Posts

Easter Egg Cutout & the Iron Method

-
Image
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...
1 comment
Read more

This & That Spring 2025

-
Image
  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...
14 comments
Read more

Upcycling a Vintage Sewing Pattern

-
Image
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...
42 comments
Read more

Make Your Own Ground Beef in 5 Easy Steps

-
Image
We've been on a healthy eating journey for several years now and our recent discovery is the benefits of grinding your own beef.  Why ground your own you ask?  It all started when we learned about pink slime. Pink slime (aka Lean Finely Textured Beef) is a term for a meat by-product (lean meat trimmings and connective tissue) that is added to ground beef and beef-based processed meats.  It is processed by adding ammonium hydroxide, (an antimicrobial agent) to it.  You can do a search and read all about it, but, personally, I say, "No, Thank You." and leads me to grinding your own.  Let me show you the quick and easy process. 5 steps that take less than an hour.  I promise! This post may contain affiliate links. 1.  Start by cutting a chuck roast (we always buy one when there's a sale) into small pieces and popping them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. We used a 2 and 1/2 pound roast and spread it out on an old baking sheet. 2.  Set up your ...
14 comments
Read more