The Apple Street Cottage

  Hello Again!  Have you missed me?  I haven't had my own post since we moved and it's already June!  I'm feeling a bit neglected (so what else is new?), so let's shop for a new outfit....   I've decided to celebrate the summer holidays with an outfit in red, white, and blue but trying to borrow Ann's denim dress was met with a stern, "No!"  Honestly, sometimes I just don't know how she expects me to put together an outfit.... So, I started with a basic white top and skirt.  Borrrrring...  until I added a red belt! The denim jacket was added to give my outfit the 'blue'.  Ann didn't complain too much about the jacket.  My guess is, if she wants to wear it, she'll just take it off of me and head out the door.   Have I mentioned I get no respect around here.....?? I wanted to take the flying pig pin off, but that subject was NOT up for discussion... Again, NO respect! (Insert heavy sigh) I DID manage to wrangle this necklace...

  When I started this project most stores were closed or only doing curb-side pick-up, so I dug through my closets and found a few items to use.   I gathered up my silver bowl from a yard sale last year, a piece of floral foam, a package of 4 (yes, I'm only showing 3 here) flags, and some silk geraniums that I've had for at least 10 years.   This project is too easy...put the floral foam in the bowl, add flowers and flags, and you have a patriotic centerpiece. If you don't want a centerpiece, head outside with a couple of flags and put them in a planter with red petunias! Trust me, the petunias are red.  I took this pic at least 6 times at different times and they still didn't truly  look  red. The last idea I have for you involves a jar from the recycle bin, a flag, Mod Podge, some raffia, and a tea light. The first step is remove the flag from the stick.  That was a bit of a challenge, since it was stapled with an elec...

Hi All! I'm back with a Pinterest-inspired project.  This one is just in time for Summer and Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day! Don't you just love it?? Here's how you can make one for yourself: First, go to your local home improvement store and ask for some paint stirrers.  I received a handful with a smile! Please note, you need 8 paint stirrers.   One will be cut in half to support and hold together your flag! In addition to the 8 paint stirrers, you will need: newspaper to cover your workspace painters tape acrylic paint in red, white, blue, and gold acrylic antiquing medium a paint brush sandpaper glue - I used E-6000 Start by laying 3 of the stirrers together and tape off the section that you want painted blue.  I painted both sides and then took them apart and carefully painted the edges. When the blue paint is thoroughly dry, retape the blue side of the stirrers and paint the rest of th...