Today is the start of the big holiday weekend. So hard to believe that tomorrow is the 4th of July already. We’ve only had a few days of summer vacation so far, since just getting out of school on Tuesday. So it seems to me that it should only be June. It is hard, even after 2 years, to get used to our year-round school schedule. However….it is definitely hot enough to be the 4th! 
Those of you who know me, know that I tend to get into decorating for any and every holiday. I definitely am sparse on 4th of July decorations, but I did want to share the few items that I do have. I haven’t been scrapping as much as usual lately, although I did make just a couple of crafty creations to brighten my home for the holiday.
This star, hanging on the back of my basement door, was made from the handle and paper of a large, kraft shopping bag. I made myself a diamond pattern to begin with, and traced several diamonds onto the backs of various red, white, and blue patterned papers. Each diamond was then cut in half the long way, and opposing halves were placed around the star shape. Once I had all the diamond halves dry fitted, I traced around the entire image onto the shopping bag, leaving about a quarter inch edge of bag. I then adhered each triange down with just a bit of double sided tape, and then machine stitched each piece in place. I also made a small center piece using a smaller star pattern, some ribbon and tulle, and a few paper curls.
As you’ll probably notice, some of these papers are quite old! I love digging into my stash and using up scraps on projects like these. And speaking of scraps, I used the bits of leftovers from this star to make this smaller arrangement here.
I’ve got Christmas balls in a variety of color, and use them throughout the year on various holidays. I use these blue ones for both the 4th of July, and New Years, and I have some bright pink ones that I often use on Valentine’s Day and Easter. To add to the patriotic theme, I dressed up my glass container with a big red satin bow and a small flag made from scraps, more paper bag, and a shish kabob stick from the grocery store.
My last, and by far favorite project, is this gorgeous barn star that my good friend, Kathy made for me this year.
The base is one of those paper mache shapes from the craft store, which she then decorated with various patriotic papers, a big raffia bow, a glittered star, some buttons, and a vintage 4th of July clip from Crafter’s Secret. Kathy makes the MOST gorgeous projects. To see more of her work, check out her fabulous Etsy shop here.
Thanks so much for stopping by everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, and peaceful holiday weekend.
