The Apple Street Cottage

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...

It's the middle of August and much too early to start Fall decorating (IMHO) but it's not too early to craft for it, and that's exactly what I've been doing.   Into my fabric stash I went and came out with enough fabric to make a Fall pillow cover. Pillow covers are such a wonderful option.  Why? Because it's much easier to store pillow covers than it is to store pillows!   Pillow covers are nothing new around here.  The first ones I shared gave full instructions on how to make them.   Then I upcycled a Valentine's Day tablecloth into placemats and pillow covers .  Some vintage dresser scarves were reinvented the same way, and last, but not least, a wool applique pumpkin pillow cover - that I don't think I shared.  Probably because I was busy packing for our move. Ha! So sorry.  I promise to share it soon. This post may contain affiliate links. All of that being said, let me share my most recent one.  I think you're going to like i...

  I don't know about you but I'm a gal who loves a good Moscow Mule!  After making my SpookEasy Sign and sharing the need to find some drink recipes, Here I am sharing a good one!  Presenting:  The Apple Cider Mule - introduced to me by my daughter. This post may contain affiliate links. What you'll need: Moscow Mule Mugs honey & brown sugar - for the rim 2 oz. vodka 3 oz. apple cider 1 oz lime juice ginger beer ice lime, apple slice, or cinnamon stick for garnish Coat the rim of your mug with honey and dip in brown sugar.   Add 1 oz of vodka 3 oz of apple cider 1 oz of lime juice - forgot to take that pic! Add ice and top off with ginger beer. Almost ready... Add a slice of lime for garnish. You can also use an apple slice (they tend to 'brown' unless you brush them with lemon juice), and/or a cinnamon stick ( I didn't have any in the house) Enjoy!  You may have noticed that the brown sugar is disappearing from the edge of the mug.  There a...

Hello September!  School started last week and that's always been the beginning of the Fall season for me.  In honor of those two things, I've created an Apple Pie Garland. Welcome to the  Creative Craft Hop  hosted by Sara from  Birdz of a Feather .   If you just came from Donna @ Modern on Monticello ,   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 visit all of the other stops too for some amazing inspiration. They will all be listed. This post may contain affiliate links. This project got its start on Design Space.  I found a pie pattern, sized and cut it on felt using my Cricut Maker. I used a blanket stitch to put them together and made a total of 5. Then I went in search of an apple pattern.  Found one, cut and stitched it. I made 4 apples. Next, mini clothespins were attached with hot glue . The pies and apples were clipped to a piece of jute and the garlan...

  Welcome back, Everyone.  It's mid-September and the temperatures are starting to cool off.  Low 70's during the day and upper 40's to low 50's at night is perfect, especially since it isn't raining! This week I decided to start decorating for Fall.  Keep in mind, I am not an interior decorator or designer.  I just know what I like.  So come along and see how I decorate - on a budget! There are 2 rules to decorating at the Cottage: 1.  Don't spend a lot. 2.  Use what you have - whenever you can. This post may contain affiliate links.  Simple, right?  Let's have a look... First stop is the top of the China Cabinet .   The galvanized tin has been around for at least 12 years. So long that I can't remember what I paid for it.  The flowers inside are also at least that old and were purchased on sale.  Since they've lasted this long, I'd say they were a good investment - whatever I paid for them!   The bird I f...

I'm feeling a crispness in the air. The apple trees are are loaded with fruit, the pumpkins have turned a beautiful orange, and the trees are showing their gorgeous red, orange, and yellow hues.  Yes, it's Autumn and it's time to bring some of that beauty indoors.   Welcome to the Autumn on a Tray Blog Tour hosted by Katherine at Katherine's Corner.   She's gathered a group of bloggers to share how to decorate a tray for Autumn and the results are amazing.  If you're coming from Sandra @ Dinner at 8 , welcome to the Cottage!     I created my tray with things I have around the house.  Let's get started, shall we? I started with a teak tray and this fabulous bird I found last year on sale.   Clearly the tray has seen better days, but that won't matter once I'm done decorating. I added my enamel coffee pot , a yard sale find, filled with hydrangeas. At the other end of the tray, I added a pewter candlestick for a little balance....