************** July 4th Porch Decor and DIY Firecrackers

I saw this wagon at Rodworks in Gilbert, AZ and I had to have it! It will be a great addition to every holiday display. I had the chalk board and drew the American flag. I found a few flags, sparkly star sprigs, patriotic flowers, and garland and threw everything in the wagon. Use books to prop decor up higher.

 This is my wagon combined with my DIY wood firecrackers from last year. See http://extremedomestication.blogspot.com/2013/06/july-4th-yard-decor.html for those.

 I had a bunch of tulle spools that I used that I thought would be perfect for some DIY "firecrackers." All you need is some scrapbook paper, glue stick, a paper cutter, and some feathers, marabou sprig, or sparkly accessories to put in the top.

Happy 4th 2014!

July 4th Outdoor Decor

It is that time of year to celebrate our great country, the U.S.A. Below are some simple outdoor hanging streamers that you can add to some posts or hang from furniture. (Don't mind my son in the background :) )

I bought ribbon, sparkly garland, hanging stars, and a sparkly boa at the $1 store. You will need wire and scissors also

Start making bows by criss-crossing the ribbon over a piece of wire, taking care to keep the design side of the ribbon facing outward.

Secure the bow with wire and fluff until you like the look. Attach to your boa ( I cut mine in half for my two posts). You will need to reinforce your boa with a long piece of wire down its entire length. I made three bows of differing ribbon and attached them evenly spaced to the boa.

I made the topper out of a bow of white tulle and a bow of sparkly garland tied together. It looks best messy, so don't worry about making it perfect.

When you secure the topper with wire, leave a long piece to tie around your posts.

Here is a completed garland. You can't see it, but I wrapped a very long piece of wire around the entire post to keep the bottom of the boa in place. If you don't it will blow in the wind and get messed up.

Have a safe and happy 4th!

"Green" Cuff

As people have a desire to conserve the environment, "green" crafting is becoming more popular. I have seen some bracelets made out of water bottles, but a paper towel roll can be used as well. Just don't get it wet. If only the World Cup sweat-bands were this cute! :)

-You will need some scissors, glue and a tube from a paper towel roll or toilet paper roll. Cut the desired thickness of the cuff you want.

-Cut the tube to separate it and a small piece of elastic

-Cut tube with elastic glued to it, so it can be stretched on a wrist

-Glue the fabric or ribbon on the cuff you want to make. Use clips or some kind of clamp to get it to stick well. For the girl cuff I glued the elastic on last, the boy cuff I glued the elastic on first, then wrapped the fabric around the cuff

Boy cuff

Here is the girl version, perfect for July 4th!

Happy 4th!

I love making wreaths. I have been seeing cute wreaths and the thought struck me to make one out of cellophane! Fun, but a little hard to work with. I got two rolls of each color from the dollar store, the wooden wreath from Michael's. You just cut strips, twist and tie them on. I ties smaller strips to a large strip that wrapped around the wreath so I could make it extra fluffy. I got the accent bow from the dollar store as well. Total cost of project= $10