Easy Fourth of July decorations

Last year, I started to get some cute Halloween decorations that I placed on my little desk in my entry way. I enjoyed the display so much that I decided to try to change it seasonally and use homemade decorations when I can. I always wanted to do something seasonal on my mantle but that is more daunting to me - I can handle this desk better.

This is my first time with an Independence Day display and I'm really happy with it. Here it is (click the image to see it bigger):

Yes, I know that light switch in the middle of the wall is awful but I just pretend it's not there. I've tried covering it with a decoration but that is the main switch we use in the kitchen/living room so covering it is more of a hassle. There are a few other places in the house where the builders did that and it drives me crazy!

The vase with the little flag and flowers were made last year as a last minute table decoration when we had hosted my husband's parents for a cookout. I cut those things with my Cricut Expression but I can't remember which cartridge (I've since sold the machine) - it's probably Graphically Speaking. The little silver sprigs in the vase were from my Christmas tree decorations and added for a bit of sparkle.

The Framed subway art is here from The Crafting Chicks. I looked all over for subway art and this was my favorite. I printed it at home on photo paper instead of cardstock so the colors would really pop.

The shadow box was sitting in my storage area so I took white 12x12 cardstock, added a few blue cardstock stripes and cut that large star out of pearly red paper using my Silhouette Cameo (I love that machine!). I realized as I was writing this that the star fell down - it was supposed to be in the middle of the shadow box but the glue dots must not have held. It doesn't bother me too much so I'm going to leave it alone.

I found the hanging sign while checking out Pinterest. I would link directly to the site where I printed it but the site seems to be down as I write this - just click the Pinterest link in the previous sentence and pin it for yourself for later. We didn't have any dowels but my brilliant husband came up with the idea of using a tube from a pants hanger. He's so smart! I covered it with washi tape and used red liner tape instead of a glue gun as the directions suggested to adhere it. I had it printed at OfficeMax for only $1.25. I love how it turned out!

And there you have my Fourth of July display. I'm sure I will add to it or change something next year but since it was all inexpensive paper that I already had on hand, I won't feel guilty about it. I'll probably keep it up until the end of July and then change my display...but I have no idea what theme to go with next. Any suggestions?

Have you made any festive decorations? I would love to see it, leave a link in the comments.

Last Minute Father's Day Craft Ideas

Father's Day has snuck up on me this year - for some reason I kept thinking it was another week away. Of course that means I am not prepared. After a quick search of Google and Pinterest, I think I am ready to do a project with the kiddos. If you are in the same boat as me, check out these fun ideas!

Here is a fun fill-in-the-blank Father's Day letter that I think my 2 year old will even be able to do with my help.

I'm definitely going to do this free We Love You Because collage. Amy at Positively Splendid made it available in tons of different name options. This is something anyone can do, even if you don't consider yourself to be crafty. Take a quick picture, she gives you a great tutorial on how to make a collage and either print it yourself or have it printed locally. I already cut the big speech bubble using my Silhouette Cameo and black cardstock and will use photoshop to add words.

My girls did this All About Dad book from eighteen25 last year (well, my oldest did because the other was a toddler) and my hubby loved it. It doesn't take too long either.

 

And next year I think we will do something like this that I found on Pinterest. You could do a candy bar version too but my hubby is more into savory than sweet.

Did you do anything crafty for Father's Day this year (or in the past)? I would love to see it so share the link if you did!