A DIY Fourth of July

It is our year to host the annual 4th of July BBQ with our neighbors and I decided I needed some more decorations. All I have are some patriotic stars, a placemat and two Lenox mugs with flags in them. My first project was of course a wreath. Since my last 3 wreaths for the holidays were all made out of yarn I decided I wanted to try something different.


Patriotic Tulle Wreath
Supplies:
2 Tulle spools of 25 yards in red, white and blue
Styrofoam wreath 14in.
Ribbon to hang the wreath
Glue Gun
Scissors


Cut the tulle into 22in. pieces. I used all of one spool and a little of the second one. The first step is to hot glue the ribbon to the wreath. I combined to different pieces of ribbon to get the look I wanted. Then fold the tulle in half and use the loop and pull through method around the wreath, starting right next to the ribbon. It worked best for me to use 3 of each color. Make sure you make them tight against each other. When you are finished you can add an accent piece to the wreath. I hot glued the star to the underside of the wreath. Then I fluffed the tulle and hung it on my door. I love the way it turned out!

Rockets!
My second project turned out to be hanging rockets. I made all four in one afternoon.
Supplies:
Cardboard paper towel cylinders
(I also used the cardboard from the tulle that I used up).
Scrapbook paper in patriotic patterns and colors.
Ribbon
Hot glue, scissors and something to help you cut a circle
Start off by cutting your circles for the tips of the rockets. Mine wet about 4 to 5 in. across. Once you have your circle, cut a slit in it from one side to the center. Then fold the circle around to form your rocket top and glue it together. Next, I cut the scrapbook paper and hit glued it to the cardboard.
To attach the rocket top poke two holes across from each other at the top of the rocket. This is for your ribbon to hang up the rocket. You could also use string. I cut a long piece of ribbon and pulled it through the two holes. Then I tied them in a knot close to the cardboard. Now, cut a small slit in the top of the rocket and pull both ends of the ribbon through. Once they are through knot them tightly at the top of the rocket. For the ribbon at the button of the rocket I cut 6 pieces of ribbon. I tried to use different colors and styles. Hot glue each piece of ribbon onto the cardboard. The final step is to cover where the ribbon with another coordinating piece of scrapbook paper. It can be as wide as you want it. Mine are about an inch. Hot glue the paper and then your rocket is finished. This turned out to be a very simple project and my 7 year old son was even able to help me. I love how festive they look. I think I will hang them in the patio.

Adding Some Spice to Normal Office Supplies.

Decorative Notepad Holders

Decorative Notepad Holders

One of my latest projects has been to create cute office supplies for myself and my friends. My first project was to create notepad holders. I found the idea on Pinterest. They are very simple to make and you can customize them in many different ways. I generally buy my frames at Walmart and I stick with 5X7 frames.  They are usually under a $1.00. I did make a 4x6 frame for my son but the notepad takes up most of the frame. You can also turn the frame to the side or keep it straight up and down like the ones pictured to the left.

Notepads for Gifts

Supply List:

• $1.00 plastic frame 5x7
• Scrapbook paper
• Mod Podge
• Clothespin
• Tacky glue
• Glue gun
• Ribbon
• Sticky note pad (You can use a plain color or one with a design).
• Embellishments

Two different sizes.

The first step is to cut your scrapbook paper.  Sometimes I use two different scrapbook paper designs. Cut the paper to the size of the frame. And then slide the paper into the frame. Everything glued directly to the frame is glued with Tacky glue. The hot glue gun melted the plastic of the frame. I usually glue the notepad first and then decorate around it. Use Tacky glue to the entire back of the notepad. Then wait for it to dry before you add more decorations. Next, I usually glue ribbon to the top of the frame. You can add a clothes pin so that it can hold other messages. I usually decorate the clothespin with some mod podge and scrapbook paper. One that is dry I hot glue it to the ribbon on the frame. Finally, I add embellishments. Some items I have used: buttons, cardboard letters, flowers and stickers. It is very easy to create one to match a theme. I have made 10 so far and each one has turned out so differently. They also make great gifts.