Star Make-Over

I bought this star at a Home Decor store and then as always saw one later I liked much better. The good thing is that this star was much more inexpensive than the one I really liked - so I felt compelled to do a make-over on a perfectly good - brand new star!

Here is the before...



I wanted something a little more patriotic. I love Americana decor no matter the time of year.

Now here is the after...



I painted it with acrylic paint in a maroon color and then dry brushed a bit of midnight blue around the edges for a bit of depth and giving an aged look. I used the $20 one that I liked as my example and this $6 one looks the same. I love how it looks on my door! The after picture is not on my door, it is dark outside (habit of night crafting) so the photos aren't coming out too well. I love to revamp things! So simple...and I am into simple these days.

Happy Independence Day America!

~jan

Linked to some of THESE parties! Thanks for letting us share :)

Wordless Wednesday - Making a Bouquet!

Patriotic Wreath

The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday!

I love to decorate for the holiday...indoor and out.

I made a coffee filter wreath for the front door and I am sold!

It was super easy to make and FAST!

 Plus, I think it turned out cute so, all my front door wreaths are going to be made this way from here on out.

To make this wreath you will need:

- 2 pkg.s of coffee filters

- one foam wreath

- hot glue gun/ glue sticks

- paint/ paintbrush

- ribbon to hang 

First, I pulled all the coffee filters apart....

Then, I crumpled up the bottom...

And glued to the wreath, relatively close together.

I wanted it to be extra full.

I did about three "rows" around the wreath, to get the look I wanted.

And then it was mostly finished!

It took about 20 minutes from start to finish...not bad!

Using a paintbrush and selected colors,

I dipped the brush and gently brushed it across the top of the filters.

I did it uniformly to look like a flag but, next time I want to get a little creative and do some funky tie dye...maybe for a summery wreath or a purple and orange and black one for Halloween.

When it was finished drying I added the ribbon and this was the end result.

{yes, I am aware that my door trim needs painted...it on my list to do!}

There are endless possibilities with coffee filters.

I LOVE using them!

You you have done a project using them please leave a comment with you link.

We would love to feature you!

Enjoy your Fourth!

-Amanda

We link to these parties

Cottage Home Sew-Along

Have you seen the little girl's sew-along that Lindsay at The Cottage Home is hosting this week?

We're making this. 

My friend Kim and I are doing this together... 

I've got my fabric

and of course, my muse, Mz. I

I'll post the finished outfit next week! 

{SO} excited to get started!

<3 AmberLou

Patriotic Paint Chip Banner

I saw the cutest banner in Better Homes and Garden, July issue and just had to make one. I asked myself, "Self, why make it and then not share it's cuteness with all of our faithful followers." So I am...

Here are the paint chips - I didn't end up using them all.


I thought I could improve and make it cuter with things like these...


But in the end...simpler was so much better.


In the magazine they display this along the edge of a 4th of July decorated table.Mine will be going on Amanda's fireplace mantle, but the shorter version will be above my front door (but it is too dark for a picture now).

This only cost the price of the yarn, $1. Easy and a great way to add a splash of color to any party.
Happy Independence Day America!
~jan

Linking to some of these parties.
Linked to...http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2011/06/show-me-what-ya-got-30.html