The Apple Street Cottage

For those of you who love antiques/old things, there is that one thing you've always wanted.  For me, it was a card catalog and I wanted to make it into a coffee table.  I've been actively looking for a few years now and I've had no luck.  Either I just can't find one, or when I do, it's REALLY expensive.  My theory is:  "If you can't get it for a good price, it's not worth getting".   A few weeks ago, we had lunch with some friends.  In the course of the conversation, I mentioned that I was looking for a card catalog. My friend looked at me and said, "I have one in the garage, you can have it."  I nearly fell over!  When I saw it, I couldn't believe the shape it was in - take a look: Pretty sweet, huh? I have to admit, the top was dirtier than this picture shows.  My husband had already started cleaning it with some rubbing compound by the time I took these photos.  The little square thing on the top was where a pen ha...

I'm not sure if I ever mentioned this, but the screens (and windows) at the cottage are original.  That's right, 75 years old - and to be honest with you, I think they have 75 layers of paint on them, but that's another story.  The biggest problem was the fact that the screens had holes in them - not very effective at keeping out the bugs! Let's not overlook the paint that was all over the edges: The first order of business was removing the thin moldings around the screen - no rubber spline here, folks, this is VINTAGE!  The goal was to remove it without cracking, splitting, or breaking it, soooo, I started by scoring through the 75 layers of paint... ...and gently lifting the moldings: SUCCESS! A few of the finishing nails stayed put, so they had to be pulled out Along with the staples - there must have been 100! The frame and moldings were scraped, painted and left to dry: It was finally time to rescreen!  The new screening wa...

Good Morning, Everyone!  It's a rainy Monday at the cottage, but I'm not complaining.  We had a beautiful weekend with lots of sun and mild temperatures. Yesterday was spent with friends on their 10 acres - a little slice of heaven - so, a little rain?  All of my plants are smiling! My latest project was reinventing a planter for the front porch: Are you ready for the 'before' shot? I'm sure it came directly from 1970.  It even had a flower decal (that was removed before this pic).  If you look carefully, you can see the outline.  I layed a wet cloth on it for a few minutes and the decal came right off - with the help of my spatula.  Yes, I was too lazy to go downstairs and get a scraper!  Over the years, this little treasure had some wear & tear.  The legs were loose and the top corner had a chunk missing.  Nothing a screwdriver (with some toothpicks to fill-in the hole that was now too big - my hubby's trick) and some...

That's right, my friends.  An old metal trash can was left behind at the cottage.  It looked like this: Yes, I forgot to take a 'before' pic!  I had some leftover spray paint from the bar stools , so, I got to work and sprayed the entire can.  Easiest project ever!!!   I put some plastic containers in the bottom (reused those empty laundry & milk bottles), so I didn't have to fill the entire can with soil (makes it lighter, too), added soil to the top, along with plants and some mulch - project completed! There was a big dent on the edge that I couldn't pound out, so I turned it to the back.  Here's a peek: So, there you have it - my upcycle project for this week.  Proof that you 'can' turn trash into treasure. Have a wonderful week & thank you for stopping by the Cottage! Linking to: Make It Pretty Monday Something To Talk About Amaze Me Monday Do Tell Tuesday Creative Spark Grandma Ideas Before ...

I'm still here - been feeling a little "under the weather" this week, so I haven't had the energy to do much blogging.  In spite of that, I just had to share what I found in one of my hanging baskets this morning: I can't tell you how much I wish the neighbors would STOP FEEDING THE SQUIRRELS!!! I'll be back next week with a great upcycle - you don't want to miss this one! Linking to: Grandma Ideas Create It Thursday Thursday Favorite Things

I've had a few e-mails asking about the mirror on the porch .  This mirror was found about five years ago at an Estate Sale for $20.  It wasn't a pretty color... But, underneath that verdigris was a beautiful mirror.  I just knew it! The transformation was easy.  Three things were needed:  tape, newspaper, and a can of white spray paint.  You know the rest.   The mirror was now pretty! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.  Thank you for stopping by the Cottage - and come back again soon! Other Cozy Porch Posts can be found here: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Linking to: Something To Talk About Amaze Me Monday Merry Monday Inspire Me Tuesday Oh My Heartsie Girl Creative Spark Grandma Ideas Create It Thursday

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...