller. Don’t press or drag it so hard that it tears the napkin but firmly enough that it smooths out any serious bumps or wrinkles
  • If you look closely at the lid, you’ll see there’s a small beveled edge that goes around the edge of the box lid. Here, I honestly just gently used my fingernail to define the beveling.
  • Once the top is smooth, use a small paintbrush to apply a light but even amount of Mod Podge to the edges and use your fingers to smooth the edges down and crease the corners together.
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
  • Let dry for at least 1 hour.
  • Using scissors, trim excess napkin down to about a 1/2 inch overhang.
  • Then, tilt the lid to lay on its side on top of a scrap piece of cardboard.
  • Using a razor blade or X-Acto knife, slide the blade along the edge of the lid, removing the excess napkin from each side. You’ll still be left with overhang on the corners.
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
  • Before finally trimming all of the corners, make sure the edges around them are glued down securely and dry.
  • Then, using the razor blade, trim off the excess napkin
  • I do this leaving just a tiny bit first, as shown below, in case I need to glue down any of it to ensure a covered corner. Then, as long as the corner is covered, trim off the remaining napkin.
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
  • Let everything dry well, at least overnight
  • Using a foam brush or paintbrush, quickly apply a thin layer of gloss (or matte) Mod Podge to the edges, sides, and top of the box, letting each area dry fully before moving on. I always do the top and front last.
  • Do not get the napkin too wet again while doing this final step – use a light coat, a light, and a quick hand, and you’ll have no worries with the napkin tearing.
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
  • Again, let everything fully dry overnight.
  • Reapply the hardware and enjoy!
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula
How to decoupage a wood jewelry box using paper napkins by Lola Rugula

As always, if I missed anything or wasn’t clear enough on something, please drop me a line in the comments and let me know.

I love the way this gorgeous little jewelry box turned out and hope you’ll give this project a try.

Braised Lamb Shanks with Garlic and Red Wine

Braised Lamb Shanks with Garlic and Red Wine

Today’s recipe is brought to you by the words “Comfort Food”. There’s something about browning a piece of lamb, beef, or pork and then slow roasting it in a bath of flavorful juice and herbs that calls to my soul and warms my heart. Lamb 

Snake River Farms Wagyu Steaks

Snake River Farms Wagyu Steaks

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a delicious steak this holiday season, I thought I’d share my recent positive experience with ordering online from Snake River Farms. I’d not planned on posting this here but got to thinking that since it’s a COVID 2020 

Pappardelle with Mushrooms, Peppers, and Prosciutto

Pappardelle with Mushrooms, Peppers, and Prosciutto

It’s been a while since I posted a main dish recipe so here’s a hearty pasta one to satisfy your appetites.

I found this recipe in a magazine a number of years back and since then have created this take on it which I like so much better. If you don’t have pappardelle, you can use any hearty pasta with this such as bucatini or fettuccini.

As I always try to do, there are some notes at the end on ways to change this recipe up.

lola rugula pasta with mushrooms, peppers, prosciutto, and cream recipe

Pappardelle with Mushrooms, Peppers, and Prosciutto Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of broken-up dried porcini mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup olive oil divided in half (2 Tbsps. + 2 Tbsps.)
  • 5 slices of prosciutto
  • 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 4 scallions, white and greens, slices
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon coarse freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 oz. large portabello mushrooms, sliced then cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 12 oz. pappardelle

Directions

  • Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a small bowl, cover with 3/4 cup very hot tap water, and set aside.
  • While the mushrooms are soaking, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add prosciutto slices and cook, flipping over occasionally, until crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and heat for 1 minute.
  • Add peppers, scallions, and garlic, and black pepper and saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Squeeze water from the reconstituted dried mushrooms (don’t discard water) and add to the pan.
  • Add fresh mushrooms and thyme and stir well.
  • In the meantime, cook the pasta but cook it 3 minutes less than the package directions.
  • Continue cooking the sauce for another 5-7 minutes or until the fresh mushrooms start to shrink and give up their liquid.
  • Add the dried mushroom liquid and the vegetable broth to the pan and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Use a pair of tongs and transfer the pasta to the pan of sauce along with 3/4 cup of the pasta water.
  • Crumble in half of the crispy prosciutto.
  • Stir well and continue cooking until pasta is done, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in heavy cream and butter and stir one minute more.
  • Serve with the remaining crispy prosciutto crumbled on top.
lola rugula pasta with mushrooms, peppers, prosciutto, and cream recipe

Recipe notes:

  • If you don’t have dried porcini mushrooms, a mix of dried wild mushrooms is a great substitution. I’ve used both and I’ve also made it without them but I’ll tell you that the nice umami flavor that they and their juice add to this dish is what makes this dish so flavorful.
  • I prefer the big portabello mushrooms in this simply because they’re meatier than the baby ones but you can use baby ones and still create a wonderful meal. Just don’t slice the baby ones too thin so that way, once they’re cooked, they’ve not shrunk up to nothing.
  • You can make this vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto.
  • If you don’t have prosciutto, bacon works too…trust me.
  • The heavy cream and butter are (obviously) what makes the sauce silky and creamy but I’ve made it without the cream and it’s still pretty darn delicious.

I hope you’re all staying safe out there and thanks for stopping by.

Enjoy!

Scotch Bonnet Salsa Canning Recipe

Scotch Bonnet Salsa Canning Recipe

Who loves hot salsa? I love hot salsa! I’ve canned Ghost Chili Pepper Salsa and Trinidad Scorpion Pepper Salsa and now I want to share my Scotch Bonnet Salsa canning recipe. These are all a riff on my popular Chunky Tomato Salsa Canning Recipe because