Patriotic Door Decor

I had a request a couple weeks back for a door decoration for Memorial Day.  

After thinking a while and playing around with a couple things, I came up with these two.  I have one more to show you but need to add just a bit more before I do.

I really like this saying.  It seems to work for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Flag Day, September 11th, Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day, and so on.

The flag was a bit tricky to figure out, and I would still change it a bit before selling it as a kit, but I am happy with the design as a whole.  I ended up not being able to get all 50 stars on, but I have reduced them down so next time they should fit.  The stars are vinyl.

My other sign is the classic yellow ribbon.  I fought over what words to actually put on sign.  Finally I settled on the traditional "Support Our Troops" to make it work for more situations, but I also thought "We Remember", "Home of the Brave", or "In Remembrance" would look nice on the ribbon.

Here is the ribbon plain...

Here it is with a huge bow.  I like the idea of the bow....

I love the added color...I am just not sure where to put it!

Here I have it just above the words...

Here it is up higher.  I would like it right where the two ribbon ends meet, but then I can't have words.  Such troubles ;0}

If you are interested in the pattern or kits for these projects you can purchase them on my Etsy site.  Drop me a line if you have any questions.  My email is vanessa.cam5@gmail.com.  Thanks for stopping by!

Uncle Sam Door Decor

Ta-Dah!

I am so proud of myself.  This guy has been on my work table for months now.  I was stuck for a while trying to figure out what to do to make him less Santa like.  Finally I reached out to my FB followers and got suggestions on how to finish.

I really loved the idea from Ann to add stripes to the hat.  

Doesn't he look handsome on the front door!?!  I had intended for him to be bigger.  I may go back an re-do him bigger still, but for now, I love him!

Then a whole slew of other friends suggested I add a little hand and a flag.  I don't know if this is what they had in mind...but I love it!

I tried a couple different lazy ways, and then finally cut a block of wood, drilled a hole at an angle to slide the flag into, and then glued that block to the back of the hand.  It worked perfectly!  Now, since the flag isn't glued in there, just held snugly by the drilled block, I can take the flag out for easy storage.

Thanks Uncle Sam for turning out so cute.  Now I can wave the flag with true crafter's style :0}

p.s. This guy is for sale on my Etsy site just in case you were wondering ;0}

More Seasonal Blocks

Here are the missing seasons from our Season Block Printables!

I will invite you to go to the post HERE to read more about cutting and assembly instructions.  All of the printables are designed to fit on the same sized blocks.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Taffy Sparklers

Wahoo!  I can't wait for the 4th of July!

I am in the mood for some excellent fireworks and a good old fashion BBQ.

I thought these Taffy Sparklers would be the perfect addition to the 4th of July picnic.

When we were in St. George, Utah I found a 3lb bag of this taffy for $5 at Walmart.  I mention that we bought it in Utah because Sweet's Taffy is made in Salt Lake City.  I have tried to buy it online, but have not found a decent shipping price.  

Now, the 4th of July is not for a couple weeks, but I needed to make the skewers before all the taffy disappeared.  We are Sweet's Taffy freaks after taking a tour of Taffy Town a few years ago.  Their taffy isn't tough, pulling fillings out with every bite.  It is actually not pulled, but has an agent in it that causes it to rise, light and fluffy!!!  Yumm!  Interested?  Check your local Walmart because I have seen the variety packs at Walmart in Minnesota and here in Arizona. 

Anyway, I put 7 taffies on each BBQ skewer.  Poke the sharp end into the taffy, then pull the candy down to where you want it on the stick.  You could make the project a little easier if you had a block of Styrofoam.  Hold your taffy on the Styrofoam, poke the skewer through, into the Styrofoam.  This is a good way to let the kids help without their sweaty little hands getting poked with the sharp stick.  I left about 1/2" in between each taffy.  Once you get the taffy in place, you can squeeze it just a bit and it will simply stick where you placed it!

I finished the sparkler off with a little curling ribbon and Voila!  

Taffy Sparklers!

Kids will go wild and no one gets burned 

(Just make sure no one runs with the stick :0)