Patriotic Wreath....

PATRIOTIC WREATH

PATRIOTIC WREATH

I saw this wreath on Facebook and loved it…

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But as I have mentioned before, I learned the hard way NOT to order from unknown sites and always pay close attention to reviews….this one got bad reviews on Amazon.

So I decided to make one.

First, I had to create the “bunting.” I decided to sew together three fabrics I found.

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I also picked up all the goodies I wanted to adorn the wreath with…

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….ribbon, floral pics, the wreath. Since Hobby Lobby only has select stuff on sale every other week, this can take some time. For the record, the grapevine wreaths never go on sale, but they are only around $9. For that matter, if you have a wreath you are no longer in love with, deconstruct it and reuse it, or pick up a cheap one at a garage sale!

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I bought two yards of each fabric, cut the widths in thirds, then sewed each together. I actually got three buntings so I made a few extra wreaths. Two yards would be 72” so you could also use a table runner or a long scarf if you want to avoid the whole sewing thing.

I folded the fabric in half and kind of gathered it by hand then laid it onto the grapevine wreath….

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After getting it pulled super tight, I secured it with a zip tie. After adjusting it by hand I hot glued the edges of the bunting at the top just to give it a little bit more security,

Next I made a spray and my funky bow. I have linked to THIS tutorial several times since I discovered it at Christmas. I LOVE how easy she makes this process! I have now made dozens of these decorative sprays for every holiday, big and small, and I just love them.

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I made my floral spray and made sure it was the size and fullness I wanted. Then I made my bow. I chose these three ribbons for my bow…

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These bows may look intimidating, but trust me, the tutorial I linked makes it SUPER simple!

After making the bow, I secured it to the spray with floral wire then attached it to the wreath with small zip ties and floral wire!

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I absolutely love this wreath and it will work perfectly from Memorial Day through July 4th! In a few weeks I will swap out my spring pillows on the porch for my patriotic pillows! I already have my red, white and blue candles on the table and last week I swapped out the little ribbon on my welcome sign….

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All part of my plan to stay festive year round. Who said decorating for the “holidays” is only for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

My bathroom windows are finally installed and the only thing left to do is the brick…but the inside is trimmed and painted and I LOVE IT! Can’t wait to share!

Until next week….

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Twiddling my thumbs...

Sometimes I feel like I am just sitting around twiddling my thumbs…waiting.

Right now I am waiting on the brick guy to come cut the brick so I can install operable windows in the master bath.

Relatively easy project…until I removed the sheetrock and the insulation and discovered that plumbing will have to be moved on one side and a whole bunch of electric wires have to be moved on the other. CURSES!!!!

Always something.

Okay, I’m not really sitting around twiddling my thumbs…while I wait I have been chipping away at a few other little projects, like the little patriotic bow I made for my welcome sign….

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

I shared THIS funky bow tutorial when I shared my Christmas decor. I am going to decorate a tad for every holiday so I made another seasonal “funky bow” for this little Welcome sign.

I also spotted this patriotic wreath online…

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

I really like it but I learned the hard way,..don’t order ANYTHING from an “unknown” online company. And pay attention to the reviews on others…this one got horrible reviews on Amazon.

So I decided to tackle this one myself. I have already started the “bunting”…

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

…which of course entailed by LEAST favorite DIY chore…sewing.

I’ve bought the ribbon and the floral stems and now I am just waiting on Hobby Lobby to have their grapevine wreaths on sale.

Another project is my screened porch. I absolutely LOVE Tasha’s screened in porch! Just stunning!

Mine is much smaller and way less WOW! But that doesn’t mean it has to be a neglected space.

We really only use this space for two purposes…sometimes we sit at the little outdoor table and eat or drink coffee and sometimes I sit out there and read.

I decided to go “fun and funky” and since flamingos are “fun and funky” and all the rage right now, I decided to go with them.

Now keep in mind I think pink flamingos will be kind of like watermelons, burlap and chevron was 5 years ago…EVERYWHERE. Now not so much. So I want to keep that in mind when decorating…don’t spend a lot of money on something that is just a “passing fad.”

Another “funky bow”….

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Some “fun and funky” throw pillows for my reading chairs…

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

We installed a new paddle fan, painted the little metal table and chair, made a wood top for a metal base I am going to use as a side table and I am waiting on cushions and fabric for the lounge chairs.

Nothing as grand as Tasha’s porch but a few little changes that will spruce it up just a tad.

When I get it all done I promise to share…both the porch and the patriotic wreath.

Until then I shall sit and twiddle my thumbs…..

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