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 :)

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

Inspired by Others

I wanted to make an outfit for my granddaughter with a patriotic flair.I used pattens and inspiration of others to achieve this...The red skirt was my bargain find a couple of months ago on clearance at our local Fred Meyer store. I think it was less than $2. The blue shrug was inspired by Make It and Love It! I didn't follow that pattern precisely because I didn't have a t-shirt to cut up, so I made a pattern and used the royal blue jersey knit and started from scratch. I also did the ruffle different, but the concept is the same. Living in Idaho, even on the 4th of July, we get chilled watching the community firework display, so a little something to cover up bare shoulders is necessary. This will work perfectly.The little top is the shortened version of a pattern I have had for years. My daughter tells me the pattern is 'vintage'. However, I personally cannot consider 1984 vintage. That was just yesterday, wasn't it(Don't tell anyone that is when I graduated high school)?
The hairbow I made myself and was actually inspired by a similar looking patriotic banner as this one.
I used a 2 1/2 wide strip of fabric and just made little pleats with a needle and thread along one edge. I gathered up the pleats until it formed a circle and knotted the thread. Not hard, even if you don't sew. I left the thread and needle dangling until I found the perfect button, which I paid 13 cents for at a local craft store. I stitched it on then used remaining thread to stitch a bobby pin on the back so it would attach directly to hair or a headband, as you see in the pictures. AND the bracelet was made by paisleycupcakes own collaborating author, AmberLou. I am partial but I think she looks adorable in her festive 4th of July attire. Well worth the $4.70 it cost, including the price of the skirt. Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July.
~jan



I have linked to...

Patriotic Tea Lights

My husband and I enjoy having BBQ's this time of the year (I'm sure many of you do as well.) And sometimes the sun goes down before we are ready to head inside so...

I made a cute centerpiece for our patio table that brightens up the table after dark and lets us keep gabbing until the wee hours.

It was super simple and can be done to match your decor. I painted {freehand} 3 mason jars with stars and stripes {leaving some of the glass unpainted so the light will shine through}and then added the raffia as a cute touch. If you decide to do your own you can use a stencil if your not comfortable free handing. I added tea lights inside but, if you have a problem with mosquitoes you could add citronella candles.

*unlit*

*lit*

[it wasn't very dark:/]

*Top View*

I had all these supplies when I did this project so it cost me $0! Use whatever you have at home to create your tea light centerpiece!

Amanda

I linked this post to:

 http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/

Repurposed Patriotic Windsock

Idaho weather has been most unpredictable lately. All the wind made me want a windsock for the holiday. So here is what I came up with for the Independence Day display. All my supplies were things I had around the house. This is a great activity for tween-aged kids.


Needed Supplies:
Dark denim jeans
Red and White acrylic paint
2 foam paint brushes (1 for each color)
potato(for star stamping)
wire hanger (use wire cutters if necessary)
yarn or embroidery floss (I used red)
scissors and needle

To make this windsock… repurpose an old pair of dark denim jeans. Cut the legs off as shown below. Make two windsocks or save the other leg for another craft another day.

Lay pant flat and begin painting stripes. I chose to paint on the diagonal. Leave about 8 inches at the top without stripes. This is where you will paint stars.Leave 1 1/2 inches at top unpainted for the casing.

Don’t get distracted by cute son reading to cute granddaughter.

I suggest at this point – cutting a potato into a star shape and stamping on white stars at the top of the pant where there are no stripes. You can stencil or paint freehand if you want. I like potato prints so that is what I do. I waited to paint on the stars until the end due to my distraction, I don't suggest that – but it was well worth it. When I did finally paint on the stars with my potato stamp, I got so into it, I forgot to take photos, so sorry.

Next fashion a wire hanger into a circle that will fit into the top of the pant.

Pin hanger circle into place. Flipping about 1 inch of the top over the hanger. This forms the casing around the hanger.


Whip stitch hanger into place with yarn or embroidery floss ( which is what I used here…).


Leave extra yarn or floss and tie three floss leads up into a knot, so you can hang it from a tree. I ran out of floss so I used a ribbon. Cut up from the ankle into approx. 8 strips to make the streamers that will blow.

Ta-Da! You are done!

~jan









Hoo Am I...?
1. Do you have any siblings? I am the middle child of 3 and the only girl!
2. Do you have any children? I have 4 children, 1 great SIL and a beautiful granddaughter who will be featured on Thursday the 1st.
3. Are you a morning or night person? I am a night person, but I am more productive in the morning after I have leisurely woken up.
4.Are you organized or spontaneous? I CAN be organized, but lately spontaneous or actually, 'random'.
5. What is your typical 4th of July like? Laid back at home? Community celebrations? etc...? Last year we did a picnic in the park, whole family played ultimate frisbee, then we arrived home for the massive hail storm(SE Idaho). At dusk, in the wet slush, we did fireworks together and then went to watch the big community fireworks display. The 4th of July is my favorite holiday!!