The Apple Street Cottage

  It's November and before you know it, Thanksgiving will be upon us.  I've created a pretty little holder for silverware that is sure to dress up the table. Let me show you how I made it! This post may contain affiliate links. Start with a piece of burlap and fray the edges. I can't give you dimensions since everyone has napkins and silverware in different sizes.  Let that be your guide. To create a smooth edge for the pocket, fold one end over and glue . Since mine was a bit of a tight fit (the piece of burlap was already cut and I wasn't going to waste it), I placed the napkin inside and glued the edges.  In case you're wondering, no, I did not glue the napkin in place.  Whew! Time to embellish!  I had some rick rack - an estate sale find, but it was a bit stained in places. Don't you love the price? Tea-staining to the rescue!  I used my potato masher to keep it submerged. Stained and dried, I cut the lengths needed and glued them to the outer ed...

There's something about finding that 'one thing' at an estate sale that really needs a makeover.  A few months ago, it was this little Jack-o-Lantern.  He was painted on slate and just looked ever so sad with this paint job.  There was no price tag and it was the first day of the sale.  Discounts are never given on the first day.   However, I knew the owner of this estate sale company (he's also my neighbor) and I asked if I could have it for a dollar.  I also added that I knew it was the first day and said if he couldn't do it, that was OK too.  He reached over with his price labeler, put $1 on it, and handed it to the woman manning the cash register.  Winning! The first step in this makeover was giving the entire surface a scuff with 220 grit sandpaper.  After wiping it clean, two coats of white craft paint was applied to act as a primer. Next, came the orange paint. Two coats. I followed the curved shape with my brushstrokes. Then so...

  Since I've been having a little down-time due to my recent surgery, I decided it was time to catch up a bit.   This post may contain affiliate links. Speaking of surgery, if you recall from last time, I had surgery on my left ear to restore my hearing.   It's a bit of a long story, but, by all means, go back and read about it. Long story short?  It worked!  All the research said it could take a few months for hearing to return and, low and behold, in August, I began to notice a significant difference in my hearing.  I had a follow-up appointment with my doctor and he proudly showed me my new eardrum.  (Remember that little camera I told you about?)  It was amazing and the decision to have surgery on the right ear was made.  I wasn't looking forward to the recovery and all that goes along with it, but you do what you've gotta do to restore your hearing! Summer was...well, Summer.  It was hot and humid and from what I've read, ...

  October is in full-swing and so are the fall crafts.  If you read the past few posts of mine, you know I'm trying to use what I have to create new things.  Let me show you what I've been up to! It all started with this embroidery hoop that's been in the closet for a few years now. This post may contain affiliate links. After two coats of white paint, it was set aside to dry. I pulled this lace curtain panel out of the drawer.   Isn't the bottom edge beautiful? Three squares (large enough to fit over the embroidery hoop) were cut from the top. I sewed a running stitch through the bottom piece and gathered it. Placed over the edge of the inside hoop.  It was then glued in place. Since I really had to press down, my silicone finger protectors kept my fingers safe from burns. A few dabs of hot glue ... and the three layers that were cut earlier were place over the same hoop.  The top hoop was added and tightened down. Notice the string holding the hoops...