The Apple Street Cottage

  We've all seen (and purchased) those Mini Bottle Brush Trees.  If you're like me, you get them home and sit them on the table. You look at them for a while and can't decide what to do with them. Therefore, they get tucked away in a box with the other 'potential craft ideas'. You pull them out a few times and still can't decide what to do with them.     Well, this time I pulled them out and had an idea - and it involves upcycling some things that I've had for a while.  Let me show you! This post may contain affiliate links. Here's what you'll need: Mini Bottle Brush Trees Gold craft paint White craft paint - not shown Cotton balls Vintage wooden blocks Scrabble tiles Glue - not shown I don't know about you but somehow, I never have the letters I want/need on my blocks. Let me just say there's no need for that to be a problem - just use the sides! Start by painting the sides of the blocks with white craft paint.  This acts as a primer for the...

  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, ...