Tuesday, July 10, 2012

USA All the Way -- According to One Girl's Mantel

Although July 4, 2012 is in the books, our patriotic zeal (and therefore decor) is going strong and will stay up throughout the summer until the completion of the 2012 Summer Olympics. We've even got The Sheriff chanting "U.S.A." while waving mini-flags. Parenting win!

I used red, white, and blue for W's party colors; poor kid might get stuck with that for years to come as the 4th follows so quickly behind his birthday. Well, that's if we have any more of those parties after all.

I am pretty much in love with these sparkly tributes:



I found the original idea here, and after beginning the project realized that my letters were indeed thicker than hers and that using glitter spray paint is MUCH easier than spreading glue and trying to apply glitter. They came out great, but I might spray paint glitter over them next year to freshen them up a bit.

The front of my mantel looks like this:


Old Glory + Mason Jars -- yea, I'll have some. I found my inspiration on Pinterest but the pin is not linking back to the original source. Sorry! Can't credit ya!
I love this look but it's perfect in its simplicity and doesn't offer much room for additional items, so I'll have to rethink it.

Our latest addition came with help from the neighborhood's latest two-year-old. Check out the original for a more appropriate looking flag, but The Sheriff's cooperation and listening for this activity won him the gold medal in my eyes. And he chants "U.S.A" when we look at it. It works for me. I should have had a bigger canvas (yes, I let the boy paint on something "expensive!"), and perhaps I should have practiced placement first. Yet, he's so proud, and so am I!




Come back tomorrow when I'll link up with Michelle for Oh How Pinteresting to show off the other projects I will add before the Olympics begin. 


13 comments:

Erin said...

Um, WOW! Look at you! These are adorable!

Those framed letters would also be a cute idea for a nursery...if I were at all crafty :)

Allie said...

Love this! It is adorable mama!

Danielle said...

That flag is amazing! You are my baby activity guru!

Anonymous said...

wow, ahh-mazing! seriously. who needs pinterest when i can come here for ideas! love the hand and foot prints! can't wait to see the rest!

ps how's your garden??

Sarah @ Vol Family Life said...

You're so stinkin' crafty!

the workaholic momma said...

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE it all!!!! We don't usually decorate for the 4th around my house but after all that inspiration I may need to start:) And W's hand painted flag is simply precious - I LOVE it:)

Jamie said...

GREAT ideas!

Unknown said...

Again with your creativity? I kid. It looks great mama! Love the USA love and if I magically become you overnight I might have to celebrate the olympics the same way in my house. Until then I will admire yours.

Erin said...

Amazing as usual. All have been pinned so that next year I can be as creative as you :) The letters? Adore. The mantle? Love. The toddler craft? LOVE!!!

Thanks for sharing!

Naturally Caffeinated Family said...

It all looks great! And the canvas, so cute! What a great idea!

Kerry said...

It all looks so great!! I especially love the framed letters, so very cool :)
The canvas is so clever too!!
Good luck to you guys in the Olympics ;)

Natalie said...

I am so excited about the Olympics! I probably will be up to see some live with a newborn LOL! Lovin' the decorations!

Nicole said...

Super job. Have I mentioned my birthday is coming?