I took a class with Sharon Pederson and love, love, love her method with rubber cement. I have not had any problems with the whole process. If it is still okay in 25 years, that's good enough for me. I have always had a problem with paint and lacquer smells so was worried about the odor, but didn't have any, even in a small room (my sewing room). I did make one change in that I now use a product by Ricky Tims called Stable Stuff that I use rather than freezer paper. It is less stiff than freezer paper, so is better for those larger or more complicated designs such as Hawaiian or Snowflake or Wreath. And best of all it dissolves almost completely so you don't have to cut the back and tear out any of the template paper. If I hadn't taken the class from Sharon I would not be appliquing today! She is a fantastic teacher! and her method is what brought me to applique.