The Apple Street Cottage

Have you ever used rub-on transfers?   Me neither!   Until now. For a long time I've been watching other bloggers/crafters use rub-on transfers on all sorts of things from glass vases to furniture.  Somehow, I had never used them.  I'm a fan of stain, paint, stenciling,  decoupage, and lots of other mediums, but never has a transfer crossed my path.   No particular reason.  It just didn't happen...until I was chatting with a friend.  She's a fan and uses them on all sorts of things.  She said they are easy to use and I should try them.  She even offered to send me some... and she did!   Let me show you. Before we get started, let me welcome you to the  Creative Craft Hop  hosted by Donna from Modern on Monticello .   If you just came from Sara @ Birdz of a Feather ,   Welcome to the Cottage!  At the bottom of this post I'll direct you to the next stop on this hop, but be sure to visi...

There I was, running into the dollar store to grab some kitchen sponges.  I didn't need anything else until I saw these: My first thought was, "Oh, how pretty!"  My next thought?  "What will I do with them?" Then I turned the corner... ..and an idea was born! This post may contain affiliate links This Easter egg cut out was just screaming for decoupage, and that's exactly what it got.  The wood was a veneer over MDF and s ince the napkins were mostly white,  two coats of white craft paint were applied. Once completely dry, two coats of Mod Podge were brushed on.  The first coat was allowed to dry completely before the second coat was applied. While waiting for coat #2 of Mod Podge to dry, I separated the layers of my napkins.  You only want one layer when you use them for decoupage. Place your napkin(s) on the surface of the dry Mod Podge and then lay a piece of parchment paper over the napkin.   Using the medium setting, iron over the parc...

  Hello again!  It's time to catch-up.  Pour your favorite beverage and let me tell you what's been going on around the Cottage.  Since the last time we chatted it's been Winter...not my favorite season.  It's been cold and icy, except last week we had a little glimpse of Spring. I was actually able to sit outside and read a book without wearing a jacket.  So far, I've read 28 books in 2025.  If you need any recommendations, let me know! That little glimpse of Spring was short-lived. This week I need my winter coat and I actually woke up to some snow one morning. Fortunately it melted by the afternoon!   This post may contain affiliate links. So, what do you do when it's cold outside?  You go to the museum!  They had three exhibits I wanted to see.   First, there was a lovely Sally Mavor exhibit and it did not disappoint.    Sally Mavor is a self-taught fiber artist.  Her work is featured in several books an...

Today I'm actually sharing a project that was completed a few years ago.  I didn't take any pictures and it was never posted on this blog.  It was time! These vintage patterns were purchased at the estate sale I attend four times (yes, I actually did that)! W elcome to the 'Do It Over' Designers blog hop.  We are a group of bloggers who love to recycle/upcycle/DIY.  I'm happy to host this hop and I hope you'll visit everyone to see what they have to share with you. This time our theme is 'Paper' . The links will be listed at the end of this post. Since the theme is 'Paper" it was time to show you what I did with some of those patterns.  A few years ago I purchased and refinished The $15 Dresser .  She was a beauty and had a surprise in one of the drawers.   Four canvases with fabulous wood mounting frames.  I really didn't know what to do with them until I found those beautiful vintage sewing patterns.  An idea was born resulting in thi...