Happy New Year and a Cheese Ball!
Every year for the holidays, my Grandma Darleen would make this cheese “ball” (she actually rolled it into a log shape, wrapped in wax paper and foil) and served it with Ritz crackers. My family devoured the delight ravenously, as if we hadn’t already eaten her decadent turkey dinner with homemade pies for dessert. I think that’s proof there is something really addictive about this recipe. Maybe it’s the black olives? (They’re my fav!) In the holiday spirit of sharing good food with friends and family, I present to you my Grandma’s type-writer scribed recipe card:
Merry Christmas!
Hope you have a very merry Christmas! Make your very own tree friend: Ravelry Xmas Tree Pattern
Rest in Peace, Mr. Collins
I met Tom Collins as a high school student when he was asked to judge a school art competition. He welcomed me into his studio and taught me about lost wax casting jewelry design. He was truly a master of his art and in my humble opinion, remains unmatched to this day. I’ve never met anyone who could paint in wax and silver like him. His cherubs had souls. He could tell an entire story on a ring. His crucifixes made you believe. You are missed, Mr. Collins. Rest in peace.
Thomas Lynn Collins
April 27, 1945 – December 11, 2000
Thomas Lynn Collins was known as a master artist
and craftsman. His one-of-a-kind work has been
showcased nation-wide at Neiman Marcus to the
Jackson Hole Trader catalog. He was well known to
Dallas area jewelry designers, such as Andrea
Barnett for his craftsmanship. His work also
included carved intricate sculptures from dragons
to angels in stone and fine metals. Tom enriched
the community by mentoring art students and
teaching them how to carve in wax. In 1999 Tom
organized several artists in the community to start
the Rockwall Artists League. His family set up the
original scholarship fund upon his death for
donations instead of flowers. The scholarship fund
has been continued by the Rockwall Art League in
Tom’s memory because of his devotion to the arts
and Rockwall.
The Big Day
Today was the big day! It was exhausting but well worth the experience. A special thank you to my friends Amy and Dianne for participating in the fair with me. Together we had over one hundred handmade items to offer!
Tiny Purrs 