{In The Shop} :: President Silhouette Cross Stitch Patterns

Presidents Day is upon us and while not a widely celebrated holiday, who says you can't create your own patriotic piece to decorate?  OR... you could just get a head start on your Independence Day crafts!  Either way, I've created two new cross stitch patterns for your enjoyment.  They are beginner level and measure 5" x 5" finished.  Both are designed to be stitched on blue or navy blue 14 ct. aida and only use two colors - that's what I'm talking about!

 President Lincoln Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern

President Washington Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern

Independence Day - Craft Blogger Fail!

I had all kinds of projects lined up for the Fourth of July.  Anyone who knows me is fully aware of my red-white-and-blue blooded, Independence Day lovin', patriotic heart.  I mean, seriously, I studied American Revolution for my B.A. History and we had a Patriotic Christmas last year.  However, with the house build, the new {real person} job, and not being in my own space to make a thorough mess, these projects kind of... fell off the priority list.  Fail!

That being said... I beg your fullest forgiveness and hope this hilarious video is a wonderfully appropriate consolation prize.


In the meantime, why not explore past Fourth of July projects?  There may be some you've missed.
Or check out my Fourth of July Pinterest board for more inspiration from more amazingly crafty people.

And here are some pictures from my trip to Philadelphia last fall!

Next year, I shall pledge allegiance to the blog and make sure to fully deliver patriotic crafty goodness before the actual holiday.

Have a safe and fun Independence Day!

May God Bless the Craftocracy

and God Bless the United States of America.

Sprinkle Star Candies

To add a little patriotic flare to the holidays and use the candy melts I had leftover from 4th of July, I decided to make these star shaped candies.  I love this star mold but I wanted to add a little something extra to really make these stars pop!  So I experimented - and they turned out great!  All you need are a star mold, candy melts, and sprinkles.

Here's What You Do

1.  Melt candy melts according to package directions.

2.  Fill bottom of the mold with sprinkles.  I used just enough to get the general shape of the star.

3.  While candy melts are still warm, fill molds.  The heat will cause the sprinkles to melt into each other a little.

4.  Put into refrigerator to cool.  Mine took about 15 minutes.

5.  Remove from refrigerator and carefully turn mold upside down on countertop to remove.  There will be some sprinkle casualties but you'll still get the overall effect.

I really ended up liking the red and blue mix sprinkles.  They remind me of fireworks.  So much so that I was annoying my husband by singing "Baby you're a fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirework!!!" over and over.

Overall, I'm very glad I was able to bring some patriotic spirit to the holidays and I can't wait to make these for our Independence Day party next year!

Fourth of July Round-Up

Despite the rain and clouds, we had a blast celebrating Independence Day. 

Our house was very festive and filled with the 3 F's 

{family, friends, and food}. 

Check out some of the highlights from our party! 

(Through the eyes of Instagram!)

We're true patriots in this house.

A warning to our guests.

Homemade Firework

Ribbons and garland hot glued to floral form (cone, upside-down)

Silhouettes with Betsy Ross flag

Instructions for Silhouettes Here

 I decorated every corner of the house...

Including the bathroom

 "America" Banner

Find Printable Here

 Fourth of July Celebration Cups

 

You are never too old to play with sparklers!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Independence Day!!!

Can't wait for next year!

Fourth of July Silhouette Decor

Create your own Fourth of July

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson

Silhouette Decorations

Materials:
(2) 8"x10" Canvases
Blue Spray Paint
Full Sheet Labels (Avery 5353)
(2) 8"x10" Frames
Embellishments
Hot Glue
3M Hanging Hooks
Optional: White Paint and Paint Brush

Instructions
1.  Print silhouettes onto full label sheet.  The images are 7.75"x5.25".

2.  Cut out silhouettes from full sheet and adhere to canvas. To ensure full attachment, flip canvas over and push on label from backside. 

3.  Spray paint over silhouettes.  Be sure to spray straight down - not at a side angle.  If the label starts to lift from absorbing paint,this will preserve the silhouette.

4.  Allow canvas to fully dry and lift off label. 

**Optional: If your silhouette doesn't have clean edges, use white paint {plus a steady hand and patience} to clean up edges and fill in silhouette.  If you do this, you must fill in the entire silhouette to create a clean image.

5.  Press into 8"x10" frames.  I bought mine at Hobby Lobby for 50% off.  I just removed the glass and backboard to give me an empty frame.  It was easy just to pop my canvases into the back - no glue or adhesives required.

6.  Decorate with embellishments.  I used a wood star, felt star sticker and red ribbon.

7.  Display proudly on your wall!  I used 3M Hanging hooks - the open canvas back makes hanging a snap!

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson Silhouettes

Pinspiration Friday: Fourth of July Printables

My Favorite Free Fourth of July Printables

"AMERICA" Banner (with instructions) 

Fourth of July Party Printables

Stars and Stripes Theme

National Anthem Print

Patriotic Fans for Independence Day

(with instructions)

Fourth of July Cupcake Flags

Fourth of July Subway Art

Follow all of my Fourth of July and Patriotic Inspirations

On my "Fourth of July" Pinterest Board

3 Quick and Easy Fourth of July Projects

Independence Day is less than 2 weeks away.  Whether you're planning a big bash or just want some cute decor for your home, these three projects are quick, easy and inexpensive - perfect for crafters of all skill levels!

Patriotic Garland

Materials

Scrapbook Paper Scraps

Hole Punches (mine are 2" and 3")

Sewing Machine

Instructions

1. Punch out all the paper you want to use.  Stack in whatever order you would like (random or in sequence).

2.  Feed through sewing machine.  Wide stitches work better than tight - the tight may cause the paper to tear.  

3.  Hang up!

Hanging "USA" Sign

Materials

Wood Letters

Hanging Eyelets

Scrapbook Paper

Mod Podge

Ribbon

Instructions

1.  Trace shape of letters on backside of scrapbook paper and cut out.

2.  Mod Podge scrapbook paper onto letters.  Allow to fully dry.

3.  Attach eyelets to all connecting points of letters by screwing into top/bottoms of letters.  Tie eyelets together with ribbon.  {Using ribbon to directly tie the letters together is a good alternative.} 

4.  Hang and enjoy!

1776 Sign

Materials

Wood Board

Wood Numbers

Paint

Glitter Glue

Hot Glue

Painters or Masking Tape

Sand Paper

Paint Brushes

Instructions

1. Prep all wood pieces by sanding them first.  This will ensure clean pieces and help the paint sink in evenly.

2.  Paint wood board white and number blue. Lay aside to dry.

3.  When board is dry, mark measurements on board to lay stripes.  Lay out tape and ensure it is completely flat with no bubbles, especially along the edges.

4.  Paint in red stripes. Allow to dry.

5.  While board is drying, use glitter glue to add to sparkle to your numbers.  I found the best technique for me was outlining the number, filling with a giant squiggle and using a cheap paint brush to move the glitter glue around to fully fill in the letter.  This gave me a little more control and saved me the trouble of making mistakes.  Set aside to fully dry.

6.  Now, back to the board.  Make sure paint is completely dry.  Gently lift tape, pulling directly up.  Once all tape is removed, touch up your edges.

7.  When all of your pieces are completely dry, use hot glue to attach numbers to your board.  

Enjoy!!!

You may also be interested in:

Fourth of July Wreath

Stay up-to-date on all my patriotic inspirations by following my "Fourth of July" board on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jeneevans/fourth-of-july/